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Split limbs

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Steamfitter73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steamfitter73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Split limbs
    Posted: August/03/2014 at 13:48
Hey all,
I've been waffling for some time now on whether or not to get a new bow. I really like Bear bows and notice they're all split limb. I see there's a huge number of split limbs on the market and there have been for years, so I've got to imagine they're pretty well refined, but for those who have them do you notice any differences with them? Do you notice the limbs going out of tune at all more than regular solid limbs?
Peddler led me here...
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Peddler View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2014 at 14:06
Welcome To OT Eric!
When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.
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RifleDude View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2014 at 14:13
I've had both solid and split limb bows, and I can't say which is "better." Supposedly, the split limbs eliminate the possibility of stress risers forming limb cracks in the bottom of the cam slot that exists on a solid limb bow (since there isn't a slot at all), supposedly improving long term durability. However, with today's high tech laminated limb materials and a wide radius in the bottom of the slot, I don't think that's a problem anymore. I've never had a durability issue with my solid limb bows.

Hoyt was the first to use split limbs in the 1990's. I did have some very early split limbs on a Hoyt bow (what they called "Carbonite" limbs), and I did get a bit of cam lean with the split limbs. These early split limbs were narrow and long, so they weren't as resistant to twisting as today' split limbs. The current split limbs are wider and shorter in length, and cam design has also improved in the past decade, so I doubt cam lean is much of an issue anymore.

I see no actual advantage to split limbs given current limb construction.
Ted


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Sgt. D View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2014 at 14:28

Early on when Hoyt and Browning came out with them you heard of occasions where a limb would split or delaminate but, the companies were good to replace them at no cost. I had a Browning that one of the limbs gave up but it was back up and runnin in less than two weeks. That all said to say that I haven't heard of any issues in the past 7 o 8 yrs (except form some older bows). The research I've done shows that there is no substantial difference in performance between split and solid limbs. The main advantage is the split limb bows "can" be lighter. As for tune I have no recall of a split limb needing adjustment more or less than a solid. We did a fare amount of bow work in the shop and most tune issues came from cheap or ill fitted strings or having been dry fired. And believe me if a bow has been dry fired a bow tech can tell. Not all bows are destroyed from dry fire but there is always evidence of it. In my experience you need not have any concern about split limb tuning. If it is set up properly at the start and you use correct arrow spine and shooting form your bow "should" stay in tune until the string or cable stretch beyond spec. And to add, if it comes with Zebra string and cable that won't be an issue. The only reason to change those cable/strings is if they begin to fray due to age. I like Bear bows, that is what I started with. But as you often hear "you get what you pay for" no matter what the brand. My favorite brand is Hoyt even though I currently shoot a Matthews Hyper Lite due to a shoulder injury. (At the time Hoyt didn't offer anything similar in weight and performance).

To reinforce, you are right all brands are "pretty well refined" concerning split limb design. Good luck in you search and good huntin.

Welcome to the OT!!!!

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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