Limbs

[Ehunter]

How can you tell if a bow has Barnsdale limbs? Looking at a used 60# bow the owner says tops out at 64#. Figured it might have Barnsdales. Thanks to all who reply!

[bfisher]

What bow? I know Martin was using Barnesdale on the Aliens for a while. I assume this might have been during a period when they were developing their 2010 limbs as replacements for the 2009 limbs.

The only way I know to distinguish Martin limbs from Barnesdale is by reading the limb deflection. All the Martin limbs I've seen have a two digit deflection---3H, 5L, for example. The Barnesdale limbs on my Alien Z have a 3 digit number like 195 or 205.

The other way is that if they have the carbon finish then the edge of the limb, viewed from the side, has two gray/white lines running the length of the limb just under the first lamination, whereas Martin limbs have the same lines only they are red.

[Ehunter]

Thanks Barry. It was on a 2010 Firecat. Found out they are Martin limbs. Just had me wondering since he had 60# limbs set at 64#. I've heard the Barnsdales hold more draw weight than they are rated for, so I thought maybe... lol Think I'll avoid this bow with the draw being heavier than rated.

[Arrow Splitter]

The draw weight is heavier than rated because the cables are twisted too much, so a little cable untwisting should take care of it. Also, it's fine if a bow's draw weight is a little more than what it's rated for, (no more than four pounds or so) as this won't harm anything.

[bfisher]

What Arrowsplitter said. Besides that it's fairly normal for a bow to come out of the bow pulling about 3# more than rated and scales can vary some, too so I wouldn'tbe alarmed about a couple extra pounds.

Those same limbs on a different bow might draw 70#. Depends on the geometry of the bow.

As Arrowsplitter said. You could always remove a few twists from the cables and/or add a couple to the string to bring the weight down. It won't hurt anything and would probably reduce the preload on the limbs and make them more durable. Pound for pound you give up a couple fps, that's all.

[Ehunter]

Thanks for the tip guys. I kinda figured a higher than listed draw weight might weaken or overstress the limbs. Good to know it won't within reason.

[Hutch~n~Son Archery]

Thanks for the tip guys. I kinda figured a higher than listed draw weight might weaken or overstress the limbs. Good to know it won't within reason.

Limbs usually can take more then the listed amount of poundage. But like you said with in reason. Makes it easy to get your bow right on the money for specs.
Hutch