1.) Swamp Fox - 10/04/2017

How common is it to have matched limbs manufactured in such a way that a tuning problem might result, the only solution to which is swapping the limbs (top and bottom)?

In other words, how common is it that the limbs and not something else are the issue, and how in the world does simply swapping them solve anything if the bow is to spec? When I think of a bow in spec, I think of tension and flex etc. being equalized, etc., but I guess if forces on the two limbs are supposed to be different, all bets are off. What's the real dealio?

One of the reasons I ask is that I'm wondering if I can take the limbs off a bow that needed a limb swap and put them on a different bow without the expectation that they will need to be reversed on that bow as well, or without the expectation that such a limb change will introduce new problems to the new bow.

2.) bluecat - 10/04/2017

Not an expert at this but I believe compatibility of the new bow is probably more of a worry than where they go on the bow.

3.) Swamp Fox - 10/04/2017

Sorry. I shouldn't have said just "different bow." I meant "different bow of the same model."

4.) Swamp Fox - 10/04/2017

I just got off the phone with a good shop, which told me that sometime limbs wear out from use or storage. We didn't get into use (I have a hard time believing this bow has been shot enough to matter) but the guy did say that if a bow is left in a hot vehicle that it can affect the limbs. I know about affecting the string, but I don't think I've ever heard of the limbs being hurt by that. How extreme do conditions have to be to damage limbs in a closed vehicle?

We're talking about a used bow here that had issues from the get-go when I got it. I have no idea how well or how badly the previous owner handled his equipment.

5.) bluecat - 10/04/2017

Heat is a big no no as it can delaminate the limb, but I would think you would see that damage.

6.) bluecat - 10/04/2017

I don't know how a limb would wear out from storage.

7.) Swamp Fox - 10/05/2017

I always figured most if not all compound limbs were solid fiberglass rather than laminated. No? Can you warp fiberglass under tension in high heat? I suppose you can. Don't you use heat to shape fiberglass?

The shop mentioned storage and the hot car scenario in the same breath, so I don't know if there is any alternate bad storage scenario (besides heat).

8.) Triton Rich - 10/05/2017

[B]I'm not a bow limb composite expert but we work with composite propeller blades and generally, they don't like anything over 140 degrees. A car out in the sun in the carolinas can exceed that very easily.[/B]

9.) Jon - 10/05/2017

Limbs have deflection numbers, some bows are designed to use a different deflection number on top than the bottom. If a bow is impossible to tune and everything has been done, there is a possibility that the limb deflection could be wrong.
I'm not saying that a limb couldn't go bad in a car from the heat but I've never seen it. I've seen them break due to a string snapping from the heat.
Some limbs are laminated with metal, others with other material. The chance of a delam is greater than a break.

10.) Swamp Fox - 10/05/2017

Thanks guys. This is a Mathews Q2 I bought second-hand as a project bow because I liked my original so much. Right from the jump it wouldn't paper-tune, and the best bow tech in my area was the one working on it. Calls to Mathews, etc. I don't remember what the exact symptoms were, but I don't think any stones went unturned trying to find a solution.

Ultimately, swapping the limbs and investing in a dropaway rest got the bow to an acceptable point. I have to restring it now, or I was thinking I might use these 60# limbs to replace the 70s on my original. That last option could be playing with fire, since the 70# bow shoots great. The only issue is that I have to turn it down as far as it will go to shoot it comfortably, and getting into another challenging tuning situation is the last thing I need to add to my plate right now.

Jon, when you say you've seen bows break from a string snap, do you mean they just came apart, or do you mean actual damage was done to limbs, axles, etc.?

11.) Swamp Fox - 10/05/2017

By the way, these limbs have a number Sharpied on them on the pocket side, and initials. I always assumed that was to show they were matched. They're not deflection numbers, are they? The ones I have are marked "114," and also have initials marked as well.

12.) Jon - 10/05/2017

Swampy, I have seen limbs actually break from a string snap. Typically that doesn't happen but damage ranges from none to bent axles, bent cams or even broken risers (very rare). A string snap is a very violent occurrence, it will loosen every screw on the bow at a minimum.
When you get a new string set, let them know it's a Q2 and you'd like some strong end servings because they are getting torn up from the cams, they should have experience doing this. if not and you are looking for someone who does have experience, call my buddy Bart Shortall at X-Ring Strings, he used to be a Mathews factory Pro and builds strings for a living. He'll talk your ear off but knows his stuff. If you want his number, let me know.

13.) Jon - 10/05/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;52106]By the way, these limbs have a number Sharpied on them on the pocket side, and initials. I always assumed that was to show they were matched. They're not deflection numbers, are they? The ones I have are marked "114," and also have initials marked as well.[/QUOTE]

Those are deflection marks, yes. They don't mean 114lbs or 114", they mean something to the Mathews folks, I'm sure there's a chart somewhere.

14.) Swamp Fox - 10/05/2017

[QUOTE=Jon;52107]...
When you get a new string set, let them know it's a Q2 and you'd like some strong end servings because they are getting torn up from the cams, they should have experience doing this. if not and you are looking for someone who does have experience, call my buddy Bart Shortall at X-Ring Strings, he used to be a Mathews factory Pro and builds strings for a living. He'll talk your ear off but knows his stuff. If you want his number, let me know.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Jon. I will. I think my first Q2 had the issue as well, but then I quit using Winner's Choice and never had the issue again. (Did Q2s have a reputation for chewing serving?) This last string was one the shop made for me that saved me a few bucks. For a goof-around bow, I figured it was the thing to do. The string builder is a *great* tech but I didn't expect strings to be his strong suit.

15.) Swamp Fox - 10/05/2017

Actually, I might have bought a WC or two after Wes got out of the business, now that I think about it.