Carbon Worth It?

[Archer Dave]

Those of you that have carbon in R/D Longbows, I was wondering if you feel it is worth having or not?

The reason I ask, is because I ordered a custom 54" R/D and declined the carbon layers. The option was 1-2 layers regular carbon, or 1 layer regular + 1 layer high density diamond carbon.

I have not shot a carbon bow, but I have read pretty mixed reviews about them and this is why I decided not to order it with carbon. However now I am starting to wonder if I should try to get a layer or two of carbon if the build hasn't yet begun.

What do you guys think?

Thanks
Dave

[reddogge]

I think you should shoot carbon first, any carbon limb. It feels different.

[Archer Dave]

Thanks, I do not think I will have a chance to shoot carbon unless I order one. That is the dilemma.

How does it feel different? I have heard it can make it draw smoother, is this correct?

[Bill Turner]

I have bows with carbon, and some without. I personally don't think it is worth the extra cost.The bowyers I have discussed this with feel the same way.    

[njloco]

I don't know it might draw smoother, but the recoil is definitely more abrupt on LB,s and recurves, at least that's how I find it to be. I'm about 150# and stand at 5'9" I'm old but in pretty good shape. I'm not saying I'm not accurate with a carbon limbed bow, I have two of them at this time, both are long bows, one is double carbon and one is carbon and foam.

[bowfanatik]

not worthy at all :-) ,for difference buy some good arrows

[Archer Dave]

Alright, thanks guys. I think I originally made the right decision not to get carbon. Just needed confirmation.    :D   Hehe

It would be interesting to do a blind test with identical bows, one with carbon and one without, and see if people could really tell much difference if they didn't know if it was there or not.

Dave

[atatarpm]

I cannot speak to a wood riser carbon limb bow I have a Carbon Nano which is totally carbon and foam there is no hand shock or recoil.  Weather is not a problem to this bow and two days ago I had a total dry fire due to a knok breaking. No problem for the bow at all. They are tuff very few things bother them and for me well worth the money.

[The Whittler]

I believe you will get as many that don't like carbon that do like it. I think if you could have 2 bows same style, length, weight etc. but one was carbon. You and only you should test them and YOU decide.

[Orion]

Carbon is quicker and recovers faster so doesn't flop around as much at the end of the shot, reducing hand shock.  I can't say it draws any more smoothly than a glass laminated bow.  Physically, it's a bit lighter than glass for the poundage it produces, which would also contribute to reduced hand shock, but probably not enough to notice.

I have some of each.  One of my favorites is an ACS, and they're made with carbon limbs.  Other than those, I don't know if I'd pay more for additional carbon in the limbs.  I would for foam core limbs though.

[Bowwild]

More and more I depend upon the bowyer to recommend the best material for his bows.

[katman]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
More and more I depend upon the bowyer to recommend the best material for his bows.

x2

No one knows his design better.

I usually ask what benefits would I expect to see with the carbon limb then way that with the cost difference and decide. I have glass limbs and carbon limbs and like them both. Only you can decide if the added cost is worth it to you.

[KentuckyTJ]

Yeah , ask the bowyer how much faster they are over his wood lam limbs. Foam cores are more important to me. They draw and shoot so much nicer. I've had them and wood cores in many different makers bows.

With that said, my Zipper Nitro carbon limbs are very nice with the carbon addition and worth every penny. Some bows the carbon isn't a big improvement and not worth the extra money.

[cacciatore]

I have a couple of Morrisons and Zippers with carbon,they are very quiet and fast bows but they are recurves.
The only longbow I have with carbon is a Centaur Black Matter, that thing is crazy fast,death in the hand and accurate,if I have to buy another one I would go with carbon.
On another hand I have a Javaman Elkhearth 56" almost done,Gregg advised me to don't go with carbon so I went with Bambooo,I am sure he knows his job.

[BowMIke]

I prefer carbon/foam limbs. I have non-carbon also, but prefer the carbon or especially the carbon/foam limbs.

[JRY309]

I have a few bows with carbon,my Zipper ZSR with carbon&foam recurve and longbow limbs.They are pretty sweet,fast and quiet.My A&H ACS,Dryad ACS RC and my Border Black Douglas with HEX 5H are great shooting bows.I feel it is worth for me!

[md126]

Depends on how much extra and what you're looking for in the bow.

The $75 XTL in a Centaur is a must and worth it.  $200+ for a little extra speed in some bows. Not worth it

[DDFlongbow]

I also go with what the bower says his best limbs are.