Number of strands for a FT string?

[OkKeith]

Do all ya'll find the following guidelines to be about right?

•10 strand B50 Dacron for bows up to 30lbs
•12 strands B50 Dacron for bows up to 40lbs
•14 strands B50 Dacron for bows of heavier weight

I would like to squeeze a little more performance out of the bow below, so was thinking about a 12 strand Flemish twist string of B50. It is marked 50 (50lbs draw?) and Osage backed with ... something other than fiberglass (no idea what). I will probably give this bow to Lisa. I'm afraid I will blow it up with my long draw, she draws 26". It has some string follow but the braced profile is very attractive! I have some really nice butterscotch colored buckskin for the handle wrap and will put a smallish stacked leather arrow shelf on.

So the question is... will the 12 strand be strong enough? Or maybe a better question is will the increase in cast/arrow speed even be notable between a 12 and a 14 strand string?

Thanks,
OkKeith

[Orion]

Won't make a lot of difference, but given that it already has some string follow and that it will be drawn to 26 inches, the draw at that weight is likely to be closer to 45# or less. I think a 12 strand dacron is plenty.

[Steelhead]

12 strand is fine.Might pick up a little speed over a 14 strand since the string will be lighter and that can reduce handshock a tiny bit as well.

I think a pre-stretched string the right length for that bow with not too many twists will help as well ideally.

[mikajay]

With a tiny hardwood or bone overlay I use nothing but D-97 with all my wooden bows, no problems.

mika

[OkKeith]

Thanks for the comments guys. I have to order some green string material. I think a gold and green string will look good on it.

OkKeith

[mahantango]

12 strands is plenty. Looks to be backed with Fortisan.

[TomMcDonald]

I usually aim for 1 strand per 5# of draw weight, so I think you're fine.

[OkKeith]

Mahantango -

Fortisan? That's a new one on me. What can you tell me about it? Does that help date the bow?

Thanks,

OkKeith