Confused over string length

[Kellog]

Originally Posted by Huffy

Kellog, would you not need to untwist the old string as the way you describe your method you will end up with a new string with no twists being the same length as the old twisted string. Then when you fit the string (and put some twists in to keep the strands together) it will be shorter.

Sorry if I am missing something in your answers.

Best wishes, Mark

Ahh sorry, when you set up a string jig you always add 1/4" to it compared to the length (can be different depending on the make of jig).

Sorry should have mentioned that!

[WhitehartFB]

I make my strings the exact same length each time on the same jig (it has a measuring tape attached) and make sure that the serving and end loop servings are the same length so that the not only the length but the weight of the string is as close as I can get it to the old one. I also try and replicate the same string tension as this is where I find bad strings appear to stretch more and end up too long as they settle in requiring more twists to get the right bracing height.

[Meddler]

Originally Posted by TimGriff6

So (assuming you mean that you make your own) how do you decide how long to make the string?

As a starting point, take the bow length and subtract 3.5 inches.

Or.... and here's the really easy way to do it....

Measure the distance between the limbtips when the bow is unbraced.
(in days of old [I was there so I know] people used to store their one-piece recurves with the strings held on the nocks of the limbs)

It's dependent on materials used, but it will be in the ball park.

Iain

[WhitehartFB]

Originally Posted by Meddler

As a starting point, take the bow length and subtract 3.5 inches.

Or.... and here's the really easy way to do it....

Measure the distance between the limbtips when the bow is unbraced.
(in days of old [I was there so I know] people used to store their one-piece recurves with the strings held on the nocks of the limbs)

It's dependent on materials used, but it will be in the ball park.

Iain

Agreed on both suggestions and the second tip is really usefull if you have a mix of riser and limbs as the 3.5" guide does not always work, for example the length of string required for a 68" bow - G3 limbs and NX riser will come up slightly longer than G3's with Nexus handle.

However on older bows such as my whitehart (68") beacuse of the greater recurve in the limbs and the bracing height, I need a 64.25" string using the measurement above it would suggest 63.5" which is too short.