Hello,
I just finished up a longbow in which I used a .030" carbon strip. I placed right behind the glass on the back of the bow. It's a 62" r/d "hybrid" longbow. I talked to Elmont at Bingham's (who was extremely helpful -GREAT service) and he said the carbon would add smoothness and 5 fps, basically making a 50# bow shoot like a 55#, etc. So we know there is a slight advantage in speed (not that I am concerned), as also witnessed by the use of Carbon in many top end fast bows of today.
My question is: does carbon also add "smoothness" to the bow? My bow I made draws 62# at my 30" draw. And yes I am sure I have a 30" draw, 30 1/4" to the tooth I anchor to actually.
This bow draws and shoots so smooth I can hardly believe it. There is ZERO hand shock, and the bow feels as if you are drawing 50#, not 62#. I had to recheck my scale 3 times, then scale it at the archery store to verfiy b/c I didn't believe it was that heavy. My friend has a bow from a well known bowyer (no carbon) that we checked back to back on the same scale at the same draw and scaled 5# lighter, but we both agree it feels 10# heavier.
I am wondering is it the carbon that is contributing to this smoothness factor, my core laminations (action boo and action wood)? Or is it just in the bow design itself?
The reason I am asking is that if the carbon makes this much difference I am going to use it in all my bows.
I know the best way would be to make an identical bow w/ out the carbon and see, but I'd hate to go through the work and have it not come out shooting the same.
Anyone with more experience with carbon have any insights to share?