string length

[jl223]

Need a little help with string length, waiting on a BW TFX 58" 49@28 what would be the correct string length and strands for a fast flight string .... Thanks ... John

[Arwin]

I'll take a stab and say a 55 inch string so you have plenty of room for brace adjustment. You could go 10-12 strands of D-97 if you like a skinny string.

Get a hold of Oliverstacey on here, he would be very helpful.    

[Stumpkiller]

Recurves are commonly 4" less than AMO length.  Longbows 3" less.  There are manufacturers who vary from this "norm".

[Night Wing]

Originally posted by Stumpkiller:
Recurves are commonly 4" less than AMO length.  Longbows 3" less.  There are manufacturers who vary from this "norm".

I agree. My two custom 66" recurves take a 62" bowstring.

[CG]

Pretty sure that BW strings are 3.5" less, so you would need a 54.5" string.

Strand count is very subjective, and you will see a broad range, so I don't think there's an answer to the proper amount of strands.

[Rob DiStefano]

3" less is a good start, but you might wanna make up a tillering string (just one loop for the top limb) and secure to the bottom limb with a bowyer's knot.  adjust the knot to get the brace height ya like, then remove the string and use it to make a double loop.

can't or dunno how to make bowstrings?  get a really loooong string and use it for a tillering string, or buy a spool of b50 or b500 and make up a continuous loop tillering string using bowyer knots at either end.

with modern string fiber, the strand count can be whatever you like, starting at 2 or 4.  practically speaking 8 or 10 strands is waaaay more than enuf for yer bow.  all my bows sport 8 strands of dyneema, up to and over 55# holding weight.

[LBR]

The easiest (and most accurate) answer would come from BW--just a phone call or e-mail away.

AMO/ATA says the string should be 3" shorter, period (longbow, recurve, whatever), measured under 100# of tension.  Depending on who makes the string, whether it's pre-stretched or not, what material, what strand count, and if it's measured under tension or not could make an inch or more difference in the labeled length.

Strand count depends on your preferance and the material.  "Fast Flight", although a brand name, has become more of a generic term for any HMPE string material.

Mr. Ken Beck himself put out a challenge last year, offering a free bow in exchange for proof that a "skinny" (low strand count) string gave any performance benefits on a BW bow--pretty sure he didn't have anyone belly up to the challenge (if you lost, you lost your bow or had to buy a new BW at regular price).  His personal tests showed no benefits to them, at least on BW bows.

I think their standard string is 12 strands of Dynaflight '97, but again a phone call or e-mail will get you the info. straight from the folks that make the bows.  My personal preferance would be 10-12 strands of 8125 or Dynaflight '97, loops padded to 18.

Chad

[jl223]

Thanks for the help guys .... John

[Oliverstacy]

As Chad stated above you can call BW and they will let you know the length...I have done this before and they always seem very nice when I call.

Most of the recurve strings I make are between 3-4" shorter than the AMO bow length...BW bows are usually very consistent in what they take.  I'd give them a call with the serial # and they should be able to help you.

Thanks,

Josh