String length

[Justin S.]

I'm new to this trad stuff so forgive me if this is a dumb question. I bought a used 60" Bob Lee recurve. I'm wanting to get a new string but unsure what length to order. Any tips for measuring it would be much appreciated.  
Thanks

[The Whittler]

3"-4" less is the norm but I would give Bob Lee a call and I am sure they will gladly help you.

[Orion]

AMO standard is 3 inches less than the bow length, but better to measure the string you have and provide that information to the string maker.  The unbraced string will be a little shorter than the braced length due to stretch so measure the string on the braced bow.

[LBR]

They both nailed it.  AMO specs say 3" shorter (measured under a 100# load), but lots of bows don't follow AMO specs.  I've seen string lengths run from 1" to 6" shorter than the marked bow length.  Measure the string that puts it at proper brace, and/or contact Bob Lee about it.  I prefer to measure on the bow for the reason Orion stated.  Some materials, especially dacron, can contract a lot when off the bow.

[A.S.]

I will add my 2 cents.  Ask your string maker what he prefers.  I ask my customers to measure their current string, off the bow, end to end.  This give me the most accurate measurement to build their new string by.

Going from a dacron string to a FF string, or vice versa, can require some adjustments.

I recently had a customer give me a measurement. I built his string accordingly. When he got it, he called to say it was WAY too short.  He then told me that the measurement that he originally gave me was from the bottom of the "V" on each loop.  This caused the string to be over an inch too short.

Simply communicating with your string builder if your aren't sure will go a long way.

[stagetek]

Call Bob Lee. They will be happy to help you out.