The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·09132·Announced 2009-02-18

BowTech Archery Recalls The General Compound Bows Due to Limb Breakage

BowTech Archery is recalling The General compound bows because the limbs can unexpectedly break, posing a risk of injury to users and bystanders.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has been reported (11 reports of lacerations, abrasions, or contusions), but no fatalities or serious injuries requiring hospitalization are explicitly stated, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

BowTech Archery, of Eugene, Ore., is recalling about 8,000 "The General" compound bows. The recall involves hunting and target models with draw weights of 60 and 70 pounds that do not have a collet in the limb. The bows measure about 31 inches long and have draw lengths of 26-30 inches. Hunting models were sold in camouflage patterns, while target models were sold in gray, black, and wood-grain. The bows feature laminated wood grips engraved with "BowTech" and a label with "The General" on the center pivot point of the bottom limb.

The ends of the bow's limbs can unexpectedly break during use, sending fragments of the bow in the direction of the user or bystanders. This poses a risk of injury. The firm has received 255 reports of the bow's limbs breaking, including 11 reports of lacerations, abrasions, or contusions when pieces from the breaking bow struck the user.

The recalled bows were sold at authorized BowTech dealers nationwide from September 2007 through July 2008 for about $800. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bows and contact their dealer to schedule a free repair. For more information, contact BowTech Archery at (888) 689-1289 anytime or visit the company's Web site at www.bowtecharchery.com.

The recalled product

Product
The General Compound Bows
Manufacturer
BowTech Archery, of Eugene, Ore.
Category
Consumer Product — Archery Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
8,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · structural failure

See all →