string length/brace height

[Davo]

I just started on a long bow, it came with a string but I ordered two more because the string popped a strand.  I ordered a 65 inch based on the 3 less than amo length.  I discoverd the string on the bow was a 64. without twisting the new string gave me a brace height of 6.5 inches and my fletchings rested on the shelf.  I twisted the string and got a brace height of 7.5 and fletch has about a 1/2 inch clearance.  Here is where I fire away with the rookie questions.  How much should I twist the string and how do I keep it twisted to keep it where I want it when unstrung?  Should I always unstring my bow? Thanks

[Grey Taylor]

If a string gets twisted too much it becomes something of a spring and you can lose performance. I don't remember how many twists per inch is recommended so I hope someone else replies with that.
When you unstring the bow just leave the bottom loop on the nock and run the top loop down the limb. That way the string can't untwist. Also, if you wax the string and rub it in well it will tend to stay as it is if you take it all the way off the bow.
You don't mention if you have a glass lam bow or an all wood bow. If it's all wood you should unstring it when not using it. For a glass longbow, there are some people who leave them strung when shooting frequently and others who unstring them when not being used. Personally, my transportation to the shooting area and storage situation when at home has me unstringing all my bows after shooting is over.

Guy

[LBR]

I don't count the twists, I just know by looking what is "too much" for me.  If your string tries to coil up when you unstring the bow, you have way too many twists in it.

Sliding the loop down the limb like GT said will keep the string from untwisting.

I unstring my selfbows.  My laminated (glass) bows stay strung indefinately.

Chad

[Jeremy]

Is anyone else really starting to get annoyed at bows marked "AMO" that aren't??!!

[Davo]

Ok thanks for the feedback.  I too wonder what is AMO lenght for.