Question on Selfbows

[BobCo19-65]

In order to meet the requirements of the 3d Selfbow class, does the bow have to only be made of one piece of wood? I believe you can also use two pieces sliced together from the same tree.

What about other types of backing? What would be allowable?

Also what about shelfs?

Any links out there describing the requirements?

Thanks.

[Chris W.]

The definition of a selfbow has been pretty broad in the shoots I've been to that have a selfbow class. Most consider any bow without glass or carbon laminations to be eligible to shoot in the selfbow class. I've seen folks shoot everything from true straight limbed selfbows to r/d bamboo backed osage bows in what have been called selfbow classes. I don't know of any official equipment definitions for a selfbow class,like IBO or ASA. I believe most clubsdevelope their own standards as to what is or is not a selfbow.

[LBR]

Yep--what Chris said--depends on where you shoot. I don't know of any that won't allow a bow made from spliced billets, or even extra pieces glued on to form a handle. Some will restrict adding a backing that increases cast/speed, but most will allow snakeskin or other decoration. Some will allow dang near anything, as long as there is no glass on the bow.

Chad