String Help Please!!

[mscampbell75]

I need help on what to look for in purchasing a new string for my Bear Kodiak Hunter (AMO 60" @ 45#).  This is the 1st string that I have ever bought.  

Whats the difference in the string types?

Thanks in advance for helping out a rookie in a steep learning curve.  

[joe skipp]

If its an older Bear, you need Dacron string, AMO 60". Newer ones take Fast flite and I would suggest a TS-1 or Dynaflyte 97.

[mscampbell75]

I've dated it between 1972-1977.  Recurve!  I know this sound obvious but does AMO 60 mean I need a 60" string.

[vermonster13]

56" actual length. Dacron.

[sswv]

just get in touch with Bobby Graham, maker of the G-String  He'll fix you right up. He is a sponser on here.

good shootin'

[mscampbell75]

vermonster13

How did you come up w/ 56"?  Just so I'll know for future refrence.

How would I know that being new to the sport?  Other than this very informative site!!!

I'm shooting a 60" longbow that I bought from a tradganger a couple/three years ago. (just before the twins were born)  I finally have time to do some shooting.  I have no idea what type of string it has on it.  How can I tell?  I would like to buy a spare for obvious reasons.  Would it be 56" as well?

[vermonster13]

The longbow should take a 57" string. A lot of the older bows aren't AMO which is the length minus 3" equals string length. The 70's Bear and a lot of other recurves from then actually take a 4" shorter string than listed bow length.

[mscampbell75]

Gotcha!  Thanks for the info.

[LostNation_Larry]

Strings can be a hassle.  Here are some things you need to know.  Some places sell strings by AMO length so if you have a 60" AMO bow they sell you a 60" AMO string.  Most dealers sell by actual length and the best way to determine the actual length is to measure it while the bow is strung.  As Vermonster said, the string is usually 4" shorter than the AMO length, but not always.  In your case I would bet the 56" length will work.

There are basically two types of string material: Dacron, and all the low stretch materials.  B-50 and B-500 are both Dacron strings.  The more common low stretch materials are Fast Flight, TS+, Dynaflight 97, and B450+.  There are several other varieties.  

You are ALWAYS safe with a Dacron string.  If a bow was not made for Fast Flight, it could break if you use any of the low stretch materials.

The most common types of bow string are the endless loop and the flemish twist.  Either will work on your bow.  It is the material that is most important, not the style of string.

[LBR]

The difference in string types (endless vs. flemish) isn't that much.  Flemish seems to be quieter, especially on a recurve, and flemish is more adjustable, but either one will work just fine if made correctly.  

Endless is one strand wrapped around and around the jig, with the loops being formed by separating the strands and serving them in.  Flemish is made of individual strands--those generally have the "barber pole" look and no serving in the loops.

AMO 60" is supposed to mean it needs a 60" AMO string (which actually measures 57" under tension), but every old Bear recurve I've owned/seen got a string 4" (give ot take) shorter than the AMO bow length.

Chad

[LBR]

Had to take a break before I finished my post, and a few others beat me to the draw.

On the longbow, the "rule of thumb" is 3" shorter, but it can vary a lot depending on the bow.  I've seen longbow strings vary from 1.5" shorter to 4" shorter.  Measure the string under tension and order it by actual length.

What material you can use on it depends on the bow also.

Chad

[mscampbell75]

And who is to say a "String is Just a String"
 
For my recurve, I will get in touch w/ Bobby Graham (g-strings)!

Ok! That would make my longbow string a flemish.  

LBR    What makes a string adjustable?

I understand that I need to twist to get desired brace hieght.  Is that what you are refering to?

[novahunterpa]

mscampbell i say you wont go wrong with haveing bobby make you a string, I had him make 2 strings for 2 bow's a few weeks ago and they are gr8, never thought a string could make suck a big differance but it did im shooting gr8 now, i e-mailed bobby my questions and he got right back to me and mailed out my strings the next day gr8 service

[LBR]

With a flemish string, you can have more room to twist either way (shorten or lengthen)--usually anyway.

Chad

[LostNation_Larry]

Measuring under tension means on the bow while strung.

BTW - LBR is also a sponsor and he makes strings.  You really should check out his video, "Doin' the Twist."