head ski wing thunderbird

[Brent Hill]

I just purchased a head ski wing thunderbird made about 1969, 62 in , 50 at 28 inches.  I have only had her for about 3 days and she shoots hard, fast, and accurate, as fast as my bob lee takedown of equal weight.  I noticed small liear cracks in the phenolic going up and down in the belly side of the riser where your hand grips the riser.  Should I be concerned. I love the bow but want to shoot it also.  Also, I would appreciate any info or resources on wing history and the thunderbird recurve.  Thanks Bhill

[PAPALAPIN]

PHIL

The longitudial lines are nothig to worry about.  They may look unsightly, but do comprimise the integrity of the bow.

The Thinderbird is a good solid shooter, and should give you years of woirry free service.

These old bows have stood the test of time.  If it lasted this long there is nore reason to not expect it to last another  30 or 40 years wioth proper care and no misuse.

[Brent Hill]

Thanks for the info.  I think she will do.  I just bought a 52 in red wing hunter and was not impressed with shooting it so I was concerned with how well this bow would do.   It just shoots well.  I've shot older super kodiacs and such and this bow just smoked them. I'm glad the cracks are just cosmetic.  bhill

[Ssamac]

I really like Wings. Surprised at the RW Hunter comment. I have a 52" RW Hunter 50# and that thing just smokes them and deadly accurate. Was at a 3D shoot last Saturday and I shoot from the compound stake. Almost feel stupid shooting from the blue stake with this thing. Hit all 30 targets and had some rings besides. And it's so short and light to carry.

sam

[raghorn]

I have refinished a couple of the phenolic Tbirds and the cracks come back after awhile. Enjoy shooting the Tbird, it is one of the all time best bows.

[Brent Hill]

The wing Tbird 62 inch shot great for me, really good for me.  With respect to the rwh, I have always had problems shooting short bows.  I have seen guys shoot out the lights with those rwhunters but I haven't done it yet.  Now I have only had the RWH and the Tbird for 2 weeks and the Tbird tuned up exactly like my Bob Lee TD and even shot the same arrow/broadhead set up perfectly without any adjustments.  I haven't tinkered with the rwh as much but it does seem more tempermental with form than the tbird and my bob lee.  I've got some hunts coming up and I've gotten lazy in the tuning department and love it when a bow tunes up exactly like my others.  Regardless, the rwh was never shot until I got it and despite my shooting, is beautiful and remains in perfect condition.  If I don't shoot it, it will still look great on the wall.  Now for the tbird, we have to settle some scores with some piggys in the coming weeks.  Thanks for the info.  Bhill