Tuning bow string/brace height

[FrankM]

Hi, I have a Martin Jaguar Takedown Recurve in #50 lbs. I have a draw length of 27" and the bow pulls at #51 at this. But, I just put the string on the bow and didn't twist it. The brace height is 6 1/4" like that. The spec says it should be 7". How do I tune this to quiet it down and find the best brace height? Do I twist the string and start from 7 inches? Or should I just start from an untwisted string? It's the string that came with the bow.

[Ross]

Twist the string to 7" and start from there.
Raising the brace height should help quiet the bow.
You may have to adjust again after shooting a while
as the string may stretch.

[FrankM]

Thanks Ross. Just curious though. With the string untwisted, my draw weight is #51 at 27 inch draw length. Will this change if I twist the string? Maybe I should get rechecked at the bow shop when I've tuned my bow?

[lpcjon2]

it should be twisted before you string the bow,you shouldn't have two separate strings they should be twisted together

[FrankM]

Yes. With no twists, the stock bowstring brace height is 6 1/4 inches. If I take the string off, twist it 35 times, then put the string back on, the brace height is at the recommended 7 inches. But, will that change my draw weight?

[lpcjon2]

What is the true spec of the bow they should be marked on it (50@28) or something similar.Whatever the spec's of the bow are thats what most likely what it was @ 7" Braced when measured.

[FrankM]

It's a 50# bow at 28" draw. I wondered why I got a draw weight of 51# at 27". I guess with the brace height at 6 1/4" that would explain it?

[lpcjon2]

Do the brace at 7" and put on some cat whiskers(helps with noise and string shock) and have at it and shoot a week and check the brace every day to see if it has stretched before you lower the brace again.Good lick and let us know how you made out.

[FrankM]

OK, I will. I just shot it without cat whiskers though. Here are my results:
1. Twisted 37 times to 7 inches, avg. noise, decent speed, though seems slower than string with no twists.
2. Twisted 40 times, to 7 1/8 inches, no noticable difference in speed or noise.
3. Twisted 45 times, to 7 3/8 inches, speed seemed to drop off, noise not really better but maybe just a tad quieter.

I'll continue with what you say, and let you know.  

[frank bullitt]

Is this an endless type string? Too many twist, is as bad as none at all, maybe more so!

Every string should have some twist, but you can "kill" the integrity of the material used.

One with too much twist, can cause alot of vibration, ie, noise, loss in performance.

[lpcjon2]

I would keep it at 7" and shoot it a while before you change the height.The string has to stretch.

[FrankM]

OK, I'll keep it at 7" inches which means 37 twists. It sounds like too much twist. It is the stock string Martin sent with the bow. The serving type material near one of the loops is coming loose. Should I get a new string? Any recommendations?

[lpcjon2]

Can you post a pick of the string.It's hard to talk about what you can't see.Does it look braided about 6" before the loop?If it is then it's probably a flemish twist and the little ends are ok if they look frayed.A pic would really help.

[FrankM]

It looks like this. A standard Dacron bowstring I think.    http://www.3riversarchery.com/Double+Loop++B-50+Dacron+Endless+Bowstrings_c0_s0_p0_i4243X_product.html

[lpcjon2]

Frank go to the main forum under Photography and it will show you how to post pics.Yours didn't post.

[FrankM]

I saw that. I put the link in. Can you see that?

[lpcjon2]

Thats not a flemish,it's endless loop. If it's frayed I would get a new one and not shoot that one anymore.It could be from shooting it without any twists in the string.

[FrankM]

Well, I did do that. But I'm a newbie. Geez.    Anyway, any good bowstrings out there for a 60" takedown recurve? Maybe one of those fast flight strings from the local archery shop?

[lpcjon2]

Start a thread called who makes a good string and you will get many choices.Good luck

[FrankM]

Thanks everbody. I'm going to get a new string, some cat whiskers, and try again.  

It's not a total loss, all this shooting today is improving my aim. LOL