why is there a string size difference between a longbow and a recurve?? correct me if im wrong but is it 3" shorter than the bow for a recurve and 4" shorter for a longbow of the same length. I guess my question is why is there a difference if they have the same amo length
I think it depends on the brace height you want to get out of it. Recurve limbs are a different shape and by design it takes a shorter/longer string than the same size longbow, just because of the limb design. Make sense?
Since I make my own longbows I have to custom fit each string to the particular bow. It all depends on length from NTN and the brace ht. I'm wanting to achieve.
Look at the unstrung profile of a longbow and a recurve side by side and you will see why one may need a shorter string than the other to achieve the desired brace ht. also recurves most generally have glass outer lams and lots of longbows do not. That in itself may require a shorter string on one and not the other, just because of the materials used.
If I'm wrong somebody please correct me, but that's just my opinion.
The amo standard is the same for recurves and longbows--3" shorter. People often state that it is 4" for recurves and 3" for longbows, but that is incorrect.
Reality, though, is that many bows don't fit the "standard". The manner in which the bowyer measures length, design, and the optimal brace height are the driving force for string length.
I go 3" inches shorter then AMO length on both recurves and longbows.Like my 62" Martin Hunter,I make a 59" string for it and a 59" string for my buddys 62" Black Widow.I like to measure the actual bow length from nock to nock.I have had three 64" bows and all three there are differences in their length.I also like to measure the actual string that came off the bow when possible.
I never pay any attention to AMO as I always custom make the string to the brace height that I am trying to achieve for any given bow and that can vary from bow to bow. You have to also consider if making a flemish string it must have a certain amount of twist and even that can vary a little. I also vary my string loops to match any given bow so the lower is really tight so as not to fall of and I then make the top loop as snug as possible where it will be located when the bow is unstrung.
Of course, I guess you can understand that I do not make strings commercially.