Hatfield/recurve shooters....unstrung storage

[Leo L.]

Got a question for the Hatfield/recurve shooters out there.  I guess it would apply to lots of other recurves as well.

I've been sliding the top loop of my string over the top limb when I unstring it to maintain brace height and to keep it secure. That's the way I was taught.  However, I keep tearing up my string where it rides against the wood, and also messing with the finish on my limb by doing this.  

Am I the only one with this problem?  Should I have my string maker make me a new string with the top loop big enough to fit around the limb easily? Is this safe for shooting?

And leaving it strung is not an option all the time.  Any help is appreciated.  Thanks.

[indianalongbowshooter]

Id just have a string made with a little larger loop if its too tight but its still going to rub you limb when its slid down getting wax on it..

[wislnwings]

Leo I just wax the loop more often to help minimize the wear.  A slightly larger loop might also help.

[Indie]

Use a string keeper

[Leo L.]

Indie, do you mean leaving the string off the limb completely and keeping it in place with a string keeper?  I never really thought about that.  

Just figured the string keeper was for the skinny limbs where the string will not stay in place.

Thanks.

[jchunt4ever]

Well, to answer your original question, I too have a Hatfield recurve and don't have the problem you speak of. If memory serves me correct, the string that was on the bow when I purchased it had this problem, but all the custom strings I have had made for it since have not.

You guys talk about unstringing the bow without leaving the loop on the top limb.... How in world would this possible to do, unless it is a low poundage bow and you have the strength of an ox? I certainly don't see how you could do this with a stringer to prevent limb twist.

One other suggestion I have is maybe sanding the finish off of the limbs and getting them real smooth, especially on the edges, then refinish them. Maybe they are a little rough and causing abrasion to the string.

[Leo L.]

My Hatfield is an older one....73-ish.  Is it possible your limbs are skinnier? But then again, I'll have to get the measurements for my top limb to the stringmaker next time, I've just been giving him AMO.  And unstringing the bow and leaving the top loop off? Easy right? Just as if you were to take the string off. Then just slip on a string keeper.  I may need to do that for now until I get a new string.