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"Skinny" B-50 String??

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    "Skinny" B-50 String??

    I've got a question for all you string making gurus:

    I have a mild R/D longbow that draws 34# @ 28" (40# at my draw) and I'd like to twist up a new string for it. Since it's such a lightweight bow I'd like to maximize its performance because I plan to use it for 3D next spring.

    The limb tips on the bow are not reinforced so any low-stretch material is out of the question, but I'm wondering if I would see any benefit by going to an 8 or 10 strand B-50 string (over the 12 strand that's already on it).

    Considering the 49# tensile strength per strand of B-50, I'm not overly concerned about the strength of the string by going to a such a low string count at my draw weight. I'm just not sure if it's worth the effort (padded loops/built out center serving) over the 12 strand.

    Any input is greatly appreciated. I'm really enjoying making my own strings and hope to make a "real" skinny string for my hunting bow once the season is over but this little project will keep me busy til the time comes.

    #2
    Honestly I tried skinny strings and just didn't see enough of a benefit from them to warrant the extra work of padding the loops and centerserving.. YMMV

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      #3
      I haven't found a benefit either, I've tried several and just found them to be unforgiving. I would be interested in your results though, I haven't seen a skinny b50

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        #4
        Originally posted by jreyna920 View Post
        I would be interested in your results though, I haven't seen a skinny b50
        I haven't seen one either, probably because b50 won't provide the proper margin of safety on most people's heavier bows. I figure it's only an hour or so if my time, why not try it out. I'll try to remember to post a followup after I've put some mileage on it.

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          #5
          Originally posted by jreyna920 View Post
          I haven't found a benefit either, I've tried several and just found them to be unforgiving. I would be interested in your results though, I haven't seen a skinny b50
          I have tried several. I'm with John. I find them very unforgiving. Some people swear by them, but not for me.

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            #6
            There are some pretty strict guidelines to follow on skinny strings in
            order to have any real performance gain from them.
            Choice of material is #1.
            Many of the low stretch materials are poor choices,
            and none of the dacron materials are an acceptable choice.

            B50 will have to much creep below 12 strands, even on the 38# bow.
            B55 is a little better, and is smaller diameter per strand, and you could
            use it at 10 stands (maybe) at that draw weight,

            but

            I'd just stick with the 12 strand B50 if I were you.
            You'll be wasting your time otherwise.
            You just don't have the bow to take advantage of a hot rod string.

            Rick
            Last edited by RickBarbee; 11-01-2011, 03:34 PM.

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              #7
              I am with Rick. I would stay where you are.

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                #8
                Thanks Rick, that's exactly the feedback I was looking for! My first attempt at a 12 strand string ended up being a bit too long and it took me around 50 twists to get the bow braced properly. I'm going to make another one tonight and see if I can't turn one out a little closer to the desired length.

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by agtex42 View Post
                  Thanks Rick, that's exactly the feedback I was looking for! My first attempt at a 12 strand string ended up being a bit too long and it took me around 50 twists to get the bow braced properly. I'm going to make another one tonight and see if I can't turn one out a little closer to the desired length.
                  You're welcome.

                  Just try to keep your twist count down as much as possible.
                  In my experience with flemish strings (of any material), 1/2 twist per inch of string length is optimal, and anything over 1 twist per inch is robbing performance, as well as causing enhanced strand to strand friction, and wear.

                  I build all my strings to give me 1/2 twist per inch of string length after the initial creep has stopped. Once a string reaches 1 twist per inch I replace it with a new one, but with the materials I use that don't happen often, and I usually wind up replacing them simply due to normal wear, which is more cosmetic than anything else.

                  Rick

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                    #10
                    So stupid question...How do you count a twist? Is it every time a single bundle makes a rotation or is a complete "cycle" of the two?

                    Here's yesterday's string (right) compared to tonight's (left). The way I'm looking at it I've got about 1.5 twists per inch on the left and 2 twists per inch on the right but please correct me if I'm wrong.

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                      #11
                      Left string looks like about 1.75 twists per inch.

                      Right string looks to be a little over to 2 twist per inch.

                      Its hard to be accurate by measuring.

                      I always count my twists from when the bundles are parallel,
                      and then try to remember how many I add as time goes by.

                      Rick

                      OH, and P.S.

                      Just because I don't like more than 1 twist per inch don't mean it's a horrible thing.
                      As long as your string doesn't start trying to coil up when you unstring the bow,
                      the string is OK. It just isn't at it's peek performance

                      Lots of folks don't care about twist count, and pay no attention to it,
                      and they get by just fine.
                      I think I've mentioned before,
                      that I am a.n.a.l., and have OCD.
                      LOL 8^)
                      Last edited by RickBarbee; 11-01-2011, 07:19 PM.

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                        #12
                        I wouldn't worry too much about the twists if I were you. I have always built my strings an inch long and twist it out of them no matter how many it takes. Nobody on here is good enough shot to tell the difference. If you really worry about speed then build an endless loop string and put no twists in it.

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                          #13
                          Originally posted by Draco View Post
                          I wouldn't worry too much about the twists if I were you. I have always built my strings an inch long and twist it out of them no matter how many it takes. Nobody on here is good enough shot to tell the difference. If you really worry about speed then build an endless loop string and put no twists in it.
                          I agree.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            @ Draco, and Arvin

                            You're both right.

                            I'm not a good enough shot (no one is) to tell the difference in the accuracy department, but I can for sure tell the difference in bow stability, and delivered performance beyond the 1 twist per inch mark.

                            For me the bows (all of them) start feeling spongy, like stretching on a screen door spring, there is more vibration in the bow during the shot, and I can see the difference in penetration in the targets. The more coils there are in the string the less it allows the energy to be imparted to the arrow, and I can tell it, so it bothers me.

                            No, it's probably not enough to make a hill a beans difference, but I'm all about delivered energy, so if I know I am lacking in that area, I make the change to fix it.

                            OCD Baby !!!!!!
                            Gotta love it. LOL

                            Rick

                            Comment


                              #15
                              I might add - there are only two reasons I shoot flemish strings instead of endless loop:

                              1 - they are generally quieter.
                              2 - they are a lot better looking.

                              Otherwise I would be shooting the endless, because they out perform flemish due to the lack of excessive twist in them.

                              Rick

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