Just wondering if I need to pad the loops on a 14 strand D-97 string...I'm building several tonight.  One is for my Kota Kill-um recurve, 55 @ 28" and the other is for my Martin Savannah 50 @ 29", both are FF compatible.

Also if I need to pad the loops how exactly do I do this...add extra strands to the 8" section I create the loops out of?  How many strands do I add?

Thanks,

Josh

I dont know about the 2 bows you are making the strings for but if you do pad the loops, I start twisting at 8" also so i cut 12" strands this way when im done twisting for the loop and fold it over i will have about the same amount of padding on both sides, also if i add say 3 strands on each bundle i will cut the padding at 12", 11" and 10" this will match the bundle strands and make a nice taper on the main twist, just the way i like doing it.

If I understood what wtpops was saying- I'd do that.  Seeing as i do not make my own strings-- I take the store bought ones and wrap them with waxed dental floss -- been doing this for 15yrs.+ with no probs.  It does take about an hr. to do this.  They're not purrrrtee, but they do the job.

Josh, no if the bows are compatable. And like pops said you can add the strands, your choice. I myself ,pull the extras out and clip off ! Your just padding the loop, not the neck. Steve

A 12 strand D97 is strong enough for upto a 100# bow,I shoot 12 strands on my 83# DQ longhunter.I make 12 strand D97 and add two extra strands per bundle for 16 in the loop ends.It is relly not necessary to pad loops on the bows listed.I pad loop ends to make them a larger diameter filling the string grooves better and I think makes a string alittle quieter.A 12 strand with .024 Halo serving gives me around .108-110 diameter,which fits great with Easton 3D Super nocks and large groove G-nocks .098..For 50-55# bows you could make 8-10 strand D97 and would be more them strong enough.But I make all my strings the same 12 strand D97 with the .024 Halo for the same nock fit for my bows from 50# to 83#.

Josh,
I make most of my skinny strings out of 8125 ( the thinner version of D-97) I add 12" pieces of B-50 to bring the total count up to 16 for the loops. Even on a compatable bow, you are spreading the string tension over a wider area and making the taper more pronounced. This in my opinion, slows the harmonics and  makes for a more quiet string.

Thanks guys...I've only made 5 strings all 16 strand B-50's...for a few bows and some for practice.

I just got some D-97 in today and I'm going to make two strings tonight.

I'm not going to pad the loops as many have stated I don't need to.

Thanks again,

Josh

No need to pad, and 14 strands is a LOT of string...

I like to made 12 strand D97 strings and ALWAYS pad the loops.  I would rather be over protected and not.