Destringing Vortex and dissipators?

[BillK]

Last night I destrung my dad's Ibex and my Vortex for a couple of months of storage - prior to removing the string we cocked each bow and removed the dissipator pads on then ends - but left the bars attached with the small rubber pads attached.

Should we have removed the bars entirely or just the end rubber pads? I'm guessing I can remove them tonight if need be - but it didn't appear there was any excess pressure on those tiny rubber pads under the bars where they bolt to the riser. Or has the damage been done and should we just get new little pads for under the bars before next season?

Also - while I had no problem destringing dad's Ibex for him - my Vortex was a real bear to do. I could barely pull the string aid up and cock it. I'm wondering if others have issues with the Vortex - I didn't think 25lbs of draw weight would make that big of a difference but apparently it does. I have recently dropped about 28lbs of excess weight so that may be an issue - but wow - I can't imagine I'm THAT weak.

Thanks.

Bill

[Normous]

Just remove the pads and leave the DB bars attached.
Your weight loss may have something to do with the extra effort needed. Did you loose muscle mass during the weight loss? Are you actively participating in regular physical exercise?

[awshucks]

Use your rope cocker w/ stringing aid, makes life simpler for us older guys, lol. I '86ed the plastic sleeve, btw.

[bowmaker]

Yes definitely use the regular cocker rope on the stringing aid. When I first got the aid I tried to put it on the limbs and just pull it back to hook in the cocking latch, like Bill did on the videos. No way in this world could I do that! Watched the rest of the video and he showed how to use the aid with the cocking rope and all was good from then on. That first time I pulled so hard on the Axiom that I almost passed out, but I am getting old.

[j.krug]

Just the pads off is good. I unstring my Vortex by hand without using the stringing aid. It's easier and quicker for me but I'm sort of a large fellow.