Ok, my bow just exploded in my hand!

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
918
Location
Milwaukee, WI
What now?

I was getting it ready for turkey hunting on Wednesday this week here in WI, when my cable broke during a draw cycle. I'm pretty sure I pooped my pants? I recently checked the string & cable, and didn't see any potential disasters. Guess I missed something?

Some background information... The bow was a 2004 Mathews Outback, so "yes" it was an older bow. I replaced the string & cable every two years. It seems to have sustained some damage from the incident. The draw stop was sheared off the bottom cam. There is now a dent, from the draw stop, in the string dampener attached at the end of the bottom limb. There may be more damage, but I am unqualified to assess it? Obviously, I will have to let a shop look at it before I proceed with a repair.

At the very least, I will need a string, cable, and possibly the bottom cam repaired. What would a ballpark repair cost?

Should I cut my losses and get a new bow?

I only ask because I was very comfortable with my setup and it shot so well for me. Or is it like a car, where technology has surpassed its repaired value? Meaning will it cost more to fix then it's worth?

I know there are some knowledgeable people here, so please bombard me with your wisdom. If you have any further questions, feel free to fire away before delivering a verdict.

By the way, I'll be hunting turkeys with a shotgun this year, so I have some time to figure this whole situation out.

Thanks in advance,
-Brock
 
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ten years old? cut your losses and bite the bullet for a new one. If a cam is bent/broke your going to have at least a couple hundred into a ten yr old bow. You ever check out Forge in New Berlin? Steve is a good friend of mine, come out with a new bow but I haven't shot it yet.
 
If you are the original owner of the bow then this should be covered under warranty except for the strings. Just be honest with the dealer on what happened. If you are not the original owner a new cam is going to run about $90, limbs about $150(if needed), and strings anywhere from $75-150 depending on the maker.

The Outback is a great bow. Still shoots really well. If you like it and shoot it well then I'd get it fixed.
 
Limbs tend to break in the pockets that being said I had this same thing happen on a Hoyt kateria and only had to replace string and cable so hopefully you'll be as lucky
 
glad you werent hurt! sorry i cant say the same about your underwear :(

personally i would start off with another bow. two reasons..10 years is a long time, and my confidence in that bow would be gone..i would flinch like a mofo.
 
If you are the original owner of the bow then this should be covered under warranty except for the strings. Just be honest with the dealer on what happened. If you are not the original owner a new cam is going to run about $90, limbs about $150(if needed), and strings anywhere from $75-150 depending on the maker.

The Outback is a great bow. Still shoots really well. If you like it and shoot it well then I'd get it fixed.

I am the original owner. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice...
 
I would just buy a new bow. Faster, easier and gives you piece of mind (not to mention a better bow). Definitely not the cheapest method though.
 
Take it to a dealer, get an estimate on cost to repair...but also shoot some new bows while you are there. The decision might be easier than you think.
 
sounds like a great time to upgrade. go pull back a few new ones and i bet you forget all about your old outback.
 
i waited 8 years before moving to a new bow.the whole shopping, shooting, and finaly set up was fun. i probably wont get to do it again for a long time. i think you should take this as a "sign", and move on.
 
Glad you're okay! The scariest bow I've seen exploded was an Oneida and parts flew everywhere. We were shooting animals leagues and I was the person right next to him.

Like stated I'd get it repaired or if you have the itch to buy a new one you'll get some of the new technology on the market in today's bow.

I'd also definitely have a pro shop look at it for any other damage.
 
A little update... I took the Outback back to the shop where I purchased it, and they (or Mathews?) agreed to warranty everything but the string & cables. Mind you, I am the original owner. I am waiting for the repairs to be completed. In the interim, I have shot a ton of bows and I decided to purchase a 2013 Hoyt Spyder Turbo off the forum here. We will see where this leads? I now have a few choices. The archery shop gave me a few options too. They would work out a trade and a discount on a new bow, or a nice discount on strings. They wanted to use my case as positive advertising for warranty service on used equipment. So far so good...
 
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A little update... I took the Outback back to the shop where I purchased it, and they (or Mathews?) agreed to warranty everything but the string & cables. Mind you, I am the original owner. I am waiting for the repairs to be completed. In the interim, I have shot a ton of bows and I decided to purchase a 2013 Hoyt Spyder Turbo off the forum here. We will see where this leads? I now have a few choices. The archery shop gave me a few options too. They would work out a trade and a discount on a new bow, or a nice discount on strings. They wanted to use my case as positive advertising for warranty service on used equipment. So far so good...

Now that changes everything. Haha. Good luck.
 
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