length of bow string serving

[Bladepeek]

Here's a question for all you string makers. Why is the serving so long on most bow strings. I shoot 3 under, but even if I shot split, I'd never use more than an inch of the serving above the nocking point. And shooting 3 under, I still don't use more than a couple of inches below the nocking point.

It would seem the string would be considerably faster if the serving length were reduced.

Is it to ensure the ends of the serving aren't abraded by the shooting glove/tab, or maybe to spread the sharp crimp in the string at the arrow over a longer distance like the stiffening guard on a garden hose to prevent it being bent right at the connection?

I've never made a string, so I have no clue but am curious.

[JRY309]

I make my own strings and I usally make my serving at 7" long total.Sure you can just serve enough for just your fingers.Usally serving down below your fingers is more for protection of the string.How much weight do you think you would save with a shorter serving.I bet it wouldn't make any difference in speed,even shooting in a shooting machine.

[Pat B]

All you need is enough for your 3 fingers. The serving is there protect the string from abrasion from the arrow nock and your fingers.
 The serving on the strings I make are about 5".

[Bladepeek]

JRY309, I don't think it would be a matter of how much weight is saved, as how much air resistance is removed from the part of the string traveling fastest. If I had a shooting machine, it would be fun to test. Since I don't, I'll probably never know.

[jt85]

Bladepeek I have wondered the same thing for years, for asking.

[mahantango]

The traditional 7 or so inches of center serving is to protect the string from abrasion by repeatedly striking the arm guard. If you never hit your forearm I guess you can have it as short as you want.

[Orion]

Yep.  What mahantango says.

[Westkyhunter]

I haven't been making strings a long time but I wondered the same thing. I make mine around 5".

[Bladepeek]

mahantango, now that makes sense. I do see wear on my arm guard and there would be corresponding wear on the string if the serving wasn't there.

I knew there had to be a reason. Just didn't know what.  

[DanielB89]

I do a 5" serving on mine. It doesn't make any sense to me to make a skinny string and then add excess servin in the middle. In my opinion, the less the better. Wouldn't more weight cause more vibration?

Just thinking out loud.

If it is to protect your string, you should probably practice better form.

[LBR]

Matahango is spot on.  With some bows, especially self bows or any bow with a really low brace, many of us will hit our arm guard.  If you don't, you can specify a serving length.  Mine is 8".  

Don't take this the wrong way, but if I were worried about a few fps, I think I'm shooting the wrong weapon.  Seeing how I get pass-through's, I'm not too worried about it.

[McDave]

I make my string serving long enough so that the bow square clamps on serving, both above and below the nock. This is a little longer than you actually need it to be for shooting, but ensures that I get an accurate reading with my bow square.

[Bladepeek]

Chad, I wasn't worried about a few fps more, or I wouldn't be hunting with mid-40# bows. I'm happy with the penetration I get.

I was just curious why the long serving I see on nearly all strings and, as Paul Harvey used to say, "Now I know the rest of the story".

Thanks guys for the answers.

[LBR]

Didn't mean that as a slam, or a reply to you Bladepeek.  Sorry if it came across that way.

[pinky]

I like a little extra serving.  I have had a few strings where the top clip of my bow square barely catches the upper portion of the serving and I wonder why not just a little more.

[BMN]

Originally posted by McDave:
I make my string serving long enough so that the bow square clamps on serving, both above and below the nock. This is a little longer than you actually need it to be for shooting, but ensures that I get an accurate reading with my bow square.

X2

[Bladepeek]

Didn't take it as a slam, Chad. And I agree with you completely.

Thanks again to all of the string makers who helped an old man sleep better at night with one less question buzzing around his brain.

[LBR]

Thanks for the question--that's a good one!  I can't remember who told me about it years ago...back before highly deflex/reflex longbows and low brace heights and Rod Jenkins clinics to teach us proper form and we smacked our arms pretty good.