How Many Strands In Bowstring For Arthur? Not King Arthur, But Arthuritis!

[WildmanSC]

I have arthritis in the string fingers of my right hand.  Consequently, it is entirely too painful to shoot with a skinny string on my bow.  How many strands should I request for a new string.  This question would probably be aimed at those having similar issues with their string fingers.

Bill

[Stumpkiller]

For bows up to 50#: 14 strands.  50# & up: 16 strands.

At least for Daron strings.

[WildmanSC]

Charlie,

I guess I left too many options available with my question.  I intend to order a D-10 string for my new Tall Tines T/D Recurve in about 4 to 5 months.

Bill

[LongStick64]

You could always double up the serving.

[WildmanSC]

Originally posted by LongStick64:
You could always double up the serving.

Peter,

I've tried that, but the skinny string still makes itself known and is too painful to pull.

Bill

Instead having a big fat string, perhaps it would be easier to pad the center serving area.  It is quite easy to do with a spool of serving string, wax and a spinner. I shoot left hand for target binge shooting episodes because of finger damage. one thing I did that helped is put those rubber finger pads on the string and then still used the glove.

[legends1]

You can use 16 stands fine for weight less than 50lbs.The pain is the real issue.No fun in pain.

[Bjorn]

Ice your fingers as often as possible. Bring some ice in a foam cup if you can.
The serving can be whatever size you want-like pavan suggests; and pad your tab or glove, a padded tab will give you more comfort than a glove if you have arthritis.

[Shawn Leonard]

Thicker glove or tab or you could try the plastic finger thingies.(cant recall name) I am putting a set on my bowfishin rig for quicker shots. Shawn

[MJB]

Shawn,
No Glove ?

[TOEJAMMER]

Try those rubber finger protectors that slideon over the serving.  They have been around for many, many years and a lot of guys use them for bow fishing instead of any glove or tab.  I know Keith Chastain who has been building and shooting his Wapiti bows uses it exclusively.  I think they are called "Benders No-Glove Finger Protectors".

[Shawn Leonard]

Yup, just had neuro-surgery and sometimes I think they removed my brain!         My daughter shoots with them also as she has soft hands. I like'em for the bowfishing and see where they would really help you Bill. After some practice you can get a pretty clean release as well. Shawn

[Patrick55]

Have you tried a thumb ring? Not permitted a lot of shoots but takes the fingers almost out of the picture. I feel your pain. Got the same problem. Tried padded this and that. After about 10 to 15 shots I want to start crying.

[WildmanSC]

I may try the No Gloves approach.  I don't think I'll try the thumb ring though.  I'll probably still shoot with my glove even if I do purchase and install the No Gloves protectors.

Thanks!

Bill

[Huntschool]

Mr. Lamb:

Have you considered a "HEAVY" cordovan tab.  Had an older friend years ago with the same thing as I remember.  He was a great shot but without a bunch of "padding" would almost cry after 3-4 shots.

He made (I think) a very heavy tab with cordovan for the contact layer...  Fixed the problem.  He is gone now so I can not find out how much leather he put in underneath but I will tell you he shot Lights Out with that set up.

If nothing else works and you cannot go left handed, you could still mount the release ring on your string and use a (dare I say it?) a mechanical release.

[WildmanSC]

Originally posted by pavan:
If nothing else works and you cannot go left handed, you could still mount the release ring on your string and use a (dare I say it?) a mechanical release.

Believe it or not, this resourceful engineer tried that several years back.  It just didn't work for me.  I consequently dropped the draw weight of my bows and I stay away from skinny strings even at my draw weights of 46-47#@28".

Bill

I did not metion one thing I did that did help.  I went to a boot repairman and got a stiff chunk of leather that was about 3/16" thick.  I made a pad that allowed me to get a much deeper than the first joint grab on the string.  It helped, but I still went left handed to allow the fingers to heal.  I also went on an all natural binge and that helped alot.   http://www.cmorelief.com/  
I can shoot up to 30 arrows a couple times a week without any flair ups now right handed.