Seems like there is alot of variation in the number of twists in bow strings.  My limited experience indicates less is better?  Like 1-1.5" per twist.  Anyone have any empirical information on what is optimal?

Dave

Less is better, but the proper brace height trumps number of twists for performance.  That's a major factor in the variation you see.

Jeff,
Assuming the string length is optimized for brace height, what is your optimal twists per inch?
Dave

I've got some that are about 1 turn an inch - others might be 2 1/2 or so.  Arrow still comes off the bow.  Brace height trumps number of turns.  When you un-string it - if it furls up like a scared earth worm, it may be twisted too much.

Dave,
It has been my observation that unless it is twisted too tight like Ground Hunter stated, it doesn't matter a lot. Of course, you need some twist in it for strength.
I shoot for 1.5 twists per inch when I make my strings. Many times they settle in closer to one twist per inch, and they work just fine for me.

i don't like a lotta string twists, however ...

twists are an issue for flemish - there will be a minimum required to keep the string together and that will come from experience.

endless strings need no twists at all, but for best functionality a dozen or so are used to aerodynamically round off.

1-1.5 makes me happy.

Never really took a ruler to my strings. But after reading this, I did. I made a new string for one of my Massie Longhorns. Guess what? 1 twist per inch. Out of curiosity I measured several others. 1 twist per inch. Looks as if one inch makes me happy and I didn't even know it.      

Danny

Anything from 1 per 1.5 inches to 1 per .75 inches would be fine, IMHO

The problem with more twist is that it means you are carrying more string material for the same length string.  Even if you don't have problems with excessive stretch and give, you are using a heavier string than necessary.

Well tell me what happens if they are more twist.

Erm...

Most of my strings are about a twist per inch, but I make them about 3 or 4 twists per inch for my boys.  They like 'em some flashy style...

God Bless,
Nathan

QuoteOriginally posted by amazonjim:
Well tell me what happens if they are more twist.

Mainly just unneeded weight, string heaver than it needs to be. Like said above correct brace height trumps twist count.

QuoteOriginally posted by amazonjim:
Well tell me what happens if they are more twist.

Basically it acts like a coil spring. Extra give or stretch. Ever grabbed one end of a Slinky? See what I mean?

Doesn't matter , I got a buddy that worries about such trivial stuff . Twist to the correct brace height and shoot it then set a nocking point when it is stretched out.

Well, Ric O'Shay and myself have agreed on this subject in other posts on strings!

First, I come from a business, manufacturing background, where material costs matter!

"Lean manufacturing", as they title it today!

From the standpoint of effeciency, weight, and the spring factor, I feel too much twist in the body of a string, causes ineffecient performance.

Not speed... performance! A difference!

Take a look at the HH forum, page 402, and the EastTexasRedneck's sweet looking bow!

Now, look at the string. That's what I want in a properly twisted Flemish string!

As a builder, alot of twist, also means more material, more means waste, and less! "$".

I see some top bows out there, with such strings. They could be even better, with  a little less!

2.563 per inch above the serving and 1.0002 per inch below. Twist should be counterclockwise for lefties.... but that's just me.    

QuoteOriginally posted by Charlie Lamb:
2.563 per inch above the serving and 1.0002 per inch below. Twist should be counterclockwise for lefties.... but that's just me.        

oh charlie, there you go telling fibs - we both know it's 2.653 per inch above and 1.0003 below, with counterclockwise righty twist only when the moon is full or new.  dang.    :D

Mine are one half to one at my desired brace height, six strand up to 55# then up to eight for my higher weight bows. Ultra-Cam