String Length Question

[Superdog-1]

I am still relatively new to traditional archery.
All my bows are 58" and when I buy new strings(either from a pro shop,****,or Bob Lee Archery) some might be 54" or 53.75"or 55".What would be the difference when it come to tuning,performance,draw weight,etc.
My bows are 50-55lb(@28") range and I(or they)like 7.75" brace height.Thanks.

[Orion]

Generally, the actual length of a recurve string is 4 inches shorter than the bow length.  That's about what your 54 and 53.75 strings are.  They'll stretch a little when you put them on of course and will need to be twisted to achieve the proper brace height.  The 55-inch string will need to be twisted alot, maybe too much.  If the strings are of the same material and construction, ie all endless loop, or all flemish, they'll shoot the same once shot in, though the greater number of twists in the 55-inch string will probably cause it to stretch a little more during use.

[LBR]

Sounds like you are ordering them by your bow length.  Actual AMO is 3" shorter than the bow, under 100# tension, but that can vary quite a bit with the bow.  Old "rule of thumb" is 3" shorter for a longbow, 4" shorter for a recurve, but that isn't always accurate either.

If the string is a little too long, generally you'll have increased noise, hand shock, and arm slap.  Too short, you loose some performance.  Way too short (or way too long), and you can damage the bow.

Too much twist in the string can cost you performance, and can damage the string.

The best thing to do, IMO, is order a pre-stretched string at the actual string length you need.

Chad

[Superdog-1]

Thanks Jerry and Chad,I have a Bob Lee Dark Archer and ordered a new string from them and it was 55" for a 58" bow.When I called them they said that was what that bow called for.
The pro shop told me that as long as your brace height was the same it didn't matter too much.That it would shoot the same.
Just wondering.Don't want to sacrifice anything or do any damage.Thanks again,Neil.