Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting Sweet, cracked limb and the season is already started...

Noticed a hairline crack starting on my limb at the bottom of the notch for the wheel. Looks to be about half the thickness of the limb, and extends about 3/4" down the front. Season has already started, and a new bow is out of the question. I am sure limbs are no longer under warranty too.

Any bandaids? It is only a hairline crack, but don't know what it could turn into. Wondering if warming the limb, and applying some epoxy would work like on rifle stock cracks? Thinking if nothing else, I shouldn't practice with it anymore, and save it for the kill shot. Input?

Do not shoot it, do not pass go and do not collect $200. This is why you should have a second bow IF possible. Either way get this to the pro shop ASAP before you get hurt when it explodes.

Wow what a coincidental post to my post on archery wear and tear. Read the post I just put up an hour before this one!

Have a backup bow, but it is a 1991 PSE. That thing is long, heavy, and slow.

Long heavy and slow still kills game!

I am actually not that worried about the crack since it is so fine, but it certainly won't be in my plans on future hunts. I am going to shoot the PSE this week, and get it set for a backup. Time for a new bow I guess...Really liked how the martin shot, and just sprang for new cables etc.

Send it to them (Martin). What is the worst they can do say they don't have those limb sets anymore? You might just get a new limb.

Called them, said they could get me some for another $100. Rather put that into a new bow.

I thought Martin limbs were lifetime guarantee? I live 12 miles from the plant, I'm gonna have to swing by and chat with them about this!

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Warranty
Martin Compound Bow Warranty
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY All Martin Compound Bows are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship TO THE
ORIGINAL OWNER, on all risers, limbs, limb pockets, axles, bearings, and cams (everything except the string and cables) for the life of the product*. (Strings and cables are not included, and should be changed either every season, or anytime they show wear, whichever comes first.) Does not apply to the Adventure Series.
(*The life of a bow is determined according to the production cycle of the model and on-hand supply of replacement components. Should a bow no longer be in production and supply of components be exhausted, an upgrade fee may be charged in order to supply the customer with a newer, updated model. Cosmetic finishes or camouflage patterns on replacement parts, warranty or otherwise, are limited to availability.)
The warranty is conditioned upon proof of purchase and other requirements listed below. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SALES RECEIPT BE FILED IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE, AS REPAIRS WILL NOT BE PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY WITHOUT A COPY OF THE DATED SALES RECEIPT. Martin Archery, Inc. warrants that your Martin compound bow will perform its intended function if used in accordance with the instructions provided. This Lifetime Warranty covers only the replacement parts, labor, and return ground transportation costs performed by Martin Archery Inc. to the customer. Transportation for the return of the bow to Martin Archery, Inc. is not covered. No C.O.D. shipments will be accepted by Martin Archery, Inc. Warranty repairs can be performed by an Authorized Martin Dealer, for which Martin Archery, Inc. will cover replacement parts and ground transportation costs to the Authorized Dealer. Labor costs for warranty repairs performed by Authorized Dealers are not covered by Martin Archery, Inc. Martin Archery makes no other warranty either expressed or implied, whether of fitness or of marketability, except as stated above. Any such additional warranty is expressly disclaimed. No agent, employee, or representative of Martin Archery or its dealers has the authority to bind Martin Archery to any agreement not herein stated. Buyer agrees that the sole and exclusive remedies for breach on any warranty concerning Martin Archery Bows shall be repair or replacement of defective parts. Martin Archery shall not be liable for injury or property other than the bow itself. Martin Archery reserves the right to replace defective parts according to availability with compatible replacement parts.
Warranty limitations are as follows: 1. If bow shows signs of misuse, alteration, or mishandling this warranty will be void. Use of arrows weighing
less than five (5) grains per pound of draw weight is considered misuse and will void this warranty.
2. Warranty applies to original components only and does not extend to cover aftermarket strings, cables or accessories.
3. The use of any aftermarket products / accessories that alter the manufacturers specs or design will void the warranty.
4. Claimant must be the original purchaser. This warranty is not transferable. 5. This Warranty pertains only to Martin-made products and does not extend to cover non-Martin accessory
items that may be purchased with the bow. Warranty requests for non-Martin items will need to be made
to the proper manufacturer. 6. All returns to Martin Archery Inc. must be pre authorized. Owner must contact Martin Archery, Inc.
at (509) 529-2554 prior to shipping in order to obtain a Return Authorization number. 7. All accessory items must be removed from the bow prior to shipping. Martin Archery, Inc. will not be
responsible for damage or loss of any accessory item left on the bow. 8. Warranty is not effective unless a copy of the dated sales receipt accompanies the bow. 9. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
* This policy is subject to change and/or cancellation at the discretion of Martin Archery, Inc. * After acquiring a Return Authorization number, send bow to:
Martin Archery, Inc. 3134 Heritage Rd. Walla Walla, WA 99362

Please do. Talked to him on the phone today and was told "$100". These are the "magnum" limbs. Looks like they changed the limbs on the newer models, wonder why...

I have a Hoyt Protec you could use. I can get it to you quick if you need it

'sonora, thanks for the offer, but I think i am better off with something I am familiar with. Really appreciate it though!

