String hits hand

[grimsby archer]

Originally Posted by EVC

I would also verify wether the Prostyle bow can stand a string other than Dacron. You'd better ask KAP archery for support on it.



Elder.

The KAP website says you can use Fastflight or Dyneema on Prostyle limbs
and CustomBuilt advertise them with fastflight strings on their online shop

[RGrahamSmith]

OK, here's what I've checked.

"Good" fastflight string: (marked as "for a 68 inch bow") : brace height 8 1/4 "
"Another" dacron string (different make) (marked as "for a 68 inch bow") approx. 1/2" shorter than Fastflight : brace height 8 3/4" [should be OK]
"Bad" Dacron string - 1/4" SHORTER then Fastflight - (also marked as "for a 68 inch bow") : brace height 7 1/4" !!!

Can't trust a string, eh? So how do I know if a string I buy will give the correct brace height? What can I do if it doesn't?

Graham

[johnske]

Moral of the story: Don't rely on ancient technologies (such as Dacron, Dacron B, etc.) use a modern technology Dyneema string (e.g. Fastflight or Dynaflight). These will also stretch over time, but to a much lesser degree and a few twists will quickly return it to the correct brace height - they also have the added advantage of having a life-span many times greater than Dacron (there's usually more than one reason why some things fall into historys waste basket)

[Cimbian]

Originally Posted by RGrahamSmith

Can't trust a string, eh? So how do I know if a string I buy will give the correct brace height? What can I do if it doesn't?

Graham

I guess the obvious answer has to be don't buy a vanilla string. Either get a decent string or make it yourself.

[Tropicalshot]

Originally Posted by RGrahamSmith

Can't trust a string, eh? So how do I know if a string I buy will give the correct brace height? What can I do if it doesn't?

Graham

twist it up until it is the correct brace height

[sambow]

Originally Posted by RGrahamSmith

"Bad" Dacron string - 1/4" SHORTER then Fastflight - (also marked as "for a 68 inch bow") : brace height 7 1/4" !!!

If it is 1/4 inch shorter than the fastflight on the table but gives a considerably shorter brace height on the bow that doesn't add up and suggests it must be stretching big time when its on the bow. If its stretching to that degree its of little use.

Regarding length of string being right. Any string you buy will be "nominal" you will need to set up the brace height yourself by adding or removinf twists to the string. The right brace height will affect the "shootability" of the bow and it vairies from bow to bow, so you need to experiment to find the right brace height for you and your bow. Once you know what it is you should regularly check it, for example if it changes during a shoot it will affect your grouping. If you fit a new string twist it to get the right brace height back again and then check it after a few shots in case the string settles in (a well made string, served under tension shouldn't change very much). Stick to fastflight or better.

[RGrahamSmith]

Many thanks to all who have helped here. I'll ALWAYS check brace height every time I string the bow in future. You live and learn.

As I've said before, living in France many miles from an archery store and without a club to go to, I'm completely reliant on the advice I get here.

I really appreciate all the responses I have received. You are a great bunch!

Graham

[geoffretired]

Glad to hear you have a positive result.
It is worth checking BH every time you string the bow, if the string untwists while off the bow, it can change sight marks.
Also,part of the cresting on many arrows, lines up with something on or around the arrow rest or button. A quick mental note can be useful. Checking every arrow shot would be a bit extreme, but first arrow of a new dozen could be useful to check for string stretch.

[Nightimer]

When I shot recurve (many years ago) after I removed the string I connected the end loops together with a safety pin.
This stopped the string from untwisting and "should" help to keep your brace height correct.

Nightimer

[Cimbian]

Originally Posted by Nightimer

When I shot recurve (many years ago) after I removed the string I connected the end loops together with a safety pin.
This stopped the string from untwisting and "should" help to keep your brace height correct.

Nightimer

Yup! Clothes peg for me...