New String Question

Hogcoots · February 19, 2011, 07:51:00 PM

I have been shooting a 2 bundle 18 strand flemish bowstring. The bowyer supplied this string. I am new to string making. Today, I made a 3 bundle 15 strand flemish string myself and shot about 30 arrows through it. For some reason, the arrows just don't seem to fly as fast with the new string. Same bow (56" recurve 50#@28) Same arrow (GT5575 30" 3 5" LW parabolics and 125gr field point). I don't have access to a chronograph. Old string was made from TS1. New string is made from TS1Plus with a .19 Halo serving. Actually the new string shoots better groups. What would make one string seem to shoot faster than another?

Orion · February 19, 2011, 08:10:00 PM

Probably in your head. Since both are low stretch strings, it's unlikely that the TS1 plus string is stretching, which would decrease performance. The thinner string, which is still a bit overbuilt for a 50# bow, should be a bit quieter, which may make the bow seem slower to you. No way you can tell without a chrono, but if it's shooting good/better groups I wouldn't worry about it.

Be sure to check the brace height to make sure it's the same. Even a low-stretch string will stretch a little as it's being shot in. However, if the brace height has dropped, that, too, should make for a faster arrow. But if you started with the brace height too high, and if it stayed there, it could reduce speed a few fps.

Bud B. · February 19, 2011, 10:56:00 PM

Do the nocks seem to snap on tighter with the new string? If so, that could cause some arrow slow down.

straitera · February 20, 2011, 09:04:00 AM

Fewer strands of the same material should be faster. Sometimes hard to believe your own craftsmanship as Orion mentioned. Lot of strands for 50#.

Hogcoots · February 20, 2011, 09:16:00 AM

Yes, the nocks are a little tighter with the new string. I assume that as I shoot it in the serving will compress somewhat loosening up the nock connection. If not I have a tool that I can take a little off the inside of the nock.

I am drawing at 29" so I figure I am pulling somewhere around 53#. How many strands would you recommend for that set up?

Prairie Drifter · February 20, 2011, 09:30:00 AM

on my 52# bows I use 8 strand strings from SBD

tradshooter · February 20, 2011, 09:43:00 AM

I would bet your nocks are part of the reason, but if you are shooting better groups I wouldn't worry about it. That is plenty of strands for a 52# bow and your serving will compress some as you shoot it more. I would keep shooting it and see how it settles in. The 18 strand string is a lot of strands for that bow. Shoot 100 or so arrows and tie in your nock on your 15 strand and I'll bet you will be fine.

oldbohntr · February 20, 2011, 03:53:00 PM

I agree, it's likely a perceived difference that a chrono would disprove. 15 should be better than 19, but is still likely overkill for a 50# bow. Regardless, if it shoots well, use it!

I've never used TS-1, but for my bows in that weight range I've been using 8 strands of 450+, or 6 strands of ultra-cam(building up the loops to 12 strands). Have used the 450+ on a lot of bows, including vintage recurves.