Kodiak String Length

[brianvanh]

I've had a '67 Kodiak Hunter in storage for a while now, and I'm cleaning it up to shoot.  I want to be careful with it because I know it hasn't seen any action in a while.  It looks to be in good shape despite some dust.  

That said, it's marked as 58" and 45#.  When I measure nock to nock, i get 53"and the old string measures 54".  My understanding is that AMO standards started after 1967 which explains the simple 58" marking.  My questions are:

1.  What length should a new string be?  The 54 inch old string seems to fit AMO standards, but I've seen people suggest both -4 and -3 string lengths.  What is the best way to determine proper string length?  Should I use my tillering string and find the proper brace height?  If so, what should brace height be on these old bows?  8"?

2.  What string material is best for these bows?  Any suggestions?

3.  Any suggestions for folks on here who could make me a good string?

Thanks in advance.

[wadde]

A 54 inch Dacron string should give you a brace height between 7 and 8 probably 7 1/4 to 7 1/2. I have purchased strings from Bear Bowman Steve Smith in the past. There are others on this site also that make nice strings, maybe they will chime in.

[Blackhawk]

I agree with wadde on string length of 54" and I've found them to be good shooters with a brace around 8".  I also like the flemish twist B50, but low stretch with padded loops works also.

[Larry m]

Lots of good info on traditional strings can be found at,
"Measuring Traditional Bow Strings - The Right Way" by Marvin Long, maker of Tailor Maid Bowstrings.
 
A quality string maker!

[brianvanh]

I got ahold of BearBowman and he's going to set me up with what I need.  Thanks!!

[stagetek]

I would get a 53.5-54" B-55 Flemish Dacron string. Less stretch than the B-50, and perfectly safe for older bows. Another tip would be to talk to Chad at Champion Strings. He'll set you up.