Was interested in what kind of tip protectors everyone is using for longbows and reasons why. Could also give reasoning for not using a protector. Thanks and have a happy 4th!!

Most of my longbows have the black rubber protectors...some have cut down baby bottle nipples on them(4 for $2)

I got a tip protector from American Leathers when I ordered my Big Shot Crossover . It was in the package with it .
It's very nice light weight .
They must sell them , don't know why not .

Never could get one to work on my Hill style bow. On my R/D bow I am able to use the black vinyl one. I cut it down to fit the tip overlays. Works fine.

I use both rubber and leather, whatever the vendor has when I need one.

I use one that's like a soft pliable plastic material. It's worth using. The only reason I can think not to use one is if you don't mind the chance of the bottom tip getting scratched up. It does hold the string on the one limb at least.

I have the soft rubber one on my cascade longbow (ASL style longbow).  I have also used the leather type on my recurve.  The leather one was nice at first.  After some time it seemed to loosen up a bit and started slipping off when I'd unstring my bow.  Very frustrating.

I like to rubber type.  Difficult to get on but doesn't move.  Also it protects the beautiful tip as I like to place the bottom tip on the ground while waiting at a shoot or glassing while hunting.

If nothing else it keeps that bottom loop in place when unstrung.  Worth the few dollars in my opinion.

-Jeremy

No tip protectors on my ASL's...just don't look right.

I personally have not found a reason to use them.  My tips stay just fine without them.

A fellow shooter put one of those leather tip protectors on his Bob Lee recurve. It drove him nuts for awhile, bow was rattling when he shot. Of course he tried all the usual stuff until he took it off as per our suggestion. To much "stuff" for his bow anyway.

I use an appropriately sized screw tip protector available at most hardware stores. 1/4 , 3/8, 5/16, they come 4 or 5 to a pack. All depends on the size of your limb tip.

I use a trimmed binky.

Actually, personally prefer over the varied commercial versions that I have used in the past.

Easy to install and remove...excellent longevity....doesn't shoot off and can be trimmed for custom fit...cheap and most functional.

Just works well for me.

I second Sidekick's suggestion.  Those screw protectors are the best solution I've found.

I only have one of these, and wish I could find more. Anybody want to sell a couple? It's perfect for a small longbow tip.
 

Kipper

I use the leather ones from 3 Rivers. They have a hole for the string to go through so you don't have to worry about them falling off. My only gripe is that sometimes dirt gets in it, so I take it off and clean the string groove once a year or so.

Remember that your bow limbs must be balanced if they are to perform as designed. I don't use them, although my bows suffer for it. Dan Quillian cautioned me about that, and I noticed he didn't use them. I use both my longbows and recurves as walking sticks regularly, and the tips get scratched, but my bows are tools, not showpieces, so it doesn't bother me. I did use electrical tape on my Torges longbow. It's the only one I'm concerned about keeping pretty.

Great suggestions everyone! I'm still debating on what to try. Anyone have pics of the their home made protectors?

QuoteOriginally posted by sidekick:
I use an appropriately sized screw tip protector available at most hardware stores. 1/4 , 3/8, 5/16, they come 4 or 5 to a pack. All depends on the size of your limb tip.

   

Yes, it adds just a touch of weight to the lower limb.  Not sure that I can tell, though.
homebru

 

Really? Worried about the weight of a tip protector throwing off limb balance? Maybe if it's made out of lead.

Use one and save those nice tips from damage and potential problems down the road.

I use the plastic ones and worry about such things as form and getting closer to game.