[SCA-AE] RE: looking for some combat archers that shot at pennsic

[Tessa]

Yes, only 100 psi is approved for crossbow bolts.  The 160 because it's
stiffer and thicker with no flex isn't good for bolts.  I helped conduct the
testing and I did the approval (on the Society level), so I saw all of the
test results.

160 psi during field testing actually can and did crack ribs (thru armor).
Not good at all.  We followed up those results, along with similar results
from other testers (all came in around the same time, from different
kingdoms) that resulted in bruised ribs from the bolts.  The subsequent
testing that we did, proved that there is a significant difference between
the two (100 and 160).  The 100 psi hits solid and can leave a bruise (on
bare flesh), but the 160 was often considered excessive.. especially when it
hit certain areas or the edges of someone's armor.  This testing also proved
that we needed padding (some people felt it wasn't necessary) on the bolts.

The simple answer is there are specific standards and specific materials
that are allowed for combat archery.  100 psi is approved and legal for
crossbow bolts, 160 psi is not.  I have a page on my website that lists
what's approved for Polyethylene Piping as equivalents to Siloflex.

Now the good news, for those gentles who bought the 160 psi, it can be cut
down to make APDs.. so it's not wasted.  The rubber stoppers can be
re-used.. and if anyone needs a source for the straight 100 psi (since you
can't go buy it at Lowe's/home depot), just let me know.

When the APD ruling came out (6 months before and the following year to 2
years afterwards), we conducted a ton of testing on combat archery gear.
One of the advantages of being in that Society level position is that I got
to see first hand examples of everything that was being tested and I got to
confirm test results.. and assign people to test different designs, etc.
So, I know all about of the existing combat archery designs and the whys,
dos and don'ts. :)

It seems my website is currently having some problems, so if anyone needs
the Equivalents page or my list of suppliers, etc.. just let me know.  :)  I
created the website to make it easier for people to find stuff..  Now I need
to figure out what's up with my website..

I hope that helps.

Tessa, Regina



is there a specific reason why a sturdier 160 psi bolt would fail
inspection? I know darn well that it has nothing to do with flexibility or
collapsibility as the normal siloflex is very rigid. Could it have been over
some weight limit? I would like to know how something that would appear to
be more safe (less likely to break) as well as more durable fails to meet an
inspection standard. I guess it is just the engineering in me... Taranach