Modern bow strings and the correct length

[S.C. Hunter]

I know that as a standard a longbow will usually take a string 3" shorter than the bow length. I ask is this assuming that a Dacron string will be used? Does the FF and D97 etc... require a string only 2" shorter than the bow? What has been your experience? I have had a handful of bows with these new string materials but most of my experience is with Dacron. With that said I for the most part have had no problem adjusting my brace height with the newer string materials until now. I just have a feeling the string may be just a tad short or there is no give in this material.

[Rob DiStefano]

there are caveats to most everything in life and that surely includes bowstrings. the AMO standards and bow lengths can be taken with at least a few grains of salt if not the whole shaker.  there will be differences to both static and dynamic string lengths for string materials, and that needs to be taken into consideration for any bowstring.  it's easy to build a string too short or long, going by the "guidelines".  it can pay back to make your own bowstrings, and that's a craft that's not too hard to learn.  most stringmakers will craft a string that's darned close if not on the money.  but there are many many factors to consider.

[McDave]

Also, a modern skinny will not change in length as much as you twist it, meaning that an 8 strand string has to be made closer to the actual length that is needed than a 16 strand string. As I have learned to make 8 strand strings for my bows, I find that bows of the same AMO length may require slightly different string lengths to avoid being under or over twisted.

[LBR]

I know that as a standard a longbow will usually take a string 3" shorter than the bow length. I ask is this assuming that a Dacron string will be used?  

No--AMO says the string should be 3" longer than the AMO bow length.  Or, more accurately, the bow should be marked 3" longer than the "string master" that puts it at proper brace.  The string master is made from steel cable.

Problem is, a lot of bowyers don't follow AMO specs, and most string makers don't either (the string is to be measured under proper tension).  Like Rob said, the specs can often be taken with a grain of salt.

When you are making a string, fewer strands will stretch/creep more--how much depends on the material.  I work with 5 different materials, and keep up with them can be a pain sometimes.

 

Does the FF and D97 etc... require a string only 2" shorter than the bow?

Normally, no.  You can usually take the brace a little lower with a HMPE string vs. dacron, but the string length doesn't normally vary an inch.

 

What has been your experience?

Go by actual string length.  I've seen longbow strings vary from 1.5" to 4" shorter than the length marked on the bow;  recurve strings from 2.5" to 6".  If you don't have a string to measure, it's trial and error.  If you have a string to measure, measure it under tension and make the new string accordingly.

Chad

[McDave]

BTW, the way I learned was by watching Chad's excellent video!

[reddogge]

Chad, new string maker here with a question I was hoping you could answer.

When you make your first loop (I usually start with the smaller loop first) where do you measure to start second top loop taking into consideration the finishing twists added to the string plus stretching for both B50 and D97?

Thanks.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by reddogge:
Chad, new string maker here with a question I was hoping you could answer.

When you make your first loop (I usually start with the smaller loop first) where do you measure to start second top loop taking into consideration the finishing twists added to the string plus stretching for both B50 and D97?

Thanks.

i think you really need to buy chad's good video.    

[LBR]

Thanks Rob!  

It varies a little, depending on the material, strand count, how you twist, etc.

I twist back towards the middle of the string (most twist back out towards the end), and I also make my top (larger) loop first--that's important to consider.

With dacron, I generally take the finished string length and add 1/2" and that's where I start.  Twisting back towards the middle takes up enough to allow for the stretch.

With Dynaflight '97, I take the finished length and back up 1/8" to 1/4".  Not sure why it works that way, but it does--for me anyway.

Hope this helps.

Chad

[LC]

I agree with all the above threads. Every one needs to reread all the above info. I'd hate to be a string maker now adays. If I was a user and didn't want, or had no desire to make my own or maybe just don't have the time etc,  I'd order a string from one of the many great string makers here as to his recommendation. IF after shooting it awhile I'd contact the maker and have him make me another shorter or longer depending on all the variables mentioned, make a note of the "length" I LIKE and reorder to that specific length from then on!

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by LC:
.... I'd order a string from one of the many great string makers here as to his recommendation. IF after shooting it awhile I'd contact the maker and have him make me another shorter or longer depending on all the variables mentioned, make a note of the "length" I LIKE and reorder to that specific length from then on!

this is spot on.  

i think most folks think that bowstrings are like gun cartridges and any brand of 30-30 will do just fine in yer winchester lever.  t'aint so, folks, not all the time at least.

all bows and bowstrings are NOT alike and if you want the best performance out of any stick bow it will take some tweaking and strings are something to examine first.  

so, it pays to work with a reputable string maker.  you'll get a perfect string either from the get-go or after a bit of almost required tweaking.  promise.

[reddogge]

Thanks Chad, great advice. I have been dealing with stringmakers for year and years but one friend  stopped making strings for sale and the other is just a friend not in business so I felt I was imposing every time I needed a string so I decided to make my own. Besides it is a sense of accomplishment to make your own strings.

I had it down fine but there was just that small issue of where to start the second loop which you helped me on and I appreciate that little tidbit of advice. I realize there is no way I can turn out a near perfect string as those two friends or mine or you but I enjoy doing it myself now.

[S.C. Hunter]

Chad, thanks for the help. I enjoyed our conversation on the phone. Sorry about the end of our call, my mom was calling from Cabo to wish me a happy birthday! Look forward to speaking with you again. Thanks to everyone else who responded to my question.