Carbon Injuries

[Recurve7]

I voted " no "., which is accurate. However, the only time I have used carbon is with a compound. I do lots of stump shooting and  don't like the risk of cracking/splintering. They are tough, but damage  can go undetected if you aren't careful. I shoot cedar some for hunting, and aluminum  for stump shooting.

[Sam McMichael]

I have never been a carbon shooter, but I did have a woodie break. Fortunately, I was not hurt.

[shreffler]

Here's a thread I started about my experience:

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=144873;p=1

It happens, but it can happen just as easily with a woody. Bottom line is check each arrow often or risk having it break and go where it shouldn't!

[BigJim]

The big difference is that with other shaft medium
damage is "usually" obvious. Carbon tends to take so much abuse that we expect it to be even tougher than they are.
They don't just break or splinter for no reason.
I've been shooting a hunting weight bow excessively for 37 years. I started off with wood and then went quickly to aluminum for the first 20 years. The last 17 years has only seen 5dz woods for personal use and 0000 aluminum. The rest were carbon.
During all those years, I have never had a single arrow break or splinter at the shot.
I wish I could say I am cautious, but I eat her check them out of habit or I don't think about it.

It must work for most as carbons rule the archery world.
Bigjim

[hawkeye n pa]

I don't see near the severely splintered carbons on the 3 D courses like in the beginning either.  Maybe no body misses any more.

[YORNOC]

Yes, but due to shooter's error.
A friend shot into a rock or something after missing on a 3D course.
Nock blew, arrow was rattling when shook or tapped on wrist. Shot the same arrow anyway on next shot after pulling out nock and inserting new from pocket.(????happened before?).
Blew splinters everywhere, small specks of blood all over arm, face, neck. No major damage, VERY lucky.
Whether wood, carbon, or aluminum...don't ever be stupid.

[newhouse114]

I've been practicing with broadheads  lately, broke two shafts over my knee today to resist the temptation to keep shooting them.

[newhouse114]

Oops!

[Ken Sorg]

Originally posted by dbd870:
Number of people with first hand knowledge of an incident is higher than I would have thought. Reinforces always checking out your arrow after any kind if suspicious shot.

Absolutely! I didn't and got a nice visit to the ER because of my own ignorance. Lesson learned..

[Bjorn]

Survey results supports one in ten has had or knows who has had; so10%. That is a lot of injuries!

[Doc Nock]

Lots of recommendations to check arrows that sustain hard impact.  AMEN!

Doesn't matter the type material... know several who had woodies blow up...one with carbon.

Tap or rap each and every one after a miss...they make a noise.  Heed the noise!

Whatever type, check!!!  

[Yewbender]

Nock on wood, i always check my woodies. Better to be safe then sorry. With that said i see a few guys at shoots that don't check their arrows(carbon,aluminum,wood) scary. Im always reminding them to check them.

[Whip]

I've dodged those bullets so far, but am surprised at the number of people who have been hurt.  I've always been careful, but seeing these results will have me paying even more attention.

[Broken Quiver]

Yep. Learned to slow down, pull the readers out and make a good inspection. Sure made me jumpy for a while   :eek:

[Doc Nock]

The friend I had who had a woodie explode and go thru his bow hand shot alum. for many years...

Now with carbon, he's ingrained to check every "dropped" shot by tapping the arrow to listen for a buzz or rattle... regardless of type... Good medicine... ounce of prevention, etc.

[mcgroundstalker]

Right On Target! Not thinking about damage "within" the shaft walls... So, not only flexing but a tap or shake may save you from injury...

Thank You!  

[bowhuntingrn]

I ended up with a hematoma about 3"x 6" on my forearm before I switched to trad (from the string, never used an armguard with wheels) after a carbon shaft broke about 5" below the valley of the nock. It was totally my fault as I had been using the arrow as a stand / prop for my bow. The bow blew over at one point landing on the arrow and I never checked it. Carbons are still my primary arrow of choice, but you can bet I check them regularly now.

[STEVE R.]

I never had a issue, or witnessed a injury by bad carbon arrow .  I shoot Gold Tips exclusively. I always shoot the heavy ones which are 9 or 10 grains per inch. I may be wrong to say this but I stay away from light weight carbon and any brand but gold tips especially some bargain brand.

[D. Key]

My only "Blow-Up" was with a Woodie.  Shooting at a 3-D shoot had one experience a clean break just below the fletching at my release.  The only damage (other than the arrow) was the string hitting my arm from just below my shoulder to the elbow.  Left a wicked bruise but no impalement.

I've seen a lot of carbon explosions on bowsites but all of them were with wheelie bows.