Technical type question

[69RECURVE]

Of the Kodiaks I own I am fortunate to have a 61, 62 & 63 that are all 45#. Out of curiosity  I would like to shoot them through my chrono and just see what I get.
Since I am not the original owner the question is whether or not it is possible that through excessive shooting could the limbs have lost some of their cast in turn not being 45# any more? Therefore not being a fair test?
Kind of like having and old a pickup that might need new leaf springs from putting too much stuff in the bed ?
Be real curious to hear the feedback.
Thanks

[kuch]

put each on a scale, they may have have not been exctly 45# to start with.

[Blackhawk]

First of all, I have two comments regarding your proposition:

1. many bows of that era (including Bear) were not exactly as marked with more of them being a pound or two..or MORE, than marked.

2. with the introduction of fiberglass in the early 50's, it us unlikely bows will lose weight over the years, even when left strung over long periods of time.

If all are 45# on a scale, the results would be interesting considering how the different limb designs affect velocity.

[Bjorn]

Have at it and let us know whatcha' found!    

[doug77]

I just gor a RH 1964 Kodiak for my daughter Mattie. It need to be refinished and it was marked 33# when I got it I pulled it back a few times and knew for sure it was more than what it said so I took to the archery club and put on a scale and it read 36#. So their not alwasy as marked.

doug77

[69RECURVE]

Tomorrow is the day we find out. It is supposed to be sunny (after raining all day today) and 70 here in Florida, perfect day for messing with the old bows.

I will select 5 arrows of relatively the same weight and shoot two sets then come out with an average. Keep you all posted.....

Andy

[Bjorn]

[KYArcher]

Anxious to see the results!  KYArcher

[69RECURVE]

Well it did not get nice and warm I had to brave 50 degree weather but someone had to do it.

At any rate the results are in. First of all in this completely unscientific test here are the known factors.

The five arrows (shot twice) were Grizzly sticks weighing in at 495 grains. I used the same string for all three bows. And any time I felt I blew the release I shot again until I felt I had ten good releases.

Also for the heck of it I took my 1970 Kodiak Hunter same weight but signed by the master himself to see what it would do aganist these beloved Kodiaks.

The 1961 averaged 156 fps
The 1963 averaged 153 fps
The 1962 averaged 150 fps
The 1970 averaged 150 fps.

Other observations:
The 61 was the only one to hit 160 fps.
The 63 felt the heaviest and the 61 felt the lightest even though the 62 has the Fred Bear grip modified by the Bowdoc himself. It's amazing how that arrow felt right on top of my hand. The 70 did not feel at all like the other three. I am not just saying that but for whatever reason was not as smooth.

So what does all this mean? In our world we are not about speed and a difference of 6 fps among these bows is insignificant. They are all fun to shoot and have different chracteristics. It comes down to what DO YOU like.
This past hunting season I used my 60 and for next year I am using my 64 only because I wanted something over 50#. Shoot them and enjoy them that is why Fred built and sold them for.

It was fun.

Andy

[KYArcher]

Thanks for sharing!  KYarcher

[reddogge]

50 degrees....you are brave.

[Blackhawk]

What was your draw length for the test?  

I also expected the '63 to win out, but as you say, all were close.  

However, some folks may argue that a 4% difference should not be ignored.

[69RECURVE]

Lon sorry I forgot that. My draw length is 28"

Andy

[Bjorn]

I expected the '62 to beat the rest. Thanks for the test and results Andy!

[Orion]

Of course, we don't know if the bow weights were accurately marked.  A few pounds difference in draw weight would also produce these differences.  Interesting though.  They all shot pretty much alike re speed.

[69RECURVE]

No. As far as scaling goes I don't have one that I trust. So unfortunatlely I could only go with what is on the bow. Again not very scientific. That is why I asked the what if question in the opening thread.

Andy