WARNING: My bow blew up. I almost lost an eye, but...

[pcg]

Check out my prized Old Tom (3 years old):

 

I was out practicing today and the bow blew up, de-laminating at almost full draw. This was a 50# @ 28". My full draw is only 27" so I never drew even to full. Today I was almost anchored and the bow popped. No prior warnings. Nothing. It just exploded.

Here's the good news. I was wearing safety glasses. If they had not been on, I'm convinced I would have lost one or both eyes this afternoon. When the bow blew apart, the string hit the lenses so hard that both were knocked out, one flying almost 25-feet.

The takeaway here is that it's imperative to ALWAYS wear glasses. I could not issue a more personal warning. Even the best bows blow out. Remember that Dan Schulz lost an eye in a similar incident many decades ago, and it's happened to other archers. Don't get careless out there.

[Goshawkin]

Wow!,lucky. Glad you didn't get hurt.

[False Cast]

I'm also very glad you weren't injured.

Mind if I ask a few questions? Arrow weight? String material and specs? Tip wedges?

It's a shame to lose such a beautiful bow but eyes are much tougher to replace!

[bicster]

I would talk to the bowyer. It may be out of warranty but they may work with you.

[Brianlocal3]

I am glad to hear that you are ok.  Dave is first class and . He is a wonderfull craftsman but natural materials do things out of our control. I'd call him and he will want to see the bow I'm sure, so he can look over glue joints and try to find out what went wrong.

Again, glad you are ok.

[Bud B.]

MAN! Glad you're OK.

[stik&string]

Wow. Glad you had the glasses on, and that is sound advice you offer about wearing protection.

[pamike]

Thanks for warning.  I never wear glasses - never even thought about it.....oooyyyy

[VictoryHunter]

Glad you weren't hurt, thank God.

[nineworlds9]

Patrick holy moly!!  I would take detailed pics and then call David and mail it right back to him for evaluation.  I'm sure a bowyer of his caliber would work with you.  These things happen.  This has given me pause.  I'm not sure I can bring myself to shoot with glasses, but I may try.

Edit:  wait a minute!  I just realized that's THE Old Tom!!  Pat what the heck man!!  ???????????

[Mudd]

Like everyone else has already said...I am really thankful you weren't seriously injured. Praise God!

Let us know what you get figured out on the why of it.

God bless,Mudd

[Justin Falon]

Very good to hear you were not hurt. Phewwww!!!

[nineworlds9]

I can't believe that bow let go it was pristine and would have been 3 years old this December.  I don't wear glasses so by my dumb luck I AM NOT blind!!  Wow.  This is crazy.  That was such a beauty.  I am really sorry to see and hear about this Pat, I'm stumped.

[jmrsyrs]

Glad you weren't hurt. Thanks for the heads up.

[Al Dean]

I always wear glasses when I first shoot a new bow.  But once I am satisfied its good I don't wear them anymore.  Time to re-think the glasses thing.

[LongStick64]

I just went out and bought a pair, might seem a little over the top but I have a long way to go before I retire so better safe than sorry. I've had bows break and thankfully not a complete blow up, but it only takes one episode.

[pcg]

Thanks, all. I'm sulking. The bowyer says "unrepairable." So, on the one hand, I'm out a gorgeous & accurate bow. On the other, I can still see. Man, I got lucky.

I was shooting carbons--Easton trads perfectly spined for the bow. I'd spent a couple weeks tuning them to match and oh it shot well.

Regardless, think twice before shooting without glasses. Mine are prescription shooting glasses that I'd struggled to rationalize, but finally bought for the sharpness. I never imagined they'd save my eyesight as well.

[Goshawkin]

Originally posted by pcg:

I was shooting carbons

How much do they weigh? I had a Black Widow blow up on me once,limb got me in the top of the head and blood was running down my face,scary stuff. I didn't even realize what had happened for a few seconds after.Sent the limbs back to widow.They said the epoxy hadn't cured right and built me a new pair for free.

[Daddy Bear]

I just lost my favorite Hill longbow on the 4th.  Was having a nice day and thought I'd walk the trail on the back 40 and take a few shots before the evening celebration. First few shots felt wonderful. Draw for the fourth, and BAM!!, there goes the upper limb  :(  

I may have been jinxed.  I posted on a thread that encouraged guys to ditch their glasses for contacts when hunting with bows and arrows.  I made a post indicating that it was my opinion that everyone should be wearing safety glasses, good vision or not, when shooting bows.  I bring it up, and sure enough, it happens to me.  Got hit in the face by slivers of fiberglass from the belly of the limb.  Was wearing glasses, so nothing hit my eyes.

Mine was the single best hunting bow I've ever had, and I'm ill to the bone over the incident.  I truly can feel your pain.

Best  

[Ric O'Shay]

Originally posted by Mudd:
Like everyone else has already said...I am really thankful you weren't seriously injured. Praise God!

Let us know what you get figured out on the why of it.

God bless,Mudd

What Roy said!

Danny