When using a recurve bow, you would frequently require to restring it. When a bow is used frequently, the string can lose its durability which impacts the performance. Therefore, knowing how to string a recurve bow is considered a fundamental skill that every archer should have.
Stringing a bow is extremely simple, some use a special tool known as a stringer. However, other archery experts that have enough arm strength and know the trick can do it without a stringer too.
A string loop is present on both limbs where you can hook the bowstring. The entire process takes no more than a minute. If you are doing it for the first time, the max time it could take will be two minutes.
Usually, there are no risks involved when stringing a recurve bow. That said, rather than visiting a bow expert, archers prefer doing it themselves. Our experienced bowers have been doing this for years now and have shared the guide below.
Archer’s Basics – How To String A Recurve Bow?
You never know when you will need to restring your bow. In such situations, seeking professional help to string a bow could be challenging. Therefore, you should know how to do it irrespective of the availability of specialized tools.
To preserve the functionality of your wooden recurve bow and save the string from damage, you must unstring it after every use. This is because when you string it, the limbs curve and create tension. If you have a new bow and want to use it for longer period, wax it regularly. Learn how often should you wax your bow string?
If you leave it like that for a long, it can impact the bow’s draw weight, power, and overall performance. However, if you use it frequently every week, there is no need to do so.
Here is how you can string or unstring a recurve bow:
How To String A Bow With A Stringer? 3 Easy Steps
Stringer is a cheap yet extremely useful tool for archers. It assists with adding or removing the string from a recurve bow. If you wonder how to use a bow stringer, it is quite simple and explained below.
Add The String To The Bow
Every recurve bow string has two loops on both ends, one is bigger and the other is small. The bigger loop always goes to the top of the bow while the smaller one goes to the bottom side.
Slide the bigger loop to the middle of the bow limb and fix the smaller loop on the string groove. While stringing a bow, make sure to make it quieter. Read how to make a bow quieter.
Use The Stringer
Grab your stringer, it has a pocket on one end and a saddle on the other. Fix the bottom limb in the pocket. Bring the string as up as you can on the top limb and place the saddle right behind it.
Simply stand on the stringer strap with one foot on the ground. If it is too long, you can stand with both your feet slightly wide.
Slide The String To The Groove
Finally, while standing on the strap, hold the saddle in place and gradually pull the bow up. This will create tension in the limbs, allowing them to curve. As the bow curves, slide the string in the notch.
How To String A Recurve Bow Without A Stringer?
No stringer? No problem. There is an extremely simple way that tell you how to string a recurve bow conveniently without any equipment.
- Step Through Method
As mentioned earlier, place the smaller loop of the string in the notch, and the bigger loop is in the bow but under the groove. Now step through the bow with one leg, this will bring the bow between both of your legs.
Make sure that the bottom of the bow is supported by your foot. Hold the top of your bow and pull it forward, toward yourself. This will curve the bow, pull up the top string, and fix it in the notch. You now have a perfectly strung bow.
How To Make A String For A Bow?
Not every archer purchases string from the market, some likes to make their own. However, making a string for your recurve bow is not an easy process. It requires some essential supplies and equipment. Moreover, the entire procedure requires a high skill set and consumes lots of time.
If you wish to make a string for your recurve bow, you will need the following supplies:
- A string (the best bowstring materials for fast arrow speed and high durability include DynaFLIGHT 97, BCY-X, or BCY 8125)
- Sharp knife or blade
- Bowstring jig
Once you have gathered all the products, here is a detailed video tutorial with a step-by-step guide.
Conclusion
Using a bow is always fun, all you need is to learn how to string a recurve bow. This will not only save you from the hassle of visiting a bow expert every time but also keep the recurve bow safe from damage. If you want to learn costs associate with string a bow, learn how much does it costs to restring a bow.
Whether you are using the equipment or not, make sure to follow the guidelines carefully. An improper technique can result in incorrect placement of the bowstring which ultimately impacts the performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
You can easily unstring or restring your recurve bow. The first method is by using a stringer, just like you use it to string a bow. Rather than fixing the bigger loop into the notch, slide it down in the middle of the limb. Similarly, try the step-through method to unstring or restring your bow if you don’t have a stringer.
If you use your bow infrequently, it is best to unstring it after every use. The bowstring curves the limbs because of the tension which if left for a long time can impact its performance. However, if you use the bow every week, you can leave the string on.
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