Limb Tip Protector

[Stephen Graf]

#153008

When I went to Cody Wyoming and took John Schulz’s class, I had a bow with a limb tip protector on it. After I strung up my bow and presented myself with bow, quiver, and arrows for inspection, John looked at my bow and said “get that thing off there”. Which I did. Our conversation took many turns and we never got back his explanation as to why.

Which means that maybe I am still in the dark.

That said, for just a little more than the cost of a rubber limb tip protector from 3Rivers, I bought a can of Plasti Dip and can “custom” mold untold thousands of limb tip protectors (and who knows what else?).

I often lean my bow against a tree while taking a leak or dressing out a monster buck (usually the former, rarely the latter). So even if it is somehow “bad form” to use a limb tip protector, I guess I will anyway.

2 dips provided a very thin durable tip that won’t come off till you want it to. Then it easily peels off, but can’t be reused.

[Stix]

#153026

I have heard that limb tip protectors have the potential to hold moisture which could be detrimental to the limb tip over time.

[Stephen Graf]

#153035

While that may be true with conventional protectors that just get pushed on, I doubt these custom molded limb tip protectors (which should have no voids between the limb and the protector) have any more chance to hold moisture than a grip wrap does, or the straps from a strap on quiver does.

That said, it would be an easy thing to test…

1. Apply the limb tip protector and allow to cure for 24 hours.
2. Then soak the limb tip in water for a few hours.
3. Then allow the limb tip to air dry for 24 hours.
4. Then peel of the limb tip.
5. Any moisture there?

The power of curiosity and peer reviewed science over ignorance and anecdote!  I’ll get off my soapbox now (rolling eyes emoji).

[Stix]

#153038

Agree with you Stephen. The plastic dip stuff shouldn’t allow moisture to build as there are no voids for it to seep in or to collect in. I was referring to the commercial ones.

Also, I don’t use them or have any experience with them. I was answering your original question about being in the dark as to why John Schultz suggested to remove the tip protectors. I based this on what people more experienced than I have relayed to me regarding a negative aspect of using them.

 

But it leads me to also think if the plastic dip removes so easily,  that the bond to the tip may degrade over time allowing moisture to seep in. Jusy like a bumper sticker on a car starts to lose it’s adherence over time. And with the bow limbs constantly flexing and absorbing shock, this may exaserbate it.

 

I don’t know if it’s possible, but just thinking out loud. But then again this is traditional archery, so there is no need to over-analyze this. The simplicity of traditional equipment is what attracts us. It’s just the retired aerospace engineer in me, trained to prove cause and effect, showing it’s sometimes ugly face.

God Bless <><

[richard roop]

#153043

I buy rolls of Core Vet wrap in the pet section at Wally World. Same stuff that they sell in Pharmacy & Sporting Goods, only cheaper.

Lots of uses, one of which is a limb protector. I cut thin strips of the stuff and lay a couple on lengthwise then wrap another around to hold it on. If moisture gets in, the stuff seems to be porous enough to let it dry.

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