PS, I just recontacted Martin via email regarding their warranty. I will post back the results. I am the original owner, and Paypal was able to regenerate my payment receipt. This should be covered by warranty or at least a credit towards a new bow.

Martin archery's definition of "Lifetime" warranty:

"The claim was not dismissed...it's simply a matter of available warranty. A
2002 Phantom Magnum was covered in full for parts the first 5 years after
purchase and half of retail for the remaining life of the product. The full
warranty period expired in 2007. The limbs are still covered under partial
warranty which is why you were quoted $100 rather than the full retail price
of $198.92. The bow is now 9 years old, and out of full warranty, hence the
quote for $100 for replacement limbs."

I know it is an older bow, but seriously, why do they claim "lifetime" if what they mean is 5 years???

That sucks!

Honestly, the bow is old, but still odd they would offer a warranty that doesn't really exist, haha. The real question is...what bow do i get after the season is over? Sorry to all the hardcore bow guys, but I cannot justify spending the same amount on a bow as a gun.

Another reason why I shoot HOYT!

dc-

I have an extra Full Force Archery bow (don't recall the model right now) in 28-30 and 70# that I set up and shot but stuck with my Mathews for hunting. It was new in 2009 - you're welcome to use it this season. Lemme know.

Skane, thanks for the offer, but going to wing it. The season is already going, and heading back out Friday. Shot my older PSE tonight, and it is shooting good enough. Really appreciate it though. Honestly, not that bummed about the Martin, did get my money out of it, just poor timing. Wish I wouldn't have wasted money on the new string/cable set, and new limbsavers a couple months ago though. haha

Spent the $100 bucks on new limbs then ebay it and get your money for the cables, limbsavers and limbs out of it.

I would love to pay for a third set of limbs, since the first two sets both cracked. [bleep] martin...

Get a Mathews....lifetime guarantee.

Won't be another Martin!

I got a PSE stinger this year, I too was shooting an old PSE from the 90's. all I can say is WOW, I shoulda switched sooner, this is the fastest bow I have ever shot and I think I paid around 250 or so including shipping since it was last years model but old stock from an archery shop. check ebay.

I got a PSE stinger this year, I too was shooting an old PSE from the 90's. all I can say is WOW, I shoulda switched sooner, this is the fastest bow I have ever shot and I think I paid around 250 or so including shipping since it was last years model but old stock from an archery shop. check ebay.

Couldn't agree more and my own .02 cents is that we have Matthews to thank for the outrageous prices out there now. Not saying they aren't nice bows and I've had a few, but any archery show that's all you see 99% of the time. They market market market and consequently inflated prices and the other guys followed along.

Anywho... When the time comes, just keep an eye out for a last years hold over model for a nice discount. I picked up a NIB Diamond Black Ice a couple years ago for around 400-450.00 shipped. That was about 200.00 off the same bow, but new inventory.

Couldn't be happier with the bow

What I find odd about archery is the pricing structure. For example, when I was looking at the new Martins, all the single cams use the same cams and wheel, the same limbs, grip, and most likely axles and bearings, strings/cables. So basically the only thing different is the riser. All were made from machined aluminum. So where does the price difference come from? How can they justify charging $300 more for basically the same bow, but with a different handle? They all shoot about the same speed too. Seems like all archery companies do this to a point.

It is like archery companies pull a price out of their ass.

I would strongly reccomend looking for a Hoyt Turbohawk. Still some unfired ones out there. And tons of very gently used ones. Price is right on them too if you buy bare bow. Love mine. And as a suggestion...archerytalk.com is your friend

I had a Matthews with a lifetime guarantee. It cracked a limb right at the axle. I spent 6 months trying to get it replaced.

Finally gave it away to someone who paid for a new limb. Probalby the biggest hassle and letdown of all the stuff I have ever owned outdoor related.

Problem solved...the wifey surprised me with a brand new, 2010 Diamond Stud bow tonight for my b-day, which is a week away. Haven't gotten to shoot it yet obviously, but pretty excited!

Now that's a nice wife...hope you like the new bow too..

That's a good wife you better keep her happy.

Thanks.

I slapped some accessories on it last night, and got to shoot it a few times before it got dark. That thing is really smooth, and quiet. Cannot believe what a difference it is from that POS Martin. Going to shoot through paper tonight and get it dialed. Hunting with it in less than 2 weeks!

Must be just you....I have never had a problem and many of my hunting pards have neither.

I will give Mathews this...they certainly were innovators, but I think other companies have caught up with them at this point. Especially offering a similar product for a lot less money.

I agree.

I always said the archery business was much like computers....they just keep getting better and better every few months.

Many other archery companies have gotten good....real real good.

Put a drop of super glue on the crack. They do it with traditional bows all the time.

I'll pay for the super glue if you fire a few dozen arrows with it.

I'd do it for free. If you don't appreciate how well it works for this sort of thing you should take up knitting.

Ummm yeah, already glued it, and the glue cracked too. The crack is spreading, but doesn't matter since I have a new bow.

I would use a two part epoxy before super glue. But as dogcatcher223 said he has a new bow now.

Paper shot the new bow tonight. Moved the rest maybe 1/16", and it was shooting bullet holes!