Strings

[Mclineman]

I’m new to traditional, purchased a longbow a year ago. I shoot quite a bit. How often do I need to change out the bow string? My arrow knocks have gotten real loose and several of them fall off as I’m drawing back. Just noticed this happening the last few weeks. Any guidance is appreciated.

[Orion]

Sounds as if your serving is being compressed where it holds the knock.  You may or may not need a new string.  Look for wear spots/broken strands in the loops,a lot of fuzziness on the string itself.  A good waxing will take care of the fuzziness.  If the loops are wearing, you should probably replace the string.  Likewise if the fibers under the serving are showing wear.

If not, you can reserve the string, or wrap some thread/dental floss or tape over that area so the nocks fit snugly.  Dangerous to shoot the bow as it is.  You'll end up dry firing it, which could damage it.

I'd advise getting at least one more string regardless.  Should always have a shot-in back up just in case your string breaks for some reason or you cut it accidentally. 

[GCook]

I don't reserve strings anymore.  They are inexpensive enough I don't hesitate to buy new ones every 10,000 shots or so.

[Mclineman]

Thanks, I’ll check that. Is a string a string? I know the guy that built this bow put a Flemish on it. Any recommendations?

[Steelhead]

Is string is not a string when it comes to bows.A good string is quality built,near perfect in length,Serving size is important which is your issue,serving length from where it starts and ends,strand count of the string,silencers used,loop size, and tie on nocks or crimp on brass nocks.The other choice is material.Of which their are many choices.Contact a stringmaker and work it out.He may want to know what type of nock you use so their not to tight or too loose.I would rather have tighter than looser personally.Especially if I was new to shooting and having issues with relaxing the fingers during the draw of the bow.A claw type draw hand so to speak.You don't want to dry fire the bow and blow it up.Its hard on the bow

I would look at the Venders list for stringmakers.Then contact one or 2 and let them help you build the perfect string for your bow with their advice.They will need measurments of a few things from you.

Your bow will shoot better with the right string and be safer as well.

I mostly have used SBD Silent but Deadly Bowstrings and 10 ring bowstrings.I think their both in the Sponsers/Venders Section if you take a look.Thier are other very good string makers as well besides the two I mentoned.

[stevem]

When I used B-50 (dacron) I would change out strings once a year just before hunting season.  Now use fast flight material, and see no reason to change them out for years.  If you have a fast flight string, do yourself a favor and invest in a serving jig and serving material.  For nock fit, serve a short section (1/2") and test nock fit.  If loose, add in a couple of pieces of thread lengthwise, then serve another 1/2" and check nock fit. Repeat as needed.  When your nocks fit just right, serve the remaining 6" or so.  I have bought two strings from Stildub- very pleased. 

[acedoc]

i am leery of string wear after a bowstring parted on my SS recurve ! it was an oem string and had way less than 10k shots on it. i always keep some shot in strings ready and change them out at the first sign of wear at the centre serving !

bow strings cause a quantifiable change in the bow ! i much prefer flemish twist to the endless loop. i interacted with SBD , Champion and Allen of ten ring. all are positive helpful folk, though i have only dealt with Allen. i prefer the feel of his bowstring which has a higher thread count than the oem strings - keep in mind that it is MY Perception ! YMMV several folks have vouched for the excellent string quality of the toelke bows and i keep a brace of them on order !