Tip Protector Question

[rluttrell]

My question is does it or will it change the bow characteristics. I know its not much weight but the fact that its there has me wondering.....

[nineworlds9]

Never felt a difference.

[Fletcher]

I'm sure it does make a difference, but it would take some pretty sensitive equipment to measure it.  I use them on many of my bows and I've never been able to notice a difference.

[Bill Turner]

All my bows have tip protectors installed. I've been using the rubber version for years. Never noticed a negative/positive effect on bow performance. I remove them on occasions to clean out any grit, sand, etc. that might possibly accumulate between the tip and the tip protector. Installing a tip protector is one of the first things I do when I acquire a new bow.    

[Bear Heart]

No noticeable effect.

[Shakes.602]

Good and Cheap Idea here, Transparent Baby Bottle Nipples. Laugh if you will, but they are Functional, easily Replaced, and wont cost too much either!!  

[Rock 'N Bow]

X2 on baby bottle nipples. Whenever I buy nipples for my son's bottles I buy extras for my bows. Once he grows out of bottles I will use the old nipples and have a lifetime supply.

[JRY309]

I use bow tip protector's on all my bows and have for many years.Never noticed any side effects or problems with using them.

[Jon Stewart]

You will here many pro's and con's so I will give you my experience.

I use leather ones that I make so they can breathe and not hold moisture.

I was going to buy a mint 68 Bear grizzly from a guy and he had a rubber tip protector on it.  I removed the tip protector and found that the rubber/ moisture ate the tip overlay up.  Handed the bow back to him.  So go from there.

[canuck4570]

I am new at the sport of TRAD
and recently bought a Whip bow from Dan Toelke
and I wanted to put a tip protector so I called him and ask what was his opinion  about it

his answer was that my bow had some light limbs and it would make a difference (leather protector)
 
he suggested like above post to use light rubber protector

[Mr. fingers]

Do you guys use two or one. When I got my new big Jim I got one with it. I thought I lost the other in the packing material so I searched,the whole house for it the next day looking everywhere I had the box and packing  material. I thought I lost it I messaged  big Jim  and told him I only got one or I lost the other. He said oh I only send one with each bow most guys just use one on the bottom limb.........your thoughts ?

[Brock]

i just use one on lower limb...nothing for top as I just dont set it on ground, stand platform or my boots on anything but lower tip.

never noticed difference...use plain black rubber versions.

[Bowtie]

I use a rubber tip protector on the lower limb. Never have noticed a shooting variance with it on or off. Wet conditions, or winter stump shooting, I pull it off once I get home to make sure everything is dry.

[Redfeathers]

As stated above, I've also heard on thin limbs it will effect the bow. I can't tell the difference either way. I made some leather ones also and change them out or take it off and look at the tip from time to time.

[mooseman76]

Depends. I use one on my Black Widows because they provide it and recommend it. I figure they must build their bows expecting them to be used and have no effect. On the other hand, my Toelke longbows don't come with them so I mostly don't use them. On the occasions that I did it was just a tiny triangle of Velcro or rest material folded over the tip. I have not yet damaged a limb in either scenario, of course, I'm not using my bow as a walking sticking, jabbing pole, etc...

[BigJim]

tip protectors are mostly insignificant as far as affecting the way a bow shoots. It is to preserve the finish on the lower tip of the bow. Many guys set the tip on the ground and lean on them of drop them or heaven forbid,dig with them    

most any little thing to protect it is fine. Be careful of absorbent type protectors. They work great, but if they get wet, take them off at the end of the day to dry rather than holding that moisture up against the bow.
Bigjim

[Bowwild]

A useful thread.

I own a couple of these but haven't put one on a bow for a long time. I'm always afraid of slow, unknown damage (sort of like leaving batteries in a device too long.)

I did dig up some of the grandchildren's bottle nipples though and am going to try that. I don't put my limb tip on the ground. At 3D I'll hang on a limb or lay the entire bow on the ground.

I can't even stand a photo of a bow (in classifieds) leaning in a corner on the tip even though I assume it is only for the picture.

[kat]

I use the black rubber tip protectors. I trim down the length some, so they still stay put, but don't interfere with the string.
Baby bottle nipples seem to be a good idea, but I keep loosing them with my bows with wider tips.
The best 'tip' protector going is to remove them, and let the moisture out when they are on the rack.

[maineac]

I use rubber ones on my bottom limb.  I put one on my whip, but it kept shooting off when the limbs snapped forward on release. left it off. I use them because when I sit in ground blinds my bottom limb tip rests on the ground, and our fall woods are usually damp.

[Son of Rooster]

great idea on the bottle nipples! going to give that a try