Restringing a (LRP) flatbow

microgirl

Hi, not sure this is really the place for this, but thought I'd at least ask. I apologise if it's unsuitable

I'm just wondering if anyone can suggest anywhere I might be able to get a bow re-strung? I'm not a real archer - I'm a LRPer (Live Role Play) and the bow is a LRP bow, but I think that's largely a semantic distinction. It seems most like some sort of flatbow, though I don't know what materials it's made from.

It was originally 23# at 28" (LRP bows are permitted a max of 30#, and I'm a weakling) but even with the minimal use it's got it's now drawing 20#. However pathetic 23# might be, 20# will barely let the arrows fly! (LRP arrows have large, 2.5" diameter, foam-rubber heads).

I'm pretty sure it's just the string, since it's unwound a lot and gone all loose and flabby - whether it was a poor-ass string in the first place, or required certain care I didn't know about, I don't know. Not being a real archer I genuinely have no idea about strings so can't really just order a new one from a supplier and hope it's got the right poundage. I wouldn't know what length to get, anything about winding, nothing.

I really need to find a bowyer who can re-string the bow to 23-24#, ideally before LRP season starts at the end of March. I could just wait until the season starts and bring it to the bowyers that come over to events, but then I'd be without my weapon for most of the summer

trig

Two quick questions microgirl:

What part of the country are you living in?

Can you tell us any more about the bow? i.e. is there anything printed on the limbs etc, where you bought it, can you upload a picture or two?

microgirl

Am based in Dublin - Killester.

Bow has no brand name. Was specifically made as a LRP bow afaik. All that's on it is some hand-written details - "Flagella Dei 6L.1501 28"^23#"

Will take a couple of photos and see if I can work out this technology lark to upload them

Have been talking to a couple of other people and it might very well be that I just haven't been taking proper care of my string. It justs get stuck in the bag with the bow, and a bit of beeswax rubbed on it every now and again, but not really worked into the string, if you know what I mean. Also has been suggested that I just measure the string and buy a new one of the same length and that that should automatically be the same poundage. Is that right? Does Rory's Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar sell bowstrings? (Only shop I know that has any kind of archery equipment)

oscarBravo

You could try mailing flybow@web.de - they're based here in Mayo, but I'm sure they'd be happy to advise.

Have you tried simply twisting the string to shorten it?

microgirl

Did try winding it, but I couldn't see that it made much of a difference. Also, the winding doesn't hold, so by the time I've the bow strung it may largely have all unwound again, even keeping a tight grip on the end

I did think of Flybow (first reasonable avenue I found when I started looking) but then discovered this list and thought I'd ask and see if there was anything more local to me first (when I was still under the impression I'd have to send the bow away). Will get in touch with them and see what they suggest. Thanks

The Sin

You could drp down to Dublin Archers next Wednesday if you like. It's in St.Pauls Secondary school on Sybill Hill Road 8-10pm. There should be a few bodies there who can look at it for you (we don't have any experts in your discipline I'm afraid) but some of the lads can make strings & may be able to help you out.
By the way once a string starts stretching it won't stop, you can twist it 'till the cows come home & it won't make a difference, the only soultion is to get a new one I'm afraid.

microgirl

I don't mind replacing the string, it's just that because the rules for LRP are so strict I'm wary of replacing it while having no way of testing the draw.

And I'd love to come down to Dublin Archers (hadn't known there was any kind of archery club so close) but unfortunately Wednesdays aren't suitable. Maybe in the summer though

The Sin

we're there on Fridays too (not the 3rd of March though). The string doesn't affect the draw weight, the limbs do that(that's assuming that your bow works the same as mine!!!)

bonkey

As just mentioned...its the bow and not the string which gives you your draw-weight.

What will be important in terms of LRP is whether or not they have restrictions on the string-type you can use. Are materials like Dacron ok, or do you have to use waxed