Close call

[bowhunter163]

I got into the habit flexing my arrows on the way back from the target after every shot a few months ago . After seeing all the posts about it on AT . Well even though I still do it I've always kinda just brushed it off as a waste of time . That is untill tonight . I pulled my arrow out of the target and the first flex snap!!!!!!!! Talk about a close call . I will tell you now I will never shot an arrow without flexing it first again !

 

[pass-thru]

So you broke your arrow. I don't understand how this is a good thing.

I've been shooting almost 20 years. I don't flex my arrows. And I never had one break.

 

[bowhunter163]

The arrow was weak , I flexed the arrow after I pulled it from the target and it snapped . So... If I would have shot this arrow again there is a strong possibility that it could have splintered causing a dry fire type reaction from my bow or worse , an arrow through the hand . Look up some pictures of these incidents ...... I don't flex them hard at all . Just enough to ensure stability .

 

[scn]

So you broke your arrow. I don't understand how this is a good thing.

I've been shooting almost 20 years. I don't flex my arrows. And I never had one break.

If you ever see the gruesome pictures of carbon slivers in hands and arms from one that virtually explodes on the shot due to being cracked you will definately understand the need to flex them when you pull them out of the target.

 

[Food Plot 101]

How long are most carbons good for? Depend on brand?

 

[bowhunter163]

How long are most carbons good for? Depend on brand?

it just depends .... Sometimes there is a bad one that won't last very long at all . These arrows are less than 3 months old . Mind you I shoot more than the average person ..

 

[Bowdacious]

How long are most carbons good for? Depend on brand?

In my case, it depends on what you hit with them. I always flex mine. Can't be too careful.

 

[in the dog house]

Yup me too

 

[Barrett]

Never heard of this. Guess ill start

 

[scn]

Hitting one in the target with an "almost" robinhood can be enough to crack it and cause the problem. A broken arrow is MUCH cheaper than an ER visit.

 

[bowhunter163]

Hitting one in the target with an "almost" robinhood can be enough to crack it and cause the problem. A broken arrow is MUCH cheaper than an ER visit.

I completely agree . Wayyyy cheaper . I have no idea what happened with this arrow . I was shooting spots on the bag . I don't shoot groups anymore ,unless its past 30 . it's too expensive for me .

 

[Nimrod777]

I regularly show carbon arrow fracture photos to my hunter safety students. It helps drive home the need for safety.

Rather than post the gruesome results here, I'll recommend that anyone not familiar with what a weakened carbon arrow can do upon launch should google some images.

Here's a page dedicated to the explanations behind flexing:
http://www.huntersfriend.com/arrow-safety-warning.htm

 

[TAFKAP]

Interesting...I can probably count on both hands the number of arrows I've ever slung downrange. Thanks for the warning.

 

[Redwing]

I have been "Educated", thanks. I always thought they were either good to go or broke.

 

[Crow Terminator]

When carbon arrows shatter, it wont be just one visit to the hospital. You're looking at several to get the slivers out...and they still may not get them all. Every carbon arrow on the market has warning labels on each shaft advising people to flex first before shooting.

I've flexed them before and they just splinter like crazy...scary indeed. Some choose to ignore the warnings...to me it's like not wearing your safety harness in a treestand. You may do it hundreds of times without incident but if something does ever happen, it's gonna be bad.

 

[Otterman]

So you broke your arrow. I don't understand how this is a good thing.

I've been shooting almost 20 years. I don't flex my arrows. And I never had one break.

You are CRAZY not to!!!! Had one explode during flex testing scared the **** out of me. Always after every shot!!!

 

[TRIGGER]

How far do you flex them to test?

 

[infoman jr.]

I do this for the same reason gun manufacturers proof barrels.

 

[Unicam]

Great info!

 

[bowhunter163]

How far do you flex them to test?

I don't flex them very hard at all. You will know it as soon as you flex it if something isn't right . I always wondered if I was flexing them far enough because I've never had an issue . And then this time it broke . I flex the front end a little , move to the middle , flex the rear of the arrow , and then put it back in my quiver.