need some opinions

[iboshooter]

I need some opinions. I was shooting my favorite longbow when I felt something weird drawing my bow I looked over my bow and noticed a crack it looks like it in the fiberglass. The bow is a three piece longbow I took the limbs apart and saw that the crack starts from the limbbolt hole and travels down the limb vertically. My question is would you go on a hunt with the bow or not take a chance. It still shoots great im just nervous about the bow coming apart when I draw on a big bull this september!please help!!!!!

[Paul WA]

the crack is prolly just in the glass from overtightening the limb bolt, I would replace it...PR

[iboshooter]

I have only tighten the limb bolt till its snug and the bow is only 2 years old and it has only been taken down once for a trip to Kansas.

[Frenchymanny]

I would call the bowyer and ask if he can fix it for you.
If you felt something, it means it was important enough to be worried. JMHO

F-Manny

[Rufus]

It's really good that you "felt" something. So many times there be no warning and all that's "felt" are flying pieces. Had friend shooting next to me with an 80# longbow. When it came from together we were fortunate enough that all we needed to do was change our drawers. I'd be very wary of a crack.

[Craig Warren]

Pete,
That type of crack is not uncommon in some three piece bows.  Could be cause by over tightening as mentioned already or even undertightening, or by moisture getting in at the limb bolt hole.  I have had it happen in high priced custom bows that I purchased before starting to make my own and even in one of my own.  If it is in the lengthwise direction as you stated, and it only goes an inch or two beyond the end of the riser,you are probably not going to have any more problems with it.  
Now, I always laminate a .060" thick piece of micarta on the belly side of the limb and extend it to about one inch beyond the end of the riser.  I feather the edge and it look pretty good and more importantly, no more cracks.

Long and short of it is that it wouldn't keep me from using it on a hunt.

[jhansen]

You asked for opinions.  Opinions are the lowest form of knowlege.  Here's mine.  I wouldn't hunt with the bow.  It's just not worth the risk of a catastrophic failure.  The only bow I ever had blow on me gave no warning.  I drew.  It blew.  I had a cut on my forehead.  This one gave you warning.  Why ignore it?  Just my opinion.

John

[SL]

If you felt it- it can't be good!
SL

[iboshooter]

thanks everyone for the advise. I talked to the bowyer and he said to send it and he will take a look at it.Hopefully he can get it back to me before I go on my elk hunt which is on Sept. 18.But luckly I do have a back up plan if I dont get the bow back.

[Bowtie]

Pete,
I'm glad you bowyer is going to check it out.  The other side of the coin for me is that I have to have confidence in my equipment..... 100% confidence.  My 2 cents, from what you've described, the fault in your bow would work on my mind.  Hopefully you're bowyer will respond with a positive answer/solution.