Do you know how to string a recurve bow properly with or without a stringer? The string is a crucial part of the recurve bow, and the quality of the string directly affects the speed of your arrow while target shooting. If you want to increase the life of your string and bow, then it is necessary to always unstring the bow when not in use.
How to String Recurve bow with/without Stringer
If you have bought a deluxe high-performing recurve bow, you will definitely be concerned with its health and performance. So, purchasing a bow stringer tool is highly recommended. Stringing and unstringing a recurve bow is quite effortless if done with proper care and technique. Similarly, if done carelessly, it will prove to be harmful to your recurve bow. That is why we are here to teach you how to string a recurve bow with or without a bow stringer effortlessly and properly.
What is a Bow stringer?
A bow stringer is a simple and effective tool, and it will definitely make your life easy. A bow stringer prevents the limbs from twisting by distributing equal pressure under both limbs. You have to buy a bow stringer with your recurve bow because the bow stringers that come with the recurve bow are of very low quality and show poor performance.
If you have bought an expensive recurve bow and have spent a lot of dollars on it, you will not like to risk its safety and performance. So, the safest way to string a recurve bow is with a bow stringer tool. Moreover, the bow stringer tool is pretty inexpensive.
When you leave the bow strung even when not in use, it reduces the life of the bow and affects its performance.
There are quite a number of bow stringer tools available in the market, among which you can choose the one that fits you the best. Usually, one end of the bowstring has a bigger loop than the other end. One end of the bow stringer is a saddle that sits over the limb.
The other end is the limb pocket that sits over the limb tips. Some bow stringers have two saddles, and some have two pockets.
String a Bow With a Bow stringer
Stringing a bow can be difficult on your own, which is why it’s often recommended to purchase a bow stringer tool! Bow stringers are easy to use if follow proper steps, we reviewed some best recurve bowstrings as well, So If you have decided to go this route and purchase the tool, follow the steps below:
1. Place the string on the recurve bow:
First, place the string on the recurve bow. Usually, the top of the string has a bigger loop, and the bottom of the bowstring has a smaller loop. And the bigger loop goes on the top limb of the recurve bow. Slide the string down the limb. Then reverse the ends and slide the smaller loop of the bowstring over the bottom limb tip as well.
2. Fitting the bow stringer on the top limb tip:
Place the top of the bow stringer over the top limb tip. If it is a saddle-bow stringer, clip it over the front of the limb below the string. If the bow stringer has pockets, then the smaller pocket will fit in the upper limb. Now, the string sits under the bow stringer.
3. Fitting the bow stringer on the lower limb tip:
Place the bottom of the bow stringer over the bottom tip. If it is a saddle, then its pocket goes over the lower limb just like the first part. Or, if the stringer has two pockets, then you will have to fit the larger pocket to the lower limb.
4. Positioning the recurve bow:
Now position the recurve bow horizontally and hold the riser with your non-dominant hand while your dominant hand rests near the top limb. In this position, the bowstring and the bow stringer will be on the lower side. This is the right way to hold the recurve bow in order to string it properly.
5. Stepping on the bow stringer:
Lower the bow to the ground. Make sure that the bow stringer is touching the ground while the bowstring still remains above the ground. Now, step on the bow stringer. You can use your one foot or two feet, depending on how you feel more comfortable.
Or if you step on the bow with one foot and it still comes too high, then use both your feet to lower it further down towards the ground.
6. Pulling the recurve bow up:
While holding the bow stringer in place, firmly use one hand to pull the bow up gradually in such a way that you are removing the tension from the recurve bow.
7. Securing the string in the top limb:
Meanwhile, you are pulling the bow slide the larger loop of the string upwards towards the string groove present in the nock. In other words, you just have to bend over and lift the larger loop of the bowstring so that it hawks over the limb tip. Make sure that the string is sitting in the limb grooves neatly.
8. Removing the bow stringer:
Now, remove the bow stringer by simply stepping out of the bow. Release all the tension from your recurve bow.
9. Rechecking:
Now check that the string is sitting neatly in the grooves and adjust it if necessary. Giving the bowstring a few plucks will usually set the string in place as well. Always remember to make sure that the string is secured in both nocks before releasing the tension at them after stringing. Moreover, It’s good practice to hold a slight tension on the bowstring while putting the pocket end on top of it to make sure it stays in place.
Now, we have discussed the method of how to string a recurve bow with a bow stringer.
String A Bow Without Bowstringer
As we have already mentioned, the safest way to string a recurve bow is by using a bow stringer. However, if you don’t want to use it, you can still string your recurve bow without a bow stringer tool. Now we are teaching you how to string a recurve bow without a bow stringer. There are two ways you can do this, which are discussed below.
Push and Pull Method:
In this method, you have to place the bottom limb tip beneath your right foot.
With your dominant hand, hold the bow at the riser with a firm grip.
Now, place the palm of your non-dominant hand behind the top limb tip.
Meanwhile, use your thumb and forefingers to slide the string over the top limb towards the string groove.
Giving the bowstring a few plucks will usually set the string in place as well.
Step through the method:
First of all, take your string and slide it over the top of the limb. On the lower limb, string it inside the grooves appropriately now wide open the space between the string and the bow and step inside with your left foot. Hook it with your right leg.
Hold the top part of the bow with both of your hands and keep it away from your face.
Giving the bowstring a few plucks will usually set the string in place as well.
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Conclusion:
In this article, we have discussed a number of ways to string a recurve bow with or without a bow stringer. Although, stringing a recurve bow without a bow stringer is not the preferred method. You should always prefer to string your recurve bow using a bow stringer tool.
It is also recommended to buy a bow stringer yourself because the ones that come with the recurve bow are really low quality-wise. We really hope that our tips and techniques will allow you to easily string your recurve bow, even for the first time.
Best of luck!