Crack in the riser

[Kermit]

Hi guys,
today I would like to get you appreciate opinions about a green/ Brown stripe B riser I recently bought on a famous auction platform.

The seller, I don`t believe it was one of you guys, announced the bow (it came with original green tip limbs of 65 Pounds) as follows:

"Used in new condition Fred Bear Archery Kodiak Custom T/D Take Down Recurve bow"

and further

"Fred Bear Custom Kodiak T/D takedown recurve bow.  60" 65#  Excellent condition, like new.  This has the gold emblem in the riser and the green tips on the limbs, comes with a "stringer"  This bow is great for travel as it breaks down for easy transport.  Really a great bow and desirable in the takedown model.  Riser is multi colored laminate.  Definitely a piece of art and a functional hunting tool, just needs a string.


The bow is in nice condtion. I would not have it decribed "as new" because it has a varnish scratch in the window which is just a visual issue, but a bigger one. The limbs are straight and true. Very good condtion and "as new" Comes very Close.
But beside that I noticed a crack in the riser, below the top latch. Please give me your opinion. Does that crack (it is one in my opinion, hope the Fotos can show that) makes the bow just a wall hanger??? I agreed on 600 bucks buy t now selling Price and asked for if the bow is really as new, which was confirmed by the seller.

Appreciate you thoughts and opinians and advice!!!

Best regards
Kermit

 

 

[beachbowhunter]

Well, it sure looks like a true crack along the wood grain. It is also in a pretty bad spot on the riser. The heavy weight (65#) doesnt help either. Maybe not yet a wall hanger but something you would need to take care of. You could try thin superglue like Loctite 420 which is often used to fix bows.

Best bet would be to try to return it and look for a different bow to avoid the worry and headaches.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I would return it.... 65# is a lot of pressure on that riser. With a crack in that location its a time bomb. IMO

[BWallace10327]

Open an case from the auction site- I hope you paid with paypal- open a paypal case too.  No matter the sellers return policy, they shipped an unsafe item, not as described.

[smokin joe]

The greenstripe risers were made of laminated thin layers of impregnated maple. I seriously doubt that the crack, if it is a crack in the material and not just the finish, goes deeper than the first layer of lamination.

I would have a different opinion if the risers of that era were made of a single block of wood, but they were not.

BowDoc here on Trad Gang is about as expert as one can get on judging the condition of older Bear TDs. If I were you, I would try to get his opinion before concluding that the crack is more than a cosmetic crack in the finish.

Just my 2 cents worth as a Bear TD owner, collector and aficionado.

[Possum Head]

Joe brings a good point it would seem impossible for a crack to travel through all those layers.

[Hud]

I have had and own several and agree with Joe. The picture shows a mark, not necessarily a crack. Cracks may appear thin and less jagged and clearly break the surface. I would contact the Bow Hospital, Rich Lopez, Bowdoc, or a bowyer on your continent. I have had cracks in wood handles (not laminated) repaired with Loctite 420 with good success. The laminated handles are much stronger than a solid handle IMO.

[Pointer]

That may be a crack or it may not be..hard to tell. I owned a green strip riser for many years and those risers are tough enough to drive nails.  It's laminated and even if that is a crack I seriously doubt it would break. If you are concerned at all then take whatever steps are necessary to return it.

Personally I would keep it but you have to be comfortable with that bow when you shoot it. Where's the fun in having it otherwise? If you have any doubts then definitely return it. Just my opinion of course.