Is stringing a recurve without a stringer damaging to the bow?

Question

This is my first bow - it's a low-end recurve with a draw weight of 14kg nominal. At the shop they told me not to string it by bracing it against my foot, because the limbs get twisted sideways. They recommended I purchase a stringer.

However, I am a bit skeptical. Firstly, at the training grounds that I visited several times, the instructor was stringing the (I admit, very introductory, maybe 7kg) bows by hand and foot. Secondly, the guy at the shop also didn't use a stringer when he was test-stringing the bow.

So is a stringer necessary? If not, what is the proper technique to string a recurve without twisting the limbs?

Answer 1

You can string a recurve by bracing it on your foot. For casual shooting it is okay but I would advise against it. While it can twist the limbs, the actual issue is the uneven stress on the screws / bolts that hold the limbs in place. Believe me, you don't want one of them slipping mid draw.

I would suggest getting a stringer. They save a lot of time and hassle, and increase the longevity of your bow. If you are going to be stringing it several times a week you can understand how it would affect the bow after a few years.

• Archer for 20 years.

Answer 2

I always take a few moments when stringing to make sure the stringer and bow are as in line and level as possible before actually pulling up. From the position I'm normally in while stringing it often looks misaligned, but it's almost always been because of the perspective and not that it actually is. Though taking a moment to make sure that's the case has been helpful and reassuring as someone new to the sport, and helped increase my confidence in my ability to do it properly. I usually like to take good care of my stuff. I'm not being given equipment either so it only makes sense to take care of that investment. But I'm pretty sure I'd still do the same even if I was having it given to me. Both for peace of mind and that I do enjoy maintaing my tools and equipment with proper care in itself.

I like string without stringer http://hunthacks.com/string-recurve-bow-without-stringer/

Thanks all

Answer 3

This picture shows the proper technique for stringing a recurve bow without stringer. (In @Charlie Fishers link this is called the Step-Through Method.)

It's what all the people in my archery club did when they didn't use the fixed stringer mounted on the club house wall. This included many different recurve archers, including people who shoot (quite successfully) in competitions.

Note that stringing a bow this way can take a considerable amount of strength, especially if you're using a strong bow. As you said you're using a 30 lbs bow this should not be a problem.

In any case: if you have to put too much effort into it chances are you're not keeping the correct form and may twist the bow. So if you're not confident you're strong enough to do it this way, use a stringer.