Twisted Limb

[MJB]

If you were thinking about buying a used bow and the seller described "The bottom limb has a twist when the bow is pulled back at full draw".

Is this something that could be fixed or stay away from. I know it's difficult with no pics. Just thought someone that might of dealt with this would know or have an idea.

Thank You,
Mike    

[OzarkRamblr]

Depends on how bad the twist is. I've got an old Bearcat that had twisted limbs that I straightened. To look at it it looks like the limbs are straight but when you string and draw it back, they're still twisted. They go back to being straight when it's unbraced.

Having said that though, I have straightened some that stayed straight after. It's really hard to tell unless you can put your hands on the bow before you buy it.

Me personally, if they describe it as having twisted limbs, I stay away from it.

[MJB]

THANKS Ozark, I contacted them and asked how bad the limb is twisted. My reply was = I was told it could be fixed.

I will take your personal outlook      

[OzarkRamblr]

Welcome Mike. Sometimes they can, sometimes they can't. If the seller doesn't know, it kind of makes me wonder how much they know about bows at all.

That would be the part that I would be careful about, especially since buying and selling bows has become so popular. There are (unfortunately) a lot of people that just move them for the cash. I buy and sell because I love to do it, but you can't sacrifice integrity for a quick buck.

[Aeronut]

I have two Bear bows (a Grizzly and a Kodiak Special) that I have straightened. The Grizzly had a twisted bottom limb from being stood in a corner and the Kodiak had a twist in the upper limb from step-thru stringing.  A little warm water and some tweaking can straighten them right up.

Dennis

[Raineman]

MJB-This may not be a cut and dry answer. Several factors may come in to play. First being price. Second being how bad the twist is. Most importantly would be, does the string seat back into the string grooves after letting back down. (this being a major plus if they do)

At the right price (picking it up cheap) I'd attempt almost (key word=almost) any limb twist repair. Especially if you here no "crackly creaks" when you draw it back.

Also to consider is if the person has any history on the bow. Especially its "how was it stored" history. Was it in an attic? was it strung? Did it have stuff piled on it? Was it hanging in a cool dry place? Etc. etc. etc., you get the idea.

[MJB]

Dennis,
Funny you should mention Bear Grizzly. That's what this bow is (big auction site). Beautiful Zebra-wood.

Jim,
The limb twist they couldn't tell me, said they were told it might be fixed putting it in some water. I checked the feedback history and they have sold some metal risers, no complete bows that I could find.

Item described as ESTATE SALE FIND, In perfect collectors condition.

[Raineman]

MJB-check your PM's

[MJB]

Raineman THANKS