Deep Thoughts on serving...

[crgaston]

I wonder why it is that all my bowstrings have about 2 inches of serving above the nock point and between 6 and 8 inches below it...?

Given that the point of a skinny string is to reduce air resistance, doesn't it seem that all this unnecessary serving would be counterproductive?

Is there some other function it performs that I'm missing?

Also, nonstrech strings seem to sting my tendons (not just the fingertips) more than dacron... is this simply a function of the smaller diameter or is there something else happening?  

I am wondering if a triple-served skinny string with only 4-5 inches or so of appropriately-placed serving might not be ideal.  

Would love to hear your thoughts on all this.

[stickbowhntr]

well to the first question the longer serving below is due to string slapping your arm/guard-this keeps it fro harming the string.
Second the fact it hurts more is dur to much less string stretch and thus hand shock.

[Coonbait]

The serving protects the string from wear. 2" above for fingers. 6" below for fingers and arm guard.
GLENN

[crgaston]

Well I learned something new... thanks y'all!

Now I wonder if the nonstrech strings have greater abrasion resistance than dacron, and if the additional serving might be, if not unnecessary, then perhaps less necessary, especially on my forwasd-riser longbow?

[chopx2]

Might get you a couple FPS, but a cut string could get you a broken bow...not worth the risk in my mind.

Another reason why despite how cool it looks I'd never put a knife on an armguard...

[Steelhead]

One other thing not mentioned is a bow square fits better when the string is served a few inches above the nock.

You definatly want to protect that area of the string with serving long enough to increase the durabilty and long life of the string.I get a little wear down low on the string if the servings to short from string contact over time on the armguard.I actually prefer the serving longer by an inch or so than most I see.It would be better if I got no string contact at all on the forarm.But it happens sometimes and over time that area will show some wear for me.

[Ray Hammond]

dang...

I thought "Jack Handy" was a trad bowhunter for a minute!!!!!!!!

[MnFn]

huh?

[Ray Hammond]

You're probably too young to remember early Saturday Night Live-  they used to have a weekly segment called "Deep Thoughts" by Jack Handy

Funny stuff but only if you've seen it

Maybe YouTube has some segments

Didn't mean to derail the thread -
apologies

[MnFn]

Thanks for the explanation Ray. Actually, I was in the Army when SNL first aired (so definately not too young), and watched it regularly. I knew I had heard the name but could not remember from where.
Gary

[30coupe]

Low stretch string does tend to last longer than Dacron, but it will wear from contact with your armguard. Since there are fewer strands, I think it is even more critical to protect it with serving. Speed is over-rated. Quiet is what kills.

I find a great deal LESS hand shock and wear on my joints with skinny D97 strings compared to B50. That, rather than speed, is the reason I use them. The shock comes from the heavy string following the arrow at the shot, then rebounding. The lighter string transfers more energy to the arrow, so less remains to be absorbed by the bow...and you.

[TroutGuide]

Here is what I think.  If the string very rarely hits my armguard then the serving would be unnescessary.  If you have a skinny string and want to double serve or triple for that matter just serve for the nock and fingers and single serve the rest.  Might save a little speed.  I almost never have string slap am I doing something wrong and if not why wouldnt i just serve the area used for fingers and nock.  Also if making your own strings just replace occasionaly or if you see wear.  Just my $0.02.