very cold weather effect on bows?

[tradtusker]

never really had to think about this before but does cold weather -10 have any negative effects on a bow? or the string? could it effect the glue in the lams etc?

anyone researched this? bowyers?

thanks

[TRAP]

I think it increases draw weight by about 40%

   

Just kidding of course.  

I've often wondered the same thing.  I'm all ears.

Trap

[Rick Butler]

I've wondered about that myself. Seems I've read about guys being reluctant to shoot the old bows when the temps drop into the single digits and below due to possible damage.

[Tom Mussatto]

Can't speak for all bows in general but can vouch for mid 60's Pearson recurves and Hill longbows holding up well in temps to -30. I on the other hand........    

However, I had 2 longbows from different bowyers delaminate within minutes of each other on a humid 100 degree day shortly after pulling them from an air conditioned car, stringing them up, and shooting a few arrows.

So, from my limited experience I would say extreme heat is harder on them than extreme cold. Or maybe it's the quick change in extreme temps.

[SpankyNeal]

I've only heard of extreme cold affecting Yew selfbows, but don't know if the same applies to glassed Yew limbs or other materials.

[JDinPA]

On one of my silvertip's, the top limb squeak when it's below 20 degrees.

[mmgrode]

Cold weather will effect wood/natural materials bows more than fiberglass. Certain woods perform better than others in the cold also. I had a maple selfbow that shot great in the fall explode on me in the negative temps(big bummer!)  I see an increase in draw weight of my bamboo backed osage bows that can be pretty significant(up to 10# or so) depending on how cold the temps are and the design/length of the bow.  Matt

[portugeejn]

I have heard Yew bows can be adversely effected by extreme cold, but I like John Strunk's comments the best.  He says when it is cold enough to have adverse effects on the Yew bow, he is adversely effected by the cold too!!!

RonP

[LKH]

It's -28 outside right now.  I can tell you I'm not going shooting.  Can't stand the cold and bows are too expensive to take a chance.  I don't know what the guys in Fairbanks do, but they really get cold.  

I used to log in northern MN when I was a kid an you could snap spruce limbs off with a mild whack.  I think the problems could occur with the different shrink rates of the wood, glass, glue, etc.  Could cause cracking and delamination.

[IB]

WHAT !!!!  Have you forgotten your a "TENDER Little SOUTH AFRICAN"  

Your like CURTIS you don't do   COLD So why worry bout your bows??      

[hunt it]

Andy,

If you had not sold your Morrison I could tell you no problem! But them there Shrews are just fine as well in cold.

Coldest we had so far this year was -18, but have hunted -25 with never an issue. I do leave my bow in garage, unheated rather than in and out of heat every day at this time of year. New foam/carbon limbs fine this year as well.

Biggest issue you will have is drawing bow back. Probably not something you have experienced, does not effect everyone. But many people, after sitting in cold for two three hours then grab bow at critical time and can't draw it back. If you can get away with movement best option is to draw bow back every half hour or so while on stand. Another option is these lovely heated pads that stick on (for muscle sorness - in drug store) when it's real cold stick one on shoulder area keep blood/muscles warmed up.

[tradtusker]

your right Vance it is a little chilly here in Gunnison for an African, but i dont mind the cold to much. only time i get to shoot is first thing in the morning and its usually negative figures i can only shoot about 10 shots before my fingers start to freeze up but its better than shooting 10yards inside.