Carbon Arrows Weakening In Spine, Over Time

[Whitetail Addict]

I emailed Gold Tip's expert, Mr. Gillingham. I explained what I'd read very clearly, and asked if GT might have some data on the subject, that they'd be willing to share. Barring that, I asked for his personal opinion on the matter.

I'm really surprised by the answer I got back. He for whatever reason, completely disregarded my question, and told me to be careful to pull arrows straight out of the target, and to avoid a side to side motion, as this can damage the arrow.  

I'm not really sure what to think of this. I don't see how he could have misunderstood my question, even if he just half heartedly skimmed through it, and It' not like I asked for some kind of trade secret. No help there.

Bob

[Whitetail Addict]

Originally posted by halfseminole:
I find this interesting.  Carbon fiber in artificial feet (the "blade" legs) doesn't seem to lose elasticity-they are often replaced because other hardware wears rather than the blade is damaged.  This comes from personal experience working on such.  You'd see it replaced for a better fitting socket or a busted bolt.  

I think it has to do with the quality and type of epoxy.  I know that I could make blades that wore better than iron, but I don't know what the carbon makers use for epoxies.

That's interesting. I had no idea that carbon fiber was THAT tough. Thanks.

Bob

[Alexander Traditional]

That is odd. He might have thought you were going for some sort of liability issue.

[halfseminole]

Possibly proprietary epoxy technology.  I could see that as an issue.

[The Whittler]

WA, kind of makes you wonder why GT wouldn't give you a direct answer to you question.

I wonder if the other carbon arrow companies would answer. Maybe not, everybody might not like the answer.

[BAK]

Seems like you'd need some crazy deep penetration in the target to wear the area of the arrow that flexes.  Guess I think it sounds goofy.

[dbd870]

Originally posted by Whitetail Addict:
I emailed Gold Tip's expert, Mr. Gillingham. I explained what I'd read very clearly, and asked if GT might have some data on the subject, that they'd be willing to share. Barring that, I asked for his personal opinion on the matter.

I'm really surprised by the answer I got back. He for whatever reason, completely disregarded my question, and told me to be careful to pull arrows straight out of the target, and to avoid a side to side motion, as this can damage the arrow.    

I'm not really sure what to think of this. I don't see how he could have misunderstood my question, even if he just half heartedly skimmed through it, and It' not like I asked for some kind of trade secret. No help there.

Bob

Very disappointing - I would have thought the number of shots to make any noticeable difference would be extraordinarily large. it does make one wonder now doesn't it    :confused:

[KentuckyTJ]

All that would need to be done is simply bend it with your hands however many times per day. The bending can be simulated and doesn't actually need to be shot to bend it for this test.

[Brandywine]

Been trying to resolve the same issue for the past three years after learning that Olympic types routinely discard their arrows after they perceive them to be flying oddly.

I was also curious about the cycle life of bow limbs.

Here's what I learned:
An insider indicated that Easton "knows the answer, but won't share it".  

My old contacts in Easton's engineering dept are long since gone.  Now, the customer service types seem to be reading scripts.

This is from an Olympian they sponsor:  "They are reluctant to share,such info because it might impart an advantage to competitors."

I have learned from carbon fiber engineers that ALL carbon fiber-epoxy matrix assembled items have a cycle life.  Ask aviation types about this as it relates to wings and control surfaces. Ok, the aviation field has cycle lives for everything, even tools. I've seen them on hammers and files.

Also, most epoxy matrix, carbon fiber matrials are UV sensitive to varying degrees.

Here's the bottom line:
HIGH GRAGE carbon fiber arrows are assembled from the best available materials and the cycle lives are in the MULTIPLES of FIVE MILLION.

None of us, absent abuse or an increible amount of use,are going to reach the cycle life threshold.

BUT, REMEMBER THAT quality matters.  

Again, my Gray Beard, Olympic medal winning source dumps his high-end,arrow annually, just to eliminate doubts.  He indicated WE should not be concerned.

Now, that arrow withdrawing caution relates to damage that can occur from TWISTING or from oscillation causing them to hit each other.  Twisting carbon arrows is REALLY harmful!


Good luck trying to get a straight answer from a manufacturer.

But, miracles,do happen, so......

Regards,
Kevin

[Gil]

I think the article pertains to target shooters be it olympic style or compound using ultra skinny Easton x10 arrows or ACE arrows. You must understand the target archers can shoot anywhere from 400-800 arrows a day. At least I did when I was still an active competitor in FITA events. You can see the streaks of carbon of the front end of your shafts abrading over time. That is why we are giver new arrows almost everytime we are competing abroad. And also have a regular supply of arrows for practicethat comes from the Sports Commision in my country if you are a member of the National Team.