B50-55 number of strands?

[Don Armstrong]

Due to the stretch l have stayed away from B50-55. I have used Dynaflight 97 on all the bows l have made, even selfbows. I have either used antler or phonlic on the tips. Have a couple spools of B50 and B55 so want to twist up a few strings and see if l can learn to like the B50-55. How many strands should l use in 45-55 pound bows to get least stretch and reasonable speed. Thanks, Don

[monterey]

I use 12 in that weight range.

[stagetek]

My nocks fit better with 14, but 12 would be fine.

[Pat B]

I generally do 12 strands for 45# and under and 14 strands for over 45#. My strings are a bit heavy but I've never had a string break with regular use in over 30 years.

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks guys, how much do you allow for stretch to keep your string from having to many twist. Don

[Orion]

I use 12 as well and serve accordingly.  Haven't found the string to stretch excessively.  Settles in nicely after a couple hundred shots. 

[kenneth butler]

I use 12 also and adjust serving size for good nock fit.  I aim for 1/2 short of finish length and hang a 50 pound weight on them over night. I don't seem to have any trouble maintaining brace height.  B-55 seems to be more stable too me. >>>----> Ken

[Pat B]

I use one loop and one bowyers knot so adjustments are easy. I also pre stretch my strings. Once I get a bow to first brace I use the string for a tiller string plus right after I make it I put tension on the string, wax it and rub it down vigorously with a small piece of soft leather. This heats up the string causing it to stretch a bit and helps get the wax all through the string.

[Don Armstrong]

I made a B55 string for a 64" Kenny M. longbow. I used the deminsions that l use for Dynaflight 97. When l put it on the bow, the bow collapsed to about 3" brace height LOL, I thought it broke.I tried to twist it to my normal brace height but it way to many twist.I made one 2" shorter and was able to get it to brace height. I must be doing something wrong. Don

[TomMcDonald]

I made a B55 string for a 64" Kenny M. longbow. I used the deminsions that l use for Dynaflight 97. When l put it on the bow, the bow collapsed to about 3" brace height LOL, I thought it broke.I tried to twist it to my normal brace height but it way to many twist.I made one 2" shorter and was able to get it to brace height. I must be doing something wrong. Don

Don, sounds about right for B55. You definitely need to make them shorter.

[SCATTERSHOT]

12 will work for 55# and under. I prefer the string thickness with 14 strands, so that's what I use.

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks guys, l just made one 1" short and it is a little short with a few twists so l am leaving it on my recurve tonight. Will serve it tomorrow and try it out. Don

[Jon Stewart]

Been using B 50 for over 50 years and it works just find.  I would twist up a 14 strand for your bow and keep it strung for a few days. It will stretch but then settle in and you will have no problems.  Just like anything else in sports they come up with the new and best to increase sales.  B 50 has been around for a very long time.