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    • Humpy
        Post count: 4

        Hey I just bought my first recurve yesterday, ive been shooting compound for several years but was ready for something different. The guy I bought it from said I needed to buy a stringer, Ive always seen people just step through the bow and bend it around to string it. Do I really need a stringer?

      • lyagooshka
          Post count: 600

          Humpy, I believe it was Mark Twain who said “I’ll give you my advice if you promise not to take it”. 😆 I have a simple bow stringer. It was less than $10. Other than when I bought it, I don’t think I have ever used it. Never had an issue to date. The stringer really does make more sense, since it mimics a bow string and therefore pulls from the end of the limbs. The step-through method (which I use) pulls the limbs back unevenly from the center, or towards the tips. More risk of damage to the bow. But like I said, no issues to date.

          Alex

          🙂

        • davebeidler
          Member
            Post count: 1

            A bow stringer is better for the bow and it prevents you from getting hurt. People have gotten hit with the bow limb when their hand slips and the limb snaps back. There are stories out there of people losing eyes, not sure if that is true or urban legend. Some bow manufacturers won’t warranty a bow if you don’t use a stringer

          • Bruce Smithhammer
              Post count: 2514

              Humpy wrote:

              Do I really need a stringer?

              Yes, you really need a stringer. At least if you care about not damaging your bow, or yourself. You can get a good stringer for $10. No brainer.

            • Humpy
                Post count: 4

                Ok thanks. il definitly be puttin some more questions on here.

                This traditional stuff is definitly more in depth than just breaking out the compound lol but im lovin it.:lol:

              • Stephen Graf
                Moderator
                  Post count: 2429

                  A good stringer makes all the difference. My favorite is called the thunderhorn superstringer. Available from 3Rivers for 10.99.

                  For longbows, I say they are not necessary. But for Recurves they are a must. Both for you, and the bow.

                  I see someone mentioned eye injuries. They are a common injury when stringing recurves. google “string recurve eye injury” and you will see some empty eye sockets among other nasties.

                • Troy Breeding
                    Post count: 994

                    The step thru method used to be the norm. That was the way it was taught.

                    That was until I saw a bow limb break and puncher the fellows leg. Needless to say it was a bloody sight.

                    Since then I have always used a stringer.

                    Troy

                  • Humpy
                      Post count: 4

                      Yea thats proof enough for me I think il be gettin a stringer.

                      Im gone put an order together for 3rivers tomorrow i need several things all ive got is the bow right now basically.

                    • Ben M.
                        Post count: 460

                        Yep. Had to learn this one the hard way, too. I bought a Selway stringer after my longbow almost neutered me. Yikes!:shock:

                      • Ralph
                        Moderator
                          Post count: 2580

                          I use the the push/pull method mostly for my longbows. If I get a hold of a high poundage one or a really long one I will use a stringer. Recurves, let me tell ya, they don’t taste good. Whupped myself with one once. Pride was hurt more than anything. Lucky I was. I always use a stringer for recurves now. One lesson was enuff!

                          Welcome to the new world. Lots of fun and to say the least, way much pride and sense of achievement as you progress.

                        • Raymond Coffman
                          Moderator
                            Post count: 1235

                            Buy a stringer! for your safety and the longevity of the bow!

                            I started in the days of “step thru -push pull”. The Reason there are so many twisted used bows on ebay!

                            Stringers are CHEAP – work great – you can make one with Para cord & a couple pieces of leather—-

                            Scout

                          • Wexbow
                              Post count: 403

                              Another vote for a stringer here. The company i bought my recurve from included one with the purchase. I’ve started out using a stringer and wouldn’t dream of not using one now.

                            • kjlarson
                                Post count: 26

                                My stringer broke one morning on a hunt. I’d long since forgot how to string it w/o it. After removing all the arrows from my quiver I managed to get it done. I am now on my second year with my 63# longbow. I am quite sure it is bad technique but the push-pull-use the hips is still easier said than done. Two or three tries is still rather common. I want to take a rest just thinking about it.

                              • kjlarson
                                  Post count: 26

                                  I wasn’t clear. The stringer was for my recurve. I am of the understanding there really isn’t a good one for the longbow.

                                • Raymond Coffman
                                  Moderator
                                    Post count: 1235

                                    A number of companies make universal stringers. Selway makes a good “Longbow” one. I like the Super stringer By Thunderhorn,[longbow /Hybrid /recurve]It has worked well on everything I have tried. I tie a knot in it for shorter bows.

                                    Scout

                                  • jmsmithy
                                    Member
                                      Post count: 300

                                      I wouldn’t brace any bow without a stringer. IMHO you’re asking for trouble. Not sure who makes (may be multiple makers) but I use the stringer with a nylon “cup” on one end and a simple rubber “block” on the other which rests midway up the limb. Doesn’t matter if it’s a longbow or a recurve…8)

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