Hey I am shooting about 50 pounds and have been shooting a 12 strand D97 string.  I am using a cartel cordovan leather tab and my fingers are really getting sore and showing some wear.  Would it matter if put on an 18 strand string.  What do you think?

Scott

You might want to try a Big Shot glove.  You know, if you use more strands in the string than you need, all you're doing is slowing down your bow.  If you're going to do things to your 50# bow that make it shoot like a 45# bow, why not just get a 45# bow and save yourself the trouble?  I could shoot with a Big Shot glove all day with my 60# bow, and my fingers would feel just fine.  If only I could say the same thing about my shoulders and arms....

The big Shot takes some getting used to, but cured my sore fingers. Not cheap, but well made and efective.

Yep, try other tabs, gloves, or larger diameter serving. You've already got 3 times more string then you need....O.L.

I use 12 strands of D97 with .024 Halo serving on all my longbows.This combo gives me the nock fit I'm looking for.I shoot it on bows from 50# to 83#,it may be alittle overkill for a 50# bow but it works out great.I just use a Bateman cordovan tab and with the Halo gives me a slick release.

I'd sure consider double serving. Here's a tutorial I did a couple years back that might help.
 Nocking point/double serving tutorial

Onestringer I shoot a 47# bow with a 18 strand it worked well but the nock fit was a little tight, It is quiet and slow. I am now able to make my own strings and am going to 10 and 12 strand strings W padded loops and served as needed for noc fit. hope this helps ya

blueline

Since you shoot with a tab, try a Cavalier Elite (cordovan).  Changing the string to 18 strands, or even double serving the string, will require you to re-tune and possibly require different arrows, or at least heavier points.

Chad

You might try a golf glove on your string hand for a little more padding. (Left hand glove goes on the right hand, BTW)

OneStringer,
I think you just need to man up and shoot through the pain. Go dig a ditch or chop wood to toughen those tender hands up.

Your friend,

Darren

Get yourself another thin tab and sew it to the back of your cordovan tab . A craft store will have thin leather to copy your tab also .