Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bow101 on February 01, 2012, 12:57:07 am
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Noob Question here from a Bowyer Rookie......!
What the hey are tip overlays for.....and why do they have to be harder material than the limb itslef..?
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Tip overlays can be decorative, support and strengthen the tips, or both. There's no requirement that the overlay must be harder, but if it is reinforcing the limb tip it works better if it is. I put mesquite overlays on my osage bows for looks, the mesquite is a softer wood than osage. If you're going to shoot fast flight string, the overlay can be very important by helping prevent the string from cutting into the bow back. However, in my case they are purely ornamental.
George
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In most cases tip overlays are for cosmetic reasons. They look cool! 8) With soft woods like ERC or yew, tip overlays help protect the softer wood from string damage.