Well, it has a possibility of a fatal flaw. I shot it a solid 100 times, and at least 20 times today after discovery of the crack. I never heard it, or felt it happen. It's not a splinter, and its 6 inches above the fade on the upper limb. If anything it's a bit stiff there. Its isn't spreading, and it isn't broke... yet. The edge is nicely radiused and has been before ever braced. I dont know what caused this, there is no knots or anything there.