I checked my brace height on two bows today and noticed my bows were 1/4 inch out of range. One string was new so I would expect some initial stretch. The other string, however, was not new. How often do you check your brace?
On a broke in string... There's probably a correct answer but I really only get a ruler out if my arrows are acting funny just to rule it out.
I check often with a general closed hand and thump up guestimation. If it's not close I break out the square and meassure.
I check it if I haven't used it for a while. If I'm using it every day, I check it when I wax the string, every few weeks, or sooner if the spirit moves me. I really haven't had a problem with broken in strings stretching, but every so often one does and I have to twist the string up a few turns.
I check it after I finish shooting. Limbs too
When it looks wrong.
I make a mark / cresting on many of my arrows so I can see on nearly every shot.
ChuckC
What ChuckC said!! Only I usually use the leading edge of my fletch.
Great info here, guys! Thanks. I know that string material matters as well. Some strings have less stretch than others. This situation has taught me a lesson. I will check my brace more often for sure.
When I'm shooting good or bad I check it to see if its me or if something changed. I have found though not to check it right after I string it it takes a few shots for the string to settle in after being unstrung for a while even with a well broken in string.
Tim
If it's just daily practice I can tell when it's 1/4" off. In hunting season I check it a lot. Past string materials I used would always creep. I use 452X now and once broken in it stays pretty good.
There are probably better string materials now but I'm afraid to change.
Tedd
I basically check it every time I string and shoot the bow.
I keep a square in my side quiver and check it quite often. I usually check it right after I string my bow up and before I start shooting.
Bisch
Often..........
QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
Often..........
Me? Not often enough! :biglaugh:
I check at least every other shooting session.
I have an arrow marked with the correct BH. I check it every time I shoot.
When ever the arrow doesn't go where I want it to lol so about every other shot :laughing:
I shoot about every three days, and I check it before and after shooting.
I check my brace height(my fistmele) every time I brace a bow. It's just part of the experience.
I build my arrows with a wrap or a mark of some sort at the right brace height, so,.... every shot for me. :archer2:
check mine about twice a week.
String material will make a difference in how stable the string is, but that's just one factor.
New strings, even when pre-stretched, will generally settle in some.
Lower strand counts will stretch/creep more.
Heavier draw weights will cause more stretch/creep.
If you unstring your bow, when you re-string the brace may settle in some after a little while or after a few shots--especially with a Dacron string, but also with some others.
Hot weather will cause a string to stretch/creep more, especially Dacron and 100% HMPE (UHMWPE).
Materials with Vectran (BCY-X, 452X, 450+) will be the most consistent in all conditions.
A lot when I put on a new string. No so much later, unless something starts to feel out of whack.
I check it every time I string the bow as well.
Generally only when the bow seems to perform badly with arrows that previously flew just fine.
Every time I string the bow...how often that happens depends on the bow
DDave
If the bow is strung continuously between shooting sessions, every 2-3 times I use it (mostly just for confidence).
But, for me anyway, there is usually a difference between the measurement immediately after stringing a bow that was unstrung (brace height is more) and the measurement after a shooting session or the next day (brace height is slightly less).
Every time before shooting session, or hunting.
QuoteOriginally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
quote:
Originally posted by ron w:
Often..........
Me? Not often enough! :campfire:
What Chuck C said.
When it starts to slap me.
What Chuck said. However, with different brace hts for different bows, I do need to be sure I'm using the arrows made for that bow!
i keep a 12" dowel that i marked 1/4" increments on in a slot in my quiver.
After each shooting session which is about 4-5 times per week. That said, the brace height on my Blacktail hasn't changed for over a year.
I have been shooting a ILF rig more than my other bows so every time I put it together there are two things that I check which are the brace height and the other is the tiller. I have found that the tiller can and will change about every time I attach the limbs and this will affect the brace height of the bow.
Regards,
Grouse
Every 2-3 times I shoot or if the string starts making more noise.
Before I shoot every time and during my shooting sessions if it's a new string.
QuoteOriginally posted by GreyGoose:
A lot when I put on a new string. No so much later, unless something starts to feel out of whack.
X-2