Bow Stringers
The Safe Way to String Your Bow
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Bow Stringers
About the only thing that can go wrong with a modern traditional bow is that the limbs can become severely twisted rendering the bow dangerous to shoot. In fact the old over-the-ankle-and-under-the-knee stringing method has probably destroyed more bows than anything else (except, perhaps, slamming a tip in the car door). To prevent twisting, recurves should always be strung and unstrung with a proper stringer. Twisting is much less of a problem with longbows, but it doesn't do any harm to use a stringer on them also. The stringers listed below all work very well on most traditional bows so your choice should be determined by the type of bow you have and your budget. The more expensive stringers tend to be easier to use, and they will last a lot longer.
The Saunders No Twist Bow-Stringer is our top-selling stringer and certainly one of the best made. It is easy to use and completely eliminates the danger of twisting limbs while stringing a bow. The top limb gripper fits below the string loop allowing easy access to the upper limb notches. The non-marring gripper and end cup are made from tough industrial plastic that will not mar or damage limbs. The cord on the Saunders stringer is made from sturdy nylon braid and it can be safely used on recurve bows or longbows up to 70 lbs.
The Cartel Recurve Bow Stringer is a quality stringer that actually works on both recurves and longbows. Features sturdy leather tip pockets and comes with clear instructions for use. This stringer is also sold under the OMP (October Mountain Products) label. It is the same string and we sell both at the same price.
The Martin Limbsaver Recurve Bow Stringer features an extra large limb cup fashioned from extremely durable Cordura fabric. The fabric pocket completely encloses the bow tip and string groves for protection of limbs against marring and twisting. There is a complete set of instructions included. This is a very easy and safe stringer to use.
The Bateman Longbow Stringer features a strong double-leather boot and traditional styling. This stringer is designed for longbows but works on recurves as well. The nylon cord is tested to 380 pounds so it is plenty safe to use on bows up to 70 pounds. Easy to use and totally adjustable.
Most of these stringers don't come with adequate instructions on their proper use, so we will include a copy of the NZAP Quick Tip below with each stringer.
NOTE: When a stringer is purchased with no other items, the postage will be $5.00 to anywhere in New Zealand or Australia. Disregard the higher amount on the order form.
Saunders No Twist Bow Stringer
This is our most popular stringer. Easy to use on both recurves and longbows.
The Martin Recurve Stringer
This is a heavy-duty stringer from Martin Archery designed specifically for recurve bows.
Bateman Longbow Stringer
The Bateman Longbow Stringer features tough leather pockets and a 330-pound-test nylon cord.
The Cartel Recurve Bow Stringer
This is our basic bow stringer. Get one free when you purchase any beginner or intermediate-level recurve bow.
QUICK TIP
How To String a Bow With a Bow Stringer
Using a bow stringer for setting up a traditional bow, especially a recurve, is important because you can easily twist your bow's limbs using the old step-through technique. There are two basic types of bow stringers. One type has a pocket on each end of a stout cord. The second type has a pocket on one end of the cord and a saddle on the other. They both work essentially the same way, as follows:
- First install the string loosely on the bow. Your bow string should have one loop larger than the other. Slip this larger loop over the top limb and slide it down toward the grip.
- Now slip the small loop of the string in to the groves on the bottom limb tip.
- If you are using a saddle-type of bow stringer, first slide the saddle over the top limb so that it rests on the inside of the recurve on the back of the bow (as shown in the second photo above). Now slide the cup over the bottom limb tip so that it holds the string in the groves.
- If you are using a stringer with two cups (and no saddle) slide the larger cup over the bottom limb tip so that it covers the entire tip and holds the string in the groves. Next secure the small cup to the top limb tip. It should just cover the tip leaving the groves exposed, as in the third photo.
- Now position the bow in front of you with the back facing up and the cord of the stringer drooping down to the floor.
- Step on the stringer cord with both feet and lift the riser of the bow straight up until the stringer is tight and the limbs start to flex. If the stringer cord is too long, spread your feet to effectively shorten it, as shown in the fourth photo.
- Apply steady pressure and keep lifting the bow until the limbs are flexed enough to allow the top loop of the bow string to be slipped into the groves of the top limb.
- Gradually relax the upward pressure on the bow while checking that both the top and bottom loops of the bow string are properly secured in the limb groves.
- To unstring the bow, simply reverse the process.
This procedure may seem a bit complicated at first, especially if you have never strung a bow this way before, but it is really quite simple once you get the hang of it. Follow the directions carefully for the first few trial runs and you will soon be stringing your bow like an expert. Special thanks to Lindy for showing us how to do it in the photos.