Phenolic or No Phenolic on a New Widow? What's the Pros and Cons?

[Flt Rck Shtr]

I was just wondering what the general opinion was on phenolic in the limbs and riser on Widows. I have had Widows in the past with it and own one now without. Is there any advantage with or without ? Does it affect speed, smoothness on the draw... etc.. ? I'm getting ready to order a new PCH and can't decide if I want the phenolic or not. Imput is greatly appreciated.
                                Thanks,
                                       James

[e alexander]

I think BW claims that it makes for a stronger bow, but I wouldn't imagine it would be an appreciable amount.  It does add mass to the bow, which might be nice in the PCH.  BTW, I really like the new PCH, would love to shoot one.

[Lechwe]

I've got one of each and really like them both. Like E says though it is lighter without. If I order a PCHX I'll leave the phenolic in because of the added mass but that's just me.

[BMejia]

If you are considering a PL, I do not think you can order one without the phenolic in the riser.

[Robertfishes]

I think the black,red,white in the BW risers are made of fiberglass not phenolic, the only phenolic is in the limb wedges and limb tips. I think the bows look better with wood in the wedge but BW says the phenolic is better as a wedge due to its moisture resistance. A call to BW will answer your questions

[Flt Rck Shtr]

ttt

[Dusty Nethery]

Todd,

You have a sickness man!

Seriously though, I would go without the phenolic, they look sweet. When I spoke with the guys at Black Widow about getting a non-phenolic bow they did not express any concern to me about a measurable effect in strength or performance.

I don't know what type of wood you're considering but if you're interested in Osage I have a good amount of AAA stuff at my house. In fact, I am sending some up to Tall Tines for a buddy's bow in a few days.

Dusty

[Flt Rck Shtr]

Kevin told me it was a sickness too!!! Who's he to talk, He's ordering a new one too !! I'm still trying to decide what to order. I have a MA in Autumn Oak with no phenolic and love it. I've shot some other Widows that I've owned with it that seemed like real turds. They even had a boo- cores. Seems like the Ironwood limbs with the boo-cores and boo- backing shoot the hardest. I would like to look at some of your Osage, if I can ever get a minute away from that nasty old oil patch!

[Dusty Nethery]

I agree about the Ironwood w/ boo shooting the fastest.

Give me a shout sometime and we'll get together.

[RUSTY1]

I think someone posted that BW stated they could not remove from the PCH due to a strength issue. I'll try to look for that post again.

[Predator Man]

widows have a good weight to them without it. Get an ironwood and you will be super happy

[Steel]

I have a PCH-X on order without phenolic and one with the phenolic on order. I was told other than being a little less mass weight theres really no other affect.I was worried about the moisture resistance being less on the none phenolic but after talking to BW my concerns were eased plus I have several other three piece recurves no phenolic limb wedges which have seen years of hunting in rain,snow,100 degree temps down to single digit temps never a issue yet.The main draw back to using a wood wedge is if you deside to order another set of limbs down the road it is harder to match the wood wedge color.

[kat]

At one time I worked with phenolic in a machine shop.  It is very strong material, and will hold up to stress very well.  I have a PCH on order, and left it in, not because of strength, but because of the contrast in color.
Phenolic in or out; I wouldn't be concerned about strength on a widow.

[RUSTY1]

Steel, you have 2 on order? .....................

                        ........................ I hate you! ( LOL!!!)


Rusty

[Guss]

I'm with ya Rusty!! Cody(Steel), has all the cool bows!!

[RUSTY1]

Steel, if you are married can you have your wife send mine a PM!!!!

[Steel]

Hate the game not the player(LOL)!Yep my wife hasn't kicked me out yet but the two new PCH's haven't arrived yet also.I do have two 54" PCH-X's due here in Feb the fact I love 54" 3 piece bows I could not help myself. To be honest I never really have been a Widow guy in the past but the last couple of Widows I owned/shot have turned me into a Widow lover. The Widows have been so easy and forgiving to shoot it feels like I am cheating some how when at the range or woods.My main hunting/range bows this season will be the two PCH's and two Morrison 54" Cheyenne's recurves.

[RUSTY1]

Originally posted by Steel:
Hate the game not the player(LOL)!Yep my wife hasn't kicked me out yet but the two new PCH's haven't arrived yet also.  

That's funny!!! My wife even laughed at that one!!!

[highcountry]

No phenolic on this one.  

[Flt Rck Shtr]

I ordered one today, and my buddy did too. I ordered an Autumn Oak riser and Ironwood limbs with bamboo overlays. Thought it would be a little different riser/limb combo to try out. I went ahead and got the phenolic. It costs an extra $50.00 to leave it out! My other Widow doesn't have any so I'll have one with/without.