Strand count 450plus

[bigcountry]

What is the min strand count one should use on say a 60lb longbow with 450plus? I know D97 and 8125 is smaller and you need more.  But I was thinking 8 if I padded the loops with material.

[Molson]

For 60# longbows you can use 6 if you pad the loops. Shrew's are sent with padded 6 strand 450's. I've used 8 strands of Xcel for longbows up to 60 lbs and it is half the diameter and about half the strength of 450+ without any problems. I've bumped the Xcel up to 12 (about the same as 6 450+) though to give it a bit more abrasion resistance in the woods.

[bigcountry]

Thanks Molson.  I make B50 strings.  Do I have to use less material for a 450plus string on my stringboard?  Say if I follow my stringboard and make a 66" string, will a 450 be much longer?

[Molson]

It might be because it uses less material to twist. I would just make one up like you usually do and if it comes out a little too long, you can decide whether to go with the 64" setting or just increase the length of the taper a little on your next one. Just makes sure to pad it and get a good smooth taper. It's very important to get the bundles twisted evenly on the thinner strings.