I was teaching a bowhunter education class tonight, using my personal equipment for display. I called for a 10 minute break and went to the bathroom. While people were looking at the table of display items, someone in the class (adult) dry-fired my FX. I know what to look for -- everything seems to be ok (except for the peep that was split in two pieces). Volunteer instructors are not paid and are forced to use their own equipment for display -- so I wonder, given the circumstances, if Mathews would honor a warranty based on the dry-firing incident if their product was used as an educational tool, or beter yet, would they consider allowing instructors a discount for using thier bows for educational props? I find myself second-guessing my decision to bring (expensive) personal equipment into the classroom[>:]. I teach over 300 students annually - using my equipment for display, and I know that several people have bought a Mathews FX after "examining" my personal bow during a class. I would like to know what bow companies do you think would offer instructors an educational discount, or at least honor a warranty if something like this were to occur. In other words, which bow manufacturers do you think are interested in helping us preserve our sport?

Look over your equipment, most of todays bows can take a dry fire, well maybe not a Mathews . Seriously, look it over or take it to your local dealer to check it out. I've seen Hoyts dryfired many times and it only breaks them in. I wouldn't personally dry fire any bow regardless of manufacturer but most come out of it clean.

Is it necessary to draw your bow during class room activities? If not, throw a tie wrap on the cable and string so it can't be drawn, or at least when it's out of your sight.

Good luck with your Mathews.

Get yourself a cheap used bow. Like a Whitetaill II. You should be able to find one for around $30 I'd say. NO WAY would I let a bunch of strangers fondle my LX!!