string help

[LinemanARK]

Just figered out my string was to short why to short both of my bows say 58 inches and my strings are 52 inches how long should my new strings be and do you think it hurt the bows to be shot that way? they were new when I got my bows last week so I never checked them until I read a post on here you guys have really helped me alot so here  is another post I need help with. thanks Mike

[SEMO_HUNTER]

The rule of thumb is -4" from AMO length for recurves, and -3" from actual length for Longbows. So your string is 2" too short to start with and if there is extra twist in the string it could be even shorter?

Read this short explanation from Bowhunting.net on measuring bow string length, it will explain alot. Scroll down past the compound bow portion and read the part about recurves, it even has illustrations on how to measure your recurve for the "Actual Length" so you will know exactly what length string you will need.
http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/dougBesherse-0010.shtml

[LBR]

From the link.


 

3. From the bow length subtract 4" if it is a recurve and 3" if it is a longbow. This is the string length you will need to start with. Two examples are a 60" recurve would take a 56" string, a 64" longbow would take a 61" string.

Keep in mind these are just starting points for string lengths and once you install a string you may have to adjust string length to get the desired brace height. The majority of the time though the string will be just right.

About the only part I agree with is those are starting points.  AMO says 3" shorter, longbow or recurve.  The old "rule of thumb" is 4" shorter for recurves, 3" shorter for longbows.  Either one is hit-or-miss.  I've made longbow strings from 1.5" to 4" shorter than the bow length;  recurve strings from 2.5" to 6" shorter.  It depends on the bow style, how it's marked, what the bowyer reccomends, and what your preferances are.

I don't claim to be any kind of expert, but I have made thousands of custom strings.  I learned a long time ago that you go by actual string length, not the bow length.      

For the original question, if your bows are made to AMO specs they should get an appropriately marked AMO string;  i.e., a 58" AMO bow should get a 58" AMO string (which will measure 55" under tension).

Chad

[LinemanARK]

ok this all helps alot so were do I get a good string for my bows and what does AMO stand for ? guys I really like archery and am learning so much about trad archery this is great stuffI would also like to buy a good take down recurve but a used one does any body have something like that. thanks Mike

[LinemanARK]

ttt

[Cherokee Scout]

AMO is Archery Manufactures Organization. They set some universal standards to help the industry be consistent. Customers will know how every bow weight is measured, bow length etc. Dealers such as 3 Rivers, Lancasters, Kustom King, Big Jim's etc have strings.

[Friends call me Pac]

Sent you a pm.  Welcome to the gang.

[LBR]

AMO is now ATA, but I don't think much changed--string specs didn't.  Again though, not all (nowhere near all) bows follow AMO/ATA manufacturing specs.  ATA is the Archery Trade Association--changed from AMO a few years ago.

There's a few custom string makers around--not hard to find one at all.  Most will make a string for your specific bow.  Most suppliers stock "one size fits all" strings, and don't offer different strand counts, different serving sizes (to fit your particular nock), lengths are by the inch or two inches (i.e., your choices might be 55", 56", 57";  or 54", 56", 58") where custom makers will generally make the string the length you say.  A good custom string is pre-stretched, offered in different materials, and your choice of colors, 2 or 3 bundles (flemish), etc.

[Bjorn]

rezeen, LBR is one of the best custom stringmakers you will find.