Skinny String Poll

[J-KID]

There have been a number of threads on Trad Gang discussing Skinny Strings or Low Strand Count (LSC) strings.  For the purposes of this poll a Skinny String will be characterized by one made of 10 strands or less.

Some of the "self-reported" benefits of Skinny Strings include a reduction of bow noise, less forearm string slap, less hand shock, an increase in bow stability and an increase in arrow speed.  It would be interesting to see who has tried Skinny Strings and their results.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Got my "skinny sting" from one of our sponsors, SBD Bow strings. Pierre makes an awesome string. Quiet, fast, I just love the results.

[McDave]

I recently bought a used Morrison recurve on this website, and called Morrison about the bow specs (I think Morrison himself answered the phone).  After giving me info on the bow, Morrison recommended I get a 6-strand skinny bowstring from SBD (a vendor on Tradgang) which I did.  After trying it, the answer to your questions is yes, yes, and yes.

[onewhohasfun]

My SBD string softened the "twang" in my carbon limbs.

[bawana bowman]

Most of the bows I shoot are 75 to 105 pounds draw weight. Just don't feel safe trying strings that thin on my draw weights. Even on the bows I shoot in the 50 and 65# range, I don't think I would like the "feel" of the string since I'm use to higher strand counts.

[Bjorn]

Way to go Jay! Much better when we position this as 'Art' not 'Science'-who needs quantifiable results to indicate preference!
Love my skinny strings.

[J-KID]

Originally posted by bawana bowman:
Most of the bows I shoot are 75 to 105 pounds draw weight. Just don't feel safe trying strings that thin on my draw weights. Even on the bows I shoot in the 50 and 65# range, I don't think I would like the "feel" of the string since I'm use to higher strand counts.

105 pounds!  I'm not sure I'd feel safe with a regular string.  Actually, the skinny string feels the same as the serving is normal.

[heydeerman]

Skinny's get a nay from me.

[adeeden]

I'm shooting 8 strands (astro flight), and get a little better speed performance. Thats not why I shoot it though, I shoot it because it is so much quieter!

[xtrema312]

Love those SBD 8-strand stings!  Way quieter on all my bows, and noticeably nicer feel to the shot on most of those bows.   I don’t know about speed, but have had to change my tune a little because my arrow got weaker with the new strings.

[ronp]

I tried one on my Black Widow PTFX.  I will stick with Black Widow's strings.

[wildgame]

got a 8 strand on my zipper and a 6 strand on my big jim and love them both!!

[Rob DiStefano]

when compared to higher count strand strings of the same fiber, lsc strings are gonna be lighter (faster?), quieter (higher pitch), and have a different "feel" upon release.

does lower string weight contribute to faster arrow speeds?  probably, but even if 5 or more fps were added (very very doubtful, perhaps more like 1 to 3 fps at the max for the average 45-60# stickbow) that's not gonna matter much at the distances most folks kill critters.  no, speed doesn't kill - well placed sharp broadheads do.

is a "quieter" bow string beneficial to hunting?  well sure, but what is "quiet"?  imo, skinny strings produce higher pitched tones at lower volumes than fatter strings, for the same given bow and brace height.  our human ears (and hands, bodies) perceive the louder low notes far better than the less volume high notes. so the skinny strings appear quieter.  what does that mean to the game we hunt?

what "different feel" on release?  i can only speak from my observations shooting and comparing a variety of same fiber lsc 8 strand strings to 14 strand strings - there's a better "stability" to the feel of the release with a smaller diameter bowstring.  from the time the string slips off the bowhand fingers to the arrow clearing the riser, the bow and overall shot "feels better".  dunno how to put it in any other words.

[Junglecat]

I havent tried one but should be receiving one for my PCH from SBD within a day or so.

[Andy Cooper]

Originally posted by adeeden:
I'm shooting 8 strands (astro flight), and get a little better speed performance. Thats not why I shoot it though, I shoot it because it is so much quieter!

I have yet to shoot a FF-type string on either my Habu or Dye that was quieter than Dacron. However, I've not tried one of the SBD's

[Bob Morrison]

I use a 6 strand, and we send 8 strand with our bows.Sound is the biggest thing I see. Speed I don't know, it has to be faster, the sound is what sold me on them.

[thunder1]

I got a 10 strand for my Morrison. When I got my second Morrison you guessed it I bought another SBD. Great strings.

[Matt Green]

Good post - i agree w/Bjorn - lots to be said for personal preference. Certainly is possible the strings are quieter ONLY to the archer - but we have to listen to it too. If its quieter to me an that makes me happier......
Again, good post J

[BowMIke]

I think they are terrific. Arrows seem faster and the bows are even quieter and snd smoother shooting for me.

[Bender]

Funny.
10 strand is my "standard" and has been for years. I never thought of a string as "skinny" until it was 8 or 6 strands.