Number of strands (B500)

[K. Mogensen]

I'm about to twist up my very first string for my 45 pound recurve and maybe a 40 pound longbow, and I had some questions. I had a little "guide" if you will that said, 12 strands for 35-45 pound bows. When I got my BCY B500, it said 16 strands recommended. Which should I go with? 12 or 16? Or should I just split the difference and go with 14? Thanks!

[K. Mogensen]

TTT

[Apex Predator]

Twelve strands are plenty for up to 50# or so.

[K. Mogensen]

Thanks a bunch!!!

[Danny Roberts]

I go with 18 on everything. Overkill ?? Don't know. They last a long time and wear real good. Good luck.

[Jesse Peltan]

10 is good up to 50 12 is good up to 60 etc. I'd go with 10 for a 2 bundle or 12 for a 3 bundle.

[Pat B]

I use B-50 and use 14 strands for bows over 50# and 12 for bows under 50#

[JRY309]

I do the same as above,I've shot 14 strands of B50 on bows upto 65# and use 12 strands for under 50#

[Bill Carlsen]

I've shot bows from 55-70 since the 50's. I always made 12 strand strings and never had one break unless I abraded it going over a stone wall or some such thing. Most bowstrings are overbuilt, IMO, and most guys could gain a bit of performance going to few strands without fear of the string breaking. On the 45# bow I'de go with 10 at most.

[thunder1]

2 bundles of 7 for 14 strands of B-50 for bows over 50#
3 bundles of 5 for 15 strands of B-50 for bows over 50#
The three bundles make a better fitting string for nocks. So they say in 3 rivers video for string making.

[bearbowman]

B-500 has a great variety of colors but you will find that B-50 is easier to work. 14 is plenty up to 65 lbs. I like to use it for 40 to 65 because it makes for a nice serving diameter with standard nylon serving.

[Jesse Peltan]

14 is good up to 70# 12 is good up to 60#.... see a pattern?