Would This Influence Your Decision To Buy A Bow?

[Sam McMichael]

As long as I have a tape measure, I can figure out a desirable string length. Besides, it is easy to contact the bowyer or others archers that have that same bow. Strictly a non-issue.

[LBR]

Rob, I respect your experience, but if a bowyer doesn't know his own bows well enough to at least put me in the ballpark by giving me either the recommended string length or the AMO bow length, he doesn't know his own bows very well.

On a similar note...how many bowyers/companies are no longer in business?  How hard can some of them be to contact?  

Buying the bow new isn't a problem--normally you get a string that fits and/or paperwork.  

It's the used bows that are the main problem...how many of us that have been in the sport for any amount of time hasn't bought a used bow?  How about the guys or gals who are just getting started and don't have a clue how to figure out what string their bow needs?  Just their tough luck?  I talk to these people all the time, and thankfully we can eventually figure most of them out.  Sometimes it takes more than one attempt.  

I ask again:  why not do it right the first time, especially when it doesn't cost one penny more?  Sure, AMO may not be perfect for everyone, but at least for the big majority it will get you within a few twists of the sweet spot--assuming the bowyer knows his own bows.

[LBR]

Besides, it is easy to contact the bowyer or others archers that have that same bow. Strictly a non-issue.

Ok, could you get me the recommended string lengths for the following?

A 68" Benchmark longbow
A 56" Chek-Mate Firebird
A 60" Fedora Jr.--that really funky one that wasn't really a longbow, not really a recurve
A 58" Chek-Mate Longhorn
A 66" Brad Smith selfbow
A 68" Paul Bunyan longbow
A 66" 21st Century, Jim and Buddy model

That list could go on for pages.  There are tons of bowyers and companies that aren't around anymore, and at best you will get a wild guess as to what string will fit.  Even if someone thinks they have the same bow, that doesn't mean it is the same bow.

Not trying to be a smart aleck here, just making a point.  I deal with this stuff all the time.  I know what a pain it can be, and the solution seems to be so simple...why it causes such an uproar is a total mystery to me.

Btw, I can't remember the string length on a few of those bows I listed, but I've made strings for all of them and more.

[Quickblood]

It wouldn't influence my decision, but I would prefer it not be written on the bow.  Only the length, weight, serial number and bowyer info for me.  Achieving your preferred brace height, which would determine your actual string length, is part of the enjoyment of our passion.

[DanielB89]

One way I combat this:

"get your bow at the preferred brace height and measure the string."  That way I am very close.  I will admit that I hate making strings because I was told the wrong length, but I think that is just part of the business..  I have done it several times and i will do it every time needed.

[Tater]

It's not that difficult to measure the actual length of your bow, and build a string accordingly, Recurve or longbow you should have a general idea of brace height.
   This ain't rocket science....

[LBR]

Bow length doesn't determine string length.

One simple point keeps being dodged.  It wouldn't cost a thing, wouldn't add any marks to the bow.  Mark the bow correctly, problem solved.

[LBR]

Originally posted by LBR:
Physical bow length doesn't determine string length.

One simple point keeps being dodged.  It wouldn't cost a thing, wouldn't add any marks to the bow.  Mark the bow correctly, problem solved.

[LBR]

Tried to edit on a phone...

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by LBR:
Bow length doesn't determine string length. ...

exactly.  

i see all of this as a non-issue for those in the know and a learning experience for those who just don't know so they can get to know how to deal with bows, bowstrings, and the optimum performance brace height for any bow.    

clue: this is the Perfect reason to have a tillering string.    

[LBR]

AMO bow length isn't determined by the physical bow length either.  If its accurate, it's 3" longer than the correct length string.

I'm sure some folks like to tinker with it.  Lots don't.  Same thing as wooden arrow makers, flint knappers, etc.

It would not influence me one way or the other. How the bow felt in my hands and how it shot for me would be what influences me!

Bisch

[Cyclic-Rivers]

If having the option I would buy the bow I shoot better. If both being equal, I would buy the one with the ink.

[Whip]

Interesting discussion,  and yes,  I think it would be nice if all bowyers followed a standard and we all knew exactly what that meant.  But my gut tells me most custom bowyers don't care all that much about AMO. Heck, in some circles "AMO" has become more an adversary with their support of high tech,  crossbows,  etc. A lot of the trad community don't give a rip what AMO thinks.  

Most bows I've seen,  and I've seen hundreds when I was refinishing them,  are simply marked with the length - no reference to "AMO" in front of the number. So no implication that it complies with some "standard".  Some do,  but certainly not all.

I'm not sure when the AMO standard came in to being.  But at one point in our past the recommended way to measure the length of a bow was to measure from string groove to string groove following the back of the bows profile.  Using that method can certainly yield a different result than AMO. Some bowyers probably use different methods as well.

Also,  archers are funny people.  I think we've gotten accustomed to the fact that bows come in 2" increments in length.  People get set in their minds as to which length they prefer.  I like 62" recurves. A 61" recurve would be strange. Never mind that it would be hard to tell the difference.  The Bowyer with a bow that might come out at 61" according to AMO is going to mark it as a 60 or 62".  

The best solution, and one I would prefer to see is to simply mark the string length on the bow.  I've seen a couple that do that and I like it.  

To heck with AMO. We're traditional archers and we follow no standards.  LOL!

[Rob DiStefano]

yep - more than a few bows labelled 60" are really 59" or 61" - all depending on how ya measure them, and that process can be a bit tricky, too.

we all need to get with the program and face reality - NONE of this bow length and bowstring stuff is exacting.  the fact that strings can, and need, to be twisted sez it all - its working length will change.  so will it change as the strands adjust to minor length anomalies and any inherent stretch is mitigated.

no matter what the bow length - either measured or labelled - it could easily take a shorter or longer string for that bow to achieve its best performing brace height.

so, there is NO exact bowstring length, unless this was the 70's and the string was kevlar.  let's not go down that road, hah!

yes, bowstrings can change/shorten their length by twisting, and some twisting should be done to round it off, make it more aerodynamic and get those strands to lie together for maximum strength and performance.

i'll say again - a tillering string can take a buncha guess work outta what string length to use for that bow ya just bought that didn't come with any string, or length label on the riser or limbs.   :D

[McDave]

 
i'll say again - a tillering string can take a buncha guess work outta what string length to use for that bow ya just bought that didn't come with any string, or length label on the riser or limbs.

I agree with that, Rob.  However, even with the tillering string, you still need to know what brace height to set it at, and it would be nice if a recommended brace height was marked on the bow.  Granted, you may want to experiment around and set a different brace height yourself, but you still need someplace to start.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by McDave:
 

 
i'll say again - a tillering string can take a buncha guess work outta what string length to use for that bow ya just bought that didn't come with any string, or length label on the riser or limbs.

I agree with that, Rob.  However, even with the tillering string, you still need to know what brace height to set it at, and it would be nice if a recommended brace height was marked on the bow.  Granted, you may want to experiment around and set a different brace height yourself, but you still need someplace to start. [/b]

correct - BUT, a tillering string gets you right close, if not spot on, for string length.  yes, there are twist and stretch issues as always, but it's much better start than any kinda guess.  tillering strings are easy to make, too.

[Roy from Pa]

I've always made my own strings, all I do is measure the length of the bow and know what string to make.

[pockets]

It is a non-issue to me.

[dbd870]

Originally posted by pockets:
It is a non-issue to me.

This.