[MishaB]

I'm purchasing an archery bow to go along with my cosplay for ACEN 2011 (going to replace the string on it so it can't fire a projectile). The entire length of the bow is measuring out to be 50 inches (4.16 feet). It's only a little bit over the 4ft limit, but being that it is over limit, would that cause a problem?

[Lina]

They got rid of the 4ft rule this year, but that may change, so I'd wait to see what Rabbi says.

[MishaB]

They did? I missed ACEN this year, so I'm not familiar with what's changed.

[Pau-chan]

Where did you get the cosplay prop bow? :3 I'm looking for one as well since I'm planning to cosplay as Robin Hood.

[Millions_Knives]

atm
props no taller than you in any way
and the bow sting must be loose/ non functioning
so your good

[S1NN3R]

The question is, is it a Pre-bent prop bow (as in it holds its shape w/o a string) If so you should be fine. If not, then it can't be strung at all, making the bow pointles as a prop anyway. If the string is taut, then it is a full functioning firearm and can't be used.

[TheRabbi]

MishaB, on 22 August 2010 - 08:05 PM, said:

I'm purchasing an archery bow to go along with my cosplay for ACEN 2011 (going to replace the string on it so it can't fire a projectile). The entire length of the bow is measuring out to be 50 inches (4.16 feet). It's only a little bit over the 4ft limit, but being that it is over limit, would that cause a problem?

As long as the bow is loosely strung (i.e., with a piece of string or twine) and you are taller than the bow, this prop is fine.

In short: The 4-foot rule was abolished in favor of a "your height" rule, where your prop can be no taller than your own height.

[Emrys]

I would also like to mention that you don't want to have your bow strung unless you actually plan on using it (ie. for shooting at an archery range) because besides the danger of accidentally firing an arrow, you run the risk of dry-firing which can cause the limbs to shatter/crack.

[MishaB]

Rabbi: Ok, thanks for letting me know

To Pau: I just googled fiberglass archery bow and undershopping and under web will pull up a bunch of sites where you can purchase them. The simple fiberglass ones for youth will be the cheapest ones you can buy. The recurve/longbows I've seen running from $100 to over $700.

Everyone else: The bow I'm buying is a already made fiberglass bow, so it's already been bent and formed properly. I'm removing the string that it was built with though and replacing it with a 0.9mm el wire so it won't be able to fire a projectile either way since attempting to use the el wire to fire a projectile would break it.

The bow I'm purchasing is just a base for the one for my cosplay. I'm attempting to replicate the one shown with Sylvanas Windrunner in the WoW gameart pics, so I'm going to be building onto the bow to get the proper shape and width of the bow as well as the details on it.



http://www.zbrushcen...chmentid=203101

This post has been edited by MishaB: 23 August 2010 - 02:08 PM

[S1NN3R]

The bow your describing seems to indeed be a real bow, not a prop. Fiberglass or wood it does not mater. It is indeed intended to be fired not display. Changing line type and/or forcing the bow to unnaturaly bend puts strain on the limbs. This, in turn, will cause the bow to break puting you and the others around you in danger. Given the amount of time 'til the con, there's other safer ways to get a "functioning" prop. If all else fails, PM me and I'll gladly modify one of mine for you.

[MishaB]

I'm not trying to change the shape of the bow in anyway when it comes to how it bends that would put any weird or extra strain on it. If what I'm going to try doesn't work, that I have a back up plan.

[TheRabbi]

Misha,

I should note that, prop rules-wise, you have to string the bow loosely, so there's no tension on the bow or the string at all. The bow's shape should pretty much be what it is when it's unstrung. (I admit that I'm having a hard time figuring out whether this is already what you plan to do, and, if so, I apologize for unnecessary reiteration.) I should also note that, of course, you are not allowed to have any projectiles with you in easy access. So, for example, I have seen people who made quivers of arrows by putting a thing of styrofoam into their quiver and sticking their arrows into that, but just a quiver full of arrows is not allowed.

Everyone else,

It seems like Misha knows what she is doing in regards to her bow and the stresses she is putting on it and so forth, so let's take it a bit easy in here, okay?

[MishaB]

I have a friend who is helping me make the bow instead of buying a basic one instead. I am aware that the string has to be loose, so I've already put that into consideration so the bow can't be functional.

I am planning to make a quiver with arrows, but the arrows are just for appearance. I'm doing the same of have a styrofoam piece at the bottom of the quiver and just have wooden dowels with feathers on the end that sticks out, and maybe just 1 arrow with a fake arrow head (made from craft foam) in case there are fans who want a picture with the bow in an action pose.