Artificial snake skins ?

[Flying Dutchman]

Hi gang,

I wondered if some of you have ever used artificial snake skins on limbs? I am looking at the cloth backings of 3rivers. Thinking about making the back with rattlesnake and the belly of copperhead....  Doing this with some old limbs which have too many streaks in the glass.

Any ideas, experiences and especially pics are highly appreciated!

[ichibuns]

I have tried them on an old bow to see how they look not too good compared to the real ones but m   :confused:        aybe you might have better lick than me

[nineworlds9]

I'm not sure about cloth/fabric ones, but the vinyl snakeskin graphics I have had on a few bows look nice from a distance certainly, but of course on closer examination its easy to see they're not real with scales etc.  They are functional absolutely and do add a little color and pizzaz but ultimately they're not really my thing.  I much prefer the real deal.

[EHK]

I also tried the cloth ones and did not like them.  The edges frayed on me when cutting them.  I didn't leave them on the bow long.  Also tried the vinyl ones, and like Stewart, thought they looked great from far away.  you also can't beat the ease of application and removal.

That being said, I haven't seen any fakes that look like the real deal.

[J. Cook]

As already mentioned, they do work, their easy to apply and remove, and they do provide some level of protection from scratches and such.  But they definately don't look real.

[bowhuntingrn]

Copperhead on Ash flatbow and Diamondback on hickory. Wasn't crazy about the Copperhead, but my wife got lots of compliments on it at ren faires. The Diamondback on the other hand looks pretty darn good IMO. I applied with a generous amount of Titebond III and then sealed. I don't remember what I put over it, but I know it was a satin finish. I did not have any of the aforementioned fraying issues. It's certainly not the real thing, but I think the Diamondback is a pretty fair facsimile. One note, it takes on deeper / richer hues once sealed. I have also used the Copperhead Limbstations from Onestringer. They look good from a short distance, and as said above are certainly easy to change out if you decide you don't like them. Not to mention darn fine folks to deal with.
 

[Flying Dutchman]

Well thanks Cory, awesome job! That looks pretty good!Mine will be sealed with satin Thunderbird epoxy. Are those from 3 rivers archery indeed?

When people here talk about easy removal, I think they mean the vinyl limbsations, which I am not going to use.

[nineworlds9]

Sealing the fabric ones is something I did not consider.  I agree could yield a pretty decent result.  Real skins are still better though!  :D   :p

[Caughtandhobble]

I had the pleasure of visiting Sarrels Archery earlier this year. Bob and Zach had some of the cloth skins on a couple bows, honestly I could not tell the difference... I think I may put a set on my new selfbow.  

[Flying Dutchman]

Thnx Ben. That's what I heard also: "When cloth skins are properly sealed, they look at least as good as real ones, but with halve the problems".

EDIT: I just visited Sarrel's website and found a pic. Its is a Yukon they have ion stock with diamond cloth backing on the belly. That looks plane awesome!

[bowhuntingrn]

Actually they came from Rudderbows before they shut down the website, but I'm pretty darn sure they're the same product. I think in the hand, real skins still have them beat. From any distance though, they look good. I've never put on any real skins, so I don't know how it compares from a labor stand point. They are definitely great for a guy on a budget, especially if you have an older or self bow that you just want to dress up a bit.

[Igor]

I've done several (from 3 rivers) and across the room would be hard to tell the difference....

   

[Flying Dutchman]

Highly appreciated Igor! That was exactly he info I was looking for! Your limbs look great btw...