String change, now shooting low

[Jock Whisky]

I recently changed to a B50 string from fastflite on my 52 lb Crusader longbow. I couldn't quiet the bow so I thought maybe a dacron string might work. It did and the bow is now whisper quiet.

When the FF string was on the bow I would hold about two feet low at 20 yards and usually hit what I was shooting at.

After the B50 string went on I found I had to hold about one foot low for the same result.

My nocking point is the same, the arrows are the same. I don't believe my technique has changed. The only thing that changed is the string. Would the switch to B50 cause the arrow to drop that much??? I know it shoots a few FPS slower but this surprises me.

One additional thing. The bow was built 58 lb @28" but with my age (66) I found I wanted a few less pounds so I had it taken down to 52lb. This was long before the string change. Probably not a factor but who knows.

[Greg Owen]

How do the arrows fly? Changing the string could easily change the tune of the arrows.  And do you have the same brace height with the new string as with the old?

[Jock Whisky]

Arrows fly great, just low. Same brace height. I might try to lower the nocking point a smidge.

[crazynate]

I had a similar problem last week. Ordered a new FF string from 10 ring strings and my bow was performing way better than it was with the stock string. I had to up my spine and retune the whole bow from the beginning. That's never happened to me before just from changing strings. Lesson learned for me I guess. String material can and does make a huge difference. Mine also shot different with the same nock height. But now my bow shoots better than ever. I want 10 ring strings on every bow I own lol.

[Bender]

Yep. Going to polyester (B-50) from HMPE (Fast Flight etc.) can cost you up to 10 fps. Some folks have reported even larger losses, but I'm only going to speak of my own experiences.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Sometimes if my arrows are weak and I've tried other tuning adjustments to stiffen the arrow unsuccessfully, I will change my string. Going from a 12 strand FF to and 18 strand FF or FF to Dacron can make all the difference.

[forestdweller]

Do you shoot 3 under or split? I shoot split and I think one of the main benefits is that you don't notice much of a difference in trajectory (hitting high or low) when arrow speed is decreased since your point is normally in the dirt anyways.

Maybe try lowering your anchor slightly if possible.

If possible you could also try to lighten your arrow weight by maybe 25-50 grains and that should get you back to your original arrow speed or very close to it.

Right now I shoot BCY X Fast Flight and even though the trajectory is very flat with a 10gpp arrow it is quite a bit higher pitched and feels "harsher" than shooting a Dacron string so I can relate on the noise issue.

[McDave]

If you still have the FF string, it might be instructive to switch them back and forth in one shooting session to see if your observations are valid, i.e., a 1' difference in POI.  Rather than change your gap to get them both to hit the bullseye, pick a single aiming point that will put both on the target and see what the spread really is.

Actually, people might be envious of you.  People who mainly hunt are always looking for ways to reduce their gap at 20 yards.  Maybe you've found a new way!

[Jock Whisky]

"Actually, people might be envious of you. People who mainly hunt are always looking for ways to reduce their gap at 20 yards. Maybe you've found a new way!"

Ha! Good one McDave. Quieter bow, less gap. Maybe I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth and just shut up! LOL

I've got a chronograph my son bought me so I'll push a few shafts through it to check the speed loss. I'll also put my old string back on and compare.