The position of Oneida Bow’s regarding the Stealth is based on consumer safety. Converting existing Stealth’s to the Black Eagle is the repair option recommended. This is based strictly on the history of the model’s performance following its release for 3 years beginning in 1998.

As a comparison, there were an estimated 1,500 Stealth’s delivered to the public during this 3 year period. Larger companies today routinely exceed this number in a one week production cycle.

To help give examples of this position, 132 Repair Orders from 1998 were reviewed. All were for the Stealth model, and were chosen randomly from the documents on file at C.P. Oneida. Please note that these are not all the repair orders recieved for the production life of this bow, only a portion of the first years production.

We have tried to categorize the information in a way that can help viewers understand problems the model experienced. Debate could take place as to why these problems occurred and the financial effect it had on the company, but the focus here is on consumer safety at this time.

The following information is taken directly from the Repair Orders, an explanation will follow, as needed, regarding how we arrived at the numbers presented.

Documented problems and action taken.

Locked or Cocked in the drawn position – 44
This was indicated on the repair orders, with some bows strapped in this position when shipped.

Number of Bows Limbs were replaced on – 81
This number includes power and outboard limbs, from 1 to all 4. This number does not include bows listed as replaced.

Number of Bows cam or cams were replaced on – 49
This includes any cam replacement, but not those counted under bows replaced.

Number of Stealths with miscellaneous parts replaced - 116
This includes other parts not listed in other categories. Such as power cables, yoke cables, grips, bolts/screws, hinges, etc.



Timing cable broken or replaced – 47
This number is indicated under miscellaneous parts, but helps identify one specific area of concern.

Tighten or Adjustments only – 9
Listed as repairs on orders.

Refund Given – 4
As requested or directed by Oneida.

Replaced Bow – 11
As listed by Oneida.

Rebuilt Bow – 5
Entire bow rebuilt using existing riser

No let off – 4
Listed on the repair orders, other problems may have been included.

Repeat repairs of same bow - 17

We hope this repair information helps viewers understand Oneida Bows position.

Great info Lyle. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I've never had any problems with mine. Love the bow. The Stealth's biggest problem in my opinion was it was released too fast. More RnD should have taken place before it came out. The Stealth cam is still one of the most inovative things ever put out at Oneida. There are still a few people that can take a problem Stealth and make it a fabulous shooter. Kind of like the back yard mechanic that can throw away the Chiltons manual and tune a carburator like no body else. There are out there you just have to find them. Just my opinion.

Badger,

I'm glad you do have one that serves you well. When I purchased mine a few years ago, I was told by many that they were the Oneida to have - in public. But then I recieved 4 private emails from individuals that told me that they could be dangerous if you didn't know what you were doing, they could lock up and more - I didn't want to take a chance. And the surprising thing? These emails were from some of the same people I believe you are referring to in your post.

Our safety concern is based on the limb failures, lock ups, etc, that could put the average archer/hunter in a bad situation - one that could have been avoided. The Ford Pinto may have been made safe also, with modifications, but not safe for sale to the general public, nor profitable for Ford. Lawsuits, and potential lawsuits, based on known design deficiencies resulting in injuries to the consumer - that is a real world consideration from a financial standpoint.

And the financial end would be the least of my concern. Knowing someone was injured in any way - not an acceptable option, in my opinion. Can it happen with most any product? Yes. But when historical performance, or lack of performance is clear, that leads me to find a safer option to enjoy my leisure time.

I agree that research and development was lacking. That's when Loomis introduced the Black Eagle. With the high level of cams and limb failures on the Stealth, it had to be a financial burden for the company.

And remember, the Stealths advertised ibo in 2000 was 305 fps. There's been a lot of talk about how this bow could have performed. But I keep trying to figure out why, in 9 years no one has developed the design? Safety, maybe?

I wish anyone well that enjoys archery, trying to come up with something better, faster and more fun. But what you or I do in our garage may not necessarily be the best option for larger scale public offerings.

Some of my thoughts.
Lyle