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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Mayhem on March 26, 2025, 07:18:44 AM

Title: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Mayhem on March 26, 2025, 07:18:44 AM

Hey All,

Recently came into possession of another vintage BlackHawk bow made in 1975, this one however has a draw weight of 85# @28”(yeah I know it’s probably super over-bowed for me but the price was right and I was intrigued lol)
Was wondering if Dacron D-55 would be right for it and if so how many strands it should have. I figured a 16 strand would work but my bow string knowledge is limited.
Thanks for reading and look forward to reading any replies/recommendations that come.

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Terry Green on March 26, 2025, 07:56:51 AM

YES!

Now go have fun.

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Mayhem on March 26, 2025, 08:50:43 AM

Easy day. Guess I’ll see if my rotator cuff can keep up or if it craps out.  :biglaugh:

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Jegs.mich on March 26, 2025, 04:10:54 PM

Id you are shooting wood arrows with larger nocks, I would try 16 strand b55 with .014 halo serving. If you are shooting a carbon arrow you are going to need the smallest diameter serving you can find. :campfire:

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: streamguy on March 26, 2025, 06:55:23 PM

I have an older 85# Fedora 560 strung with 18 strands of B55.

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Steelhead on March 26, 2025, 10:49:08 PM

16 should be fine.I would keep it waxed regularly and check for any wear now then in the loops and where it might hit the bow arm fore arm.Replace as necessary.I shot 16 when I was shooting B-50 out of bows from 65 to 70 pounds

I shoot 10 and 12 strand B-55 out of bows around 50 pounds now.

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Lehtis on March 27, 2025, 01:06:22 AM

I have 16 strands with my 80-86 lbs ELB stylish bows. Both B50 (old Dacron) and B55. No problems. Note: I have prestretched my strings with 60 kg overnight before first stringing of my bows.

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Hud on March 27, 2025, 04:41:17 AM

When I was young and foolish, I used 18 strands of dacron B50 on my 80 and 90 lb Hill longbows. 

Title: Re: Will B-55 be strong enough for vintage 85# draw? Strand number recommendations.
Post by: Hud on March 27, 2025, 02:21:17 PM

If your making a new B50 string, wax thoroughly, and twist until you get three twists per inch.