String length question

[melsdad]

I have a recurve that was my Dad's when he was a kid. I used to shoot it when I was a kid also. I would like to get a new string for it, and start shooting it again, and get back into traditional archery. However, the only markings on the bow are the weight 35#.

Can I figure the string length any other way? Can I measure the O.A.L of the bow as use that as a reference?

[squirrellluck]

Don't know if it is always right but here goes. The average brace height of a recurve is 6 inches, that is the distance from the belly at the grip to the string. Take a string, tie a loop in 1 end and loop it on 1 end of the bow . Use a stringer to bow the bow and then have someone pull the string to the other end of the bow. Measure between the string and the belly, adjust until you have 6 inches between belly and string. Mark string and measure. It should get you close. I'm sure the guys have a better more modern way but that is how I have done it in the past.

[All Hawks Kill]

Measure the bow from tip to tip and then subtract 4 inches.   This will give you a string in the ballpark.  The big question is what should be the brace height? 



Brace Height is measured from the centre of the bow grip to the bowstring at 90 degrees. Most bows will have a recommended brace height given by the manufacturer.  If the brace height is not known, then a rough guide for recurves is:
70 inch bow = 8.50 to 9.75 inches,
68 inch bow = 8.25 to 9.50 inches,
66 inch bow = 8.00 to 9.25 inches.
64 inch bow = 7.75 to 9.00 inches.
The ideal brace height for a bow is one that produces the quietest release with the least amount of vibration in the bow.  To adjust your brace height all you have to do is add twists to the sting to raise brace height and subtract twists to lower brace height.

Hope this helps you out some, if not let me know and I'll try and give you some more information.
Derek

[Frank V]

Probably everyone knows this, but if your string is too long,giving too low a brace height, you can easily shorten the string by twisting it. A flemish string needs to be twisted in the same direction of the original twists.
Frank

[melsdad]

Sorry it took so long to get back to this topic. Thanks for the replys so far! I measured my bow, and she is exactly 60" tip to tip. According to all hawks I need a 56" string. However All Hawks, your list doesn't tell the proper brace height ballpark for a 60" bow....any suggestions?

[All Hawks Kill]

Here is a little more brace height information.

62 inch bow = 7.50 to 8.75
60 inch bow = 7.25 to 8.50
58 inch bow = 7.00 to 8.25
56 inch bow = 6.75 to 8.00

Normally the "Sweet Spot" (Brace Height with least vibration & noise) is somewhere about half way in the middle of the brace range.  For your 60 inch bow, I would start out with 7.75 and then move up and down a little to see what feels best.  Of course all bows are different so the Sweet Spot may be somewhere closer to the upper or lower limit of the range.  Just remember that shooting the bow under the minimum can call damage to the bow by letting the limbs over extend forward.  Hope this helps - Derek

[melsdad]

Yes Derek, that helps alot! Now I need to get me a string ordered.

[All Hawks Kill]

Super!  We will be waiting to hear your results and just give a yell if you have any other questions.

[melsdad]

I received my Doug McCoy string today, per Cottonwoods referal. Got the brace height set at 7.750, and got a nock points set .500" above the shelf. Now I need to order some arrows, and start shootin'.