Saw this thread today
What do you think about O.L.'s light string theory?
OL MAN, Would you like to try making one of these?
What do you think about O.L.'s light string theory?
OL MAN, Would you like to try making one of these?
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Definitely would want to keep your broadheads and any abrasives away from that. I thought 8 was thin.
I like OL. Once he insisted I shoot one of his bows. Dude that bow shot sweet! Smoke checked the speed of the two other bows I had to compare it with. OL's good folks. Very intelligent man. The dude can put down some BBQ too.
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The logic is pretty sound.
Based on my minimal understanding of the weight bearing capabilities of modern string materials, most of us shoot far more strands than are actually required.
The padded loops should reduce noise and protect the limb tips.
Fewer strands would pick up your speed.
As mentioned in the article you would have to double serve your nocking point and in my opinion the area your fingers are touching. I can only imagine the calluses 2-4 strands would make. This added weight would offset some of the weight lost by decreasing strands.
LostHawg’s comment is also very valid. My string takes a beating during the year and ends up looking like fuzzy caterpillars by the end of the season. I would prefer to have the added security of a few extra strands than an extra 3-5 fps.Comment
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D97 is rated at 150 lbs. tensile strength... so that means the string can take 600 lbs. ... B-50 on the other hand is 38 lbs. tensile strength.. so if you use a 16 strand string you would have only 608 lbs. Still, at 4 strands that is a strong string. Padding and double serving is mandatory though. I would play with it but, would recommend it not be used on bows over 40 lbs. max... Now a 6 or 8 strand now you are talking!!!Comment
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I don't know who O.L. is but I just read a report by Ashby that delved into it a little bit. If I remeber right he was advocating using as few strands as possible because this would impart more of the force from the bow to the arrow. It made sense to me but I have not tried it yet.
BischComment
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I usually make mine 10 strand for d97 but I think I may give a 6 strand (4 is to light for my bows) a try.. Will keep ya'll advised on what I come up with. Heck I may even post some chrony results for those who are so inclined. Sort of a before and after deal.Comment
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I shot 6 strand FF string rated at 155 lbs per strand on a 96# recurve for 15 years.
Never had a single problem with it, and it did add speed. A lot of speed. The exact numbers escape me. It has been a long time.
I kinda enjoyed the reaction of panic on folks faces when I told them what the string was.
Lots of folks flat acted like they were going to run .
I currently shoot an 8 strand S4 string (rated at 165 lbs per strand) on a 78# at my draw BlackWidow recurve. It adds 8 fps over a 14 strand D97. It is slightly smaller in diameter than the 14 strand D97, but actually weighs 6 grns heavier.
Anyways, been doing the small string thing for years. Nothin new.
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This is really intriguing me. I want to try this.
OL MAN, I will get with you about getting a string made after the holiday is over if you have the time.
I might give 6 strands a whack for starters.Comment
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No problem... gonna give it a try myself.. trying to figure out how to make a 4 strand flemish string....Comment
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Originally posted by loco cacahuate View Post
With my old hands it may not work but I am going to try a 4 and a 6 tomorrow.Comment
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Well - I tried a 6 strand - was a tiny bit quieter, may have been slightly (2-3 FPS) faster but I found that it made my bow far more critical of any release errors or problems I had introduced to my shot. My take is....... I am going to stick with my 10 strand and be a better shot for it. JMHO and far be it from me to tell others what to do ...Comment
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If you made a Flemish twist string, couldn't you 'just' add another 4 strands to the ends where you make the loops to thicken them up? I've heard about that being done.Originally posted by Ol Man View Post
I know on my old recurves (Red Wing Hunters) the tip issue with going to Fastflight is they are not built to withstand the shock of a string with almost zero stretch at the end of the shot. I was told I could have them replaced with a more beefed-up tip to shoot FF and gain 10+ fps at 54#, but I decided 185 'ish was plenty fast for a reurve.Comment
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I padded my loops with 6 strands of B-50. Padding a 4 strand string can easily be done as well...but I really do not see nor did I get any huge advantage. Maybe if you are strictly a target archer you may see more benefit.Comment
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