A lot of glass threads

[Buemaker]

I have BoTuff from 20 years ago that is clear, how come they could do it then and not now?   :confused:

[Archer Dave]

Stop buying and selling clear glass, that would get their attention and maybe make them consider fixing the problem.

[Al Dean]

If what 7 Lakes thinks is true then it is not only cosmetic but rather structurally unsound also.

[canopyboy]

I wouldn't go so far as to say it is unsound Al. Definitely a full matrix of glass fibers and resin gives you the highest strength, as long as there is not extra resin. You want the absolute minimum resin to glass ratio to make a complete matrix. Extra resin adds weight but not strength and in the case of fixed dimensions just diminishes glass content and therefore strength.

Glass fibers are what carry the load. They are all still in the glass. The can all still carry the load as long as they are supported. In tension, this is easy. In compression, you need to keep them from buckling. Getting enough resin in the matrix to adequately support the glass fibers and tie them together is a lower bar than a full matrix that ends up being streak free and pleasing to us bowyers. The difference is something like 99% impregnation versus 100-103%. Strength-wise that won't matter to most of us, but we can sure see the 1% deficiencies.

Unless the streaking is more pronounced than what we usually post here as "bad", I don't think anyone will see a structural failure from this. It really is just cosmetic at this point imo. If you want a little added safety, put the streakier pieces on the back where they are in tension and the resin is less critical. (Besides, which side do you look at the least?)

As for everyone buying less or none until they fix the problem, I don't think that's how the world works. Companies like Gordons respond to market pressure. The market has to be big enough in the overall scope of their business model to exert the pressure. I don't think clear BoTuff is that big for them. I deal with companies like this all the time. I get the feeling that our bow glass is something that their upper management is just as inclined to walk away from as fix. Decreasing demand isn't going to make that better. Contacting the company and expressing demand for a better product instead is the way to go imho.

[canopyboy]

Although I agree with your earlier post Al, making all wood bows puts everything back under your own control. There's a lot to be said for that. And I think LittleBen has proven to me that all wood bows can be every bit as beautiful if not more so and perform amazingly well.