Picked up a Damon Howatt Balboa, apparently from '68 or '69. Its in good shape but I think the string that came with it is too short. It says 58". In looking how to measure a bow from string groove to string groove following the curve of the limbs and going straight across the handle instead of following it, that way I measure it at 56" to 56.25". How did Howatt measure their bows in that era? Would a 58" or a 56" AMO string be right? The string that came with it is a nice flemish twist but I measure it at 50", I have tried to unwind it some but I am not getting much more length that way.
Measure the back of it full length following the curves and subtract 4" from that measurement. Then you should be in the ballpark of what you need. I have never had that one ,but maybe some else will be able to give you better advice.
I figured out I was not measuring the string properly, I was going from the Y to Y instead of to the ends of the stretched string. I was able to unwind it a bit more and get to 55". The string was twisted up quite a bit and it seemed too hard to string but now its easy. I know I have to shoot it and maybe twist it up some to get brace height at its optimum. Too bad its dark I really want to shoot it.