Your prey is locked in your crosshairs; you pull your bow cautiously, and the string snaps. Knowing how to string your recurve bow correctly could mean the difference between catching your prey and returning home empty-handed.

Archers must know how to string and unstring their bows. Stringing your bow is simple if you have the right tools. However, paying attention and exercising caution are still required to avoid whacking oneself with a bow limb while under stress. You can begin shooting as soon as you have strung the bow, but tuning will be beneficial if your bow is new.

Let’s take it one step at a time so you can master these approaches, but first, what exactly is a Recurve bow?

Recurve Bow

A recurve bow is the most common bow shape in archery. They are the only bows permitted at the Olympics, and they have demonstrated their worth in competition time and again. The recurve bow’s design dates back to the ancient Egyptians.

The reflex/deflex architecture of the limbs allows for better energy storage. Its energy delivery is more efficient than a straight-limbed bow, providing the arrow more energy and speed. Because of the increased size of the riser, a recurve bow is more stable in hand, resulting in no hand shock. Recurves are particularly accurate because they are usually cut to (or past) the center, so the arrow leads directly where you are firing.

Traditional recurve bows are available in a variety of lengths and weights as one-piece and takedown bows. A recurve bow will allow for a shorter bow than a straight limb bow for the same arrow energy. Archers frequently chose this when long weapons would be difficult, such as in scrub and woodland terrain or riding a horse.

It is strongly recommended for beginning archers because it is easier to shoot, and many models include bushings for attaching attachments to your bow.

A recurve bow will allow for a shorter bow than a straight limb bow for the same arrow energy. Archers frequently chose this when long weapons would be cumbersome, such as in scrub and woodland terrain or riding a horse.

Ways to string a Recurve Bow

There are two ways you can string your bow.

  • A tool called a bow-stringer is required.
  • By hand

In this blog, we’ll discuss the safest and recommended way by a bow stringer.

What is a Bow Stringer?

This device allows archers to string and unstring their bows securely and with ease without any harm to the bow. Other ways can be used to do these tasks. Using a bow stringer not only results in a more regularly strung bow but also keeps you safe. It is typical for the limbs to cringe during the stringing procedure, resulting in damage. It’s also the only way recommended by bow manufacturers.

There are two types of bow stringers you can use.

  1. Double packet
  2. Saddle type

Choose one made for a recurve bow and is appropriate for the length and draw weight of your bow. Make sure that the stringer end fits securely over the limb tips of your bow. For recurve bows, some sources propose the saddle design, while double pocket stringers are also popular.

Step-by-step guide for using a Bow Stringer

  • Ready The Bow

Find the top string loop. Since the top loop is bigger than the bottom loop, you can tell them apart. The top loop should be slid down the top limb. After that, insert the bottom loop into the string slots on the lower limb. String grooves can be found towards the tips of each limb. The bowstring is held in place by these characteristic grooves.

  • Attach the Stringer to the Bow

Hold your bow horizontally, like you would a bowstring. Begin with the top limb, whether you’re using a double pocket or maybe a saddle-type stringer.

Place the “saddle” end of the bow stringer over the limb immediately behind the string loop. The saddle point is wide and flat, allowing it to sit flat against the limb.

Now, attach the pouch end over the bottom limb. The pouch end is enclosed so that it can grip the tip of the bow securely.

If you’re using a double pocket, put the little pocket over the top limb. Position the belt over the upper limb and below the bowstring loops for saddle types. Your bow is now prepared for stringing.

  • String your Bow

Step atop the bow stringer with your feet shoulder-width apart. Pull straight up on the bow’s grip to bend its limbs. As you put the top string loop into the limb tip’s string grooves, the bow-stringer will sustain the bow’s draw weight.

  • Check your Bow

Remove the bow-stringer once the top string loop is secure. Turn the bow so that its limbs are facing away from you. This is the exact position you’d use to shoot the bow, and it’s a safety precaution.

If the cord comes loose from a limb, the limbs will fall away from your body. If you don’t want to do it yourself, get assistance from a nearby archery store. They can demonstrate the technique and check that the strings are appropriately positioned.

Last but not least, ensure that the string is securely fastened in both string grooves. Your bow has now been strung and is ready to use.

Knowing how to properly string and unstring your recurve or longbow can put you well on your way to a successful day of shooting.

Wax your Bowstring

It’s a good idea to wax your bowstrings regardless of whether you’re using a recurve, a compound, a longbow, or another type of bow. It can help you keep your bow in good condition, and because it can tighten the bowstring, it will make archery a little safer.

The bowstring is critical to the bow’s overall performance. After all, it is the equipment that directs the arrow’s trajectory toward the target.

String waxing prevents fraying, adds a waterproof covering, and keeps twists in place.

A properly waxed bowstring is smooth and slightly tacky to the touch.

If the string feels dry, develops discoloration, or begins to fuzz out, it’s time to wax it again. Most elite archers polish their strings every 2 to 3 weeks, and especially before a tournament if rain is forecast.

Steps to Wax your Bowstring

Preparation

Check to see if your string is in good shape. Check that the servings are not broken and that the string has the appropriate number of twists for your setup.

Apply Wax

By rubbing it up and down the length of the string (and cables), wax is visible down the length of the strands.

The serving should not be waxed. It’ll fall apart faster.

Massage the Wax

Massage the wax into the thread with your fingers as it becomes more embedded. Due to the fact that the string is made up of numerous strands, the wax must be pushed all the way around them in order to achieve the greatest results, melting into all the gaps.

Wrap the Fiber Cord

Wrap the fabric cord in an all-around loop string. Traditional archers prefer leather, but a little loop of card or paper may suffice in a hurry.

Push the cord loop up and down the length of the string to equal out the wax spread. The surplus will be pushed away, and as much as feasible will be pressed into the strands.

Remove any remaining lumps with your fingertips, and your string is now ready to use.

Don’t keep your Recurve Bow Strung

It would help if you unstrung your wooden recurve bow or longbow as soon as you have completed shooting it for best practice.

All bows are built to last, but only if they are taken care of properly. Compound bows can be left strung for an infinite period of time.

When to Unstring your Bow?

Even though it was designed to be strung for extended periods, many people prefer to unstring it after every shoot.

Modern recurves and longbows made of synthetic material can be left strung for up to three weeks, but they should be unstrung for extended storage.

When unstrung, many of the best Recurve bows are divided into three parts for easy portability. This technique is useful for sport shooters who need to transport their equipment or hunters.