Of spine, strings and bad trips

[madmaxthc]

Hello, everybody,

This is what I've been doing instead of using my brand new hunting license. I hope the post is not too long, as I would really like some comments from you.

I shoot a ~ 55# @ 29" recurve, brace height ~ 7" , XX78 2117 arrows (400 spine ), as I've always needed a softer spine than the table suggested. A few weeks ago I made a new string (flemish). The bow originally came with a 16 strand FF string, but I noticed that it had started biting into the tips, so for the new one I added a couple of strands at the loops, just running for ~ 12 inches. The previous string I made took quite a bit to stabilize the brace height, so I thought: 'well, sure I needed a lot of twists with my previous string... maybe I can make a shorter one! It will stretch less!          '

And so I did! The string took very few twists to get to the right brace height. I shot a few  bare shafts in order to adjust the nocking point, and curiously enough, the 400 arrows appeared to be way too soft. I thought with years my technique must have changed, maybe even improved. Did a few trials and selected 2315 (340 spine). Even broadheads were flying straight. Went to the range a few days, till I realized that having less twists was not my brightest idea. The top loop was getting loose. Being a flemish, twists were what was holding the string together. Made another string, with the old measures, and came up quite good. To make sure it wasn't the loose strands at the loops to cause the problems, I made it 18 strands all the way long. I'm happy with my new string, it may be a bit heavy, but the brace goes down just ~ 1/8" after 2 hours of shooting.

Out of curiosity, I shot a few bare shafts: well, I'm back at 400 spine     :confused:  

I really did not expect the string to have such an influence on that. What do you think? Are there any other factors you would suggest me to check? Also, what length  to you normally cut your strands for a 62" recurve bow?

Thanks to everyone who had the patience to go through my post      

Take care,
Max

[madmaxthc]

Up  :(

Changing sting construction and materials can have a huge effect on tune. Once I get a string that works for a certain bow, I stick with that formula and don't change a thing. All my strings for that bow will be the same from then on.

Bisch

[damascusdave]

I recently switched out the B50 string on one of my 1960 Kodiaks for a ten strand HMPE blend string...granted this is substantial change but the 340 spine arrows that tuned fine are now way too weak...initially it appears that even 300 spine arrows are still weak

DDave

[madmaxthc]

Thanks to the both of you.

At least now I am more confident I am not doing anything wrong. I'll keep the string I have, and use the 340 for flu flus...

Take care
Max