Please explain string strands

[acollins]

Could I get an explanation on why strings range is such a wide variety of strands. I have seen anywhere from 6-18. What are the pros and cons of different sizes. Does the strings strands effect your serving size. What is the average size. I am looking to order a string for my Bob Lee Hunter 45@28. I'll be shooting Easton Axis 500. I have looked at many of the sponsors on here and am confused on how many strands to order.

[Stump73]

10 ring strings is who I get my custom strings from. Give Allen a call he can answer all your questions and make exactly what you need.

[meatCKR]

String strand count will vary depending on the thickness of the strand which varies between the different materials.  Your first decision should be type of material - Low stretch (Fast Flight) or Non-Fast Flight (Dacron, B-50).  Your Bob Lee Hunter should be Fast Flight compatible (may want to call them to be sure) so you probably want a good low stretch modern material.  All you should have to tell your bow string maker is your bow type (longbow or recurve), bow AMO length, Bow poundage at your draw, your arrow nock that you use and what colors you want.  Depending on what low stretch material they recommend, the strand count will vary.  For example, I like 450+. It is a pretty thick strand so I will only have 8 strands of that.  But if I want to try BCY X, I would probably go with 18 strands because it is a much thinner strand.  Also, your string builder will probably add more strands to the loops so they are "padded" and fill the string nock grooves of your bow more.  This is thought to help so that the string is not so harsh on the bow (especially for low stretch strings)

By the way, I shoot Easton Axis trads as well and 8 strands of 450+ padded to 12 in the loops served with .024 Halo gives me perfect nock fit on the Easton X nocks.

Good luck to you!

Steve

[acollins]

Thanks Steve

[TOEJAMMER]

Most custom string makers want the actual string length not the AMO.  There are too many variable in AMO length by bowyers.  It is also a good idea to give them the loop length of top and bottom to get the right fit and whether a recurve or longbow.

[meatCKR]

Jammer is correct.  If you have a current string, measuring it and giving that length to the string maker is better than just the AMO.  Be sure to measure from end of loop to end of loop.

And I second Shed's endorsement of Allen at tenring strings.  He makes an excellent string!

Steve

[LBR]

Strand counts vary for two main reasons:  size of the material and personal preference.

I personally don't like "skinny" strings.  Never found any real advantage to them, never saw a professional archer use one.  Disadvantage is more stretch/creep, less durability, less stability.  How much this will affect you depends on lots of variables.

Strand count will affect your serving size, as will the type nock you use on your arrows.

Sizes can vary a good bit between nocks. If you aren't sure what size serving, the string maker should be able to pick the size that will give you the fit you are looking for.  I like a light snap myself.

Chad

[Hummer3T]

thinner strings are supposed to be quieter, the heavier the more duriable and stronger, easier on the bow?

[frank bullitt]

Traditional bows, shooting, hunting, supposed to be simple, huh?  

[LBR]

I haven't found a skinny string to be quieter, at least as long as I did my part with tuning.  I did have one way overbuilt string on one bow that was noisy, but I didn't give it a fair shake...trashed it after about 6 shots.  I have tried skinny strings for entire 3-D seasons.

But, that's just me.  I encourage everyone to do their own experimenting to find what works best for them.

[babs]

Give Allen from 10 ring strings a call. He makes all my strings for my Bob lee bows and they are awesome. I use his fury material. He also includes tie on nock points and turn around time is always quick. I just got two more strings in the mail today for my ILF rigs from Allen.

[Pheonixarcher]

The best way for you to get the info you desire is to call or email one of our exceptional string building sponsors. A string that is built to the exact length for your bow, and nock fit, will always be the best investment. And as far as number of strands go, let the builder do what he does best! They won't steer you wrong. They like repeat customers, and every bow that you own deserves the best string. You can also buy multiple strings for the same bow from different makers and try the many different materials available. You'll likely find you prefer the qualities of one a bit more over the rest.