There have been a number of threads on Trad Gang discussing Skinny Strings or Low Strand Count (LSC) strings. For the purposes of this poll a Skinny String will be characterized by one made of 10 strands or less.
Some of the "self-reported" benefits of Skinny Strings include a reduction of bow noise, less forearm string slap, less hand shock, an increase in bow stability and an increase in arrow speed. It would be interesting to see who has tried Skinny Strings and their results.
Got my "skinny sting" from one of our sponsors, SBD Bow strings. Pierre makes an awesome string. Quiet, fast, I just love the results.
I recently bought a used Morrison recurve on this website, and called Morrison about the bow specs (I think Morrison himself answered the phone). After giving me info on the bow, Morrison recommended I get a 6-strand skinny bowstring from SBD (a vendor on Tradgang) which I did. After trying it, the answer to your questions is yes, yes, and yes.
My SBD string softened the "twang" in my carbon limbs.
Most of the bows I shoot are 75 to 105 pounds draw weight. Just don't feel safe trying strings that thin on my draw weights. Even on the bows I shoot in the 50 and 65# range, I don't think I would like the "feel" of the string since I'm use to higher strand counts.
Way to go Jay! Much better when we position this as 'Art' not 'Science'-who needs quantifiable results to indicate preference!
Love my skinny strings.
QuoteOriginally posted by bawana bowman:
Most of the bows I shoot are 75 to 105 pounds draw weight. Just don't feel safe trying strings that thin on my draw weights. Even on the bows I shoot in the 50 and 65# range, I don't think I would like the "feel" of the string since I'm use to higher strand counts.
105 pounds! I'm not sure I'd feel safe with a regular string. Actually, the skinny string feels the same as the serving is normal.
Skinny's get a nay from me.
I'm shooting 8 strands (astro flight), and get a little better speed performance. Thats not why I shoot it though, I shoot it because it is so much quieter!
Love those SBD 8-strand stings! Way quieter on all my bows, and noticeably nicer feel to the shot on most of those bows. I don't know about speed, but have had to change my tune a little because my arrow got weaker with the new strings.
I tried one on my Black Widow PTFX. I will stick with Black Widow's strings.
got a 8 strand on my zipper and a 6 strand on my big jim and love them both!!
when compared to higher count strand strings of the same fiber, lsc strings are gonna be lighter (faster?), quieter (higher pitch), and have a different "feel" upon release.
does lower string weight contribute to faster arrow speeds? probably, but even if 5 or more fps were added (very very doubtful, perhaps more like 1 to 3 fps at the max for the average 45-60# stickbow) that's not gonna matter much at the distances most folks kill critters. no, speed doesn't kill - well placed sharp broadheads do.
is a "quieter" bow string beneficial to hunting? well sure, but what is "quiet"? imo, skinny strings produce higher pitched tones at lower volumes than fatter strings, for the same given bow and brace height. our human ears (and hands, bodies) perceive the louder low notes far better than the less volume high notes. so the skinny strings appear quieter. what does that mean to the game we hunt?
what "different feel" on release? i can only speak from my observations shooting and comparing a variety of same fiber lsc 8 strand strings to 14 strand strings - there's a better "stability" to the feel of the release with a smaller diameter bowstring. from the time the string slips off the bowhand fingers to the arrow clearing the riser, the bow and overall shot "feels better". dunno how to put it in any other words.
I havent tried one but should be receiving one for my PCH from SBD within a day or so.
QuoteOriginally posted by adeeden:
I'm shooting 8 strands (astro flight), and get a little better speed performance. Thats not why I shoot it though, I shoot it because it is so much quieter!
I have yet to shoot a FF-type string on either my Habu or Dye that was quieter than Dacron. However, I've not tried one of the SBD's
I use a 6 strand, and we send 8 strand with our bows.Sound is the biggest thing I see. Speed I don't know, it has to be faster, the sound is what sold me on them.
I got a 10 strand for my Morrison. When I got my second Morrison you guessed it I bought another SBD. Great strings.
Good post - i agree w/Bjorn - lots to be said for personal preference. Certainly is possible the strings are quieter ONLY to the archer - but we have to listen to it too. If its quieter to me an that makes me happier......
Again, good post J
I think they are terrific. Arrows seem faster and the bows are even quieter and snd smoother shooting for me.
Funny.
10 strand is my "standard" and has been for years. I never thought of a string as "skinny" until it was 8 or 6 strands.
I've tried, made, and used the skinny strings for several years now.
My only experience is with D97, and TS1 or something like that, and the old fast flight.
I like the feel of the shot, better with the skinny strings. Especially better then B50. In most cases I've found them to be a little quieter. Don't know about wrist slap because I wear an armguard all the time....... whether I get wrist or arm slap or not.
But one thing I really dislike about the skinny strings, especially on heavier bows, is they feel as if they're cutting into my fingers, even when they're built up in the serving area to the same diameter of a standard size string. My son has mentioned the same thing...... that he feels discomfort pulling his heavy bows with the skinny strings.
Lately I've been making my D97 strings 14-16 strands just because I can. I ain't good enough to tell a lot of difference between them and the tiny ones, but they sure feel better on my fingers!
I've been shooting a skinny string since 2000. Guess I've been shooting it so long I've forgotten what it was like before.
the "disclaimer" kinda scared me off from the skinny string. Hunting whitetail at under 20 yards the FPS gain wouldn't be a difference maker for me anyhow I don't think.
Toehead,
I'm not sure you would actually gain any fps. Most people find the bow shoots quieter and sweeter. With the two bows I put them on the forearm string slap stopped, the mild handshock experienced on some occasions stopped and the bows got dramatically quieter. Try an 8 or 10 strand and see what you experience.
Almost 100 votes by those that have tried Skinny Strings and 75% have experienced a benefit. Pretty impressive!
I use 8 strand DF97 on all my bows which range from 52# to 60# and have been using it for over 2 years. I like the feel of the shot and do not see nor have I experienced any negatives. The noise level seems lower, but I shoot straight limb or mild r/d longbows, so that is not much of a factor, anyway. In actuality it is all subjective, but I do not really see any down side, so I'll continue to use them.
I shoot a SBD 8 strand D10 on my Shrew and love it,fairly fast and really quiet!
I have no desire to try a skinny string and voted accordingly.