Help with stringing a recurve

[KissyCat]

I'm unable to string my bow using the bow stringer that came with the bow because it's too short to get enough leverage so I bought a longer stringer.

Unfortunately the longer stringer has its own issue, or rather I have an issue because when the bow is flexed enough for the string to slip onto the nock, my arms aren't physically long enough to hook it on.

Does this mean that I simply can't set my bow up without help, or that my bow has too much resistance? (I can hold the string at my draw length for at least 6 seconds but that's not the full draw of the bow because my draw length is only 26".) Is there something else I can try?

[Furface]

If you are having difficulty reaching, instead of pulling the bow up by the handle, pull it up by holding the riser above the handle (towards the end you are trying to string), otherwise as normal. Experiment with the position nearest the actual handle that best suits you.

[WhitehartFB]

Make sure that when you bend over to put the loop on the limb tip you are not at the same time relaxing the bend of the bow.

[KissyCat]

Thanks, I'll try those things. Would a stringer of a length somewhere between the too-lond one and the too-short one also help? I could re-string the short one with a longer length of rope, possibly.

[Robert]

Might be easier to tie some loops in the long one to make it shorter.

Assuming that the bow is not too heavy for you stringing it successfully has more to do with technique than strength and, as with much in Archery, if it hurts you are (probably) doing it wrong.

I would get someone at the club to watch you trying and they will doubtless spot whats going wrong. you may even be able to get them to show you before everyone else turns up if you offer to set out the bosses with them (This is something else that requires technique more than strength.)

[geoffretired]

Having the long one shortened by putting loops in will help. Also, when holding the bow, nearer the end of the riser, as Furface describes, make sure you are bending both limbs equally or close to. It is possible to hold the bow and end up with nearly all the bend in one limb.

[PaulT]

Try investing in longer arms.

[KissyCat]

Ah yes, longer arms, that would be great. Now where can I buy those?

[Alexam]

Surprised you have not had the answer yet ......... used both feet.

I string the bow this way because just using one foot on the centre of the string, it can be difficult sometimes to get enough lift on ther bow.

This should sort you out

Malcolm

[bunbury]

I had this problem when I was raising the bracing height on my bow, I just couldn't reach the end of the limb when it was as bent as I wanted it using a normal "saddle" type stringer. I switched to a "tip to tip" stringer, and now have no problems at all. It might be worth a try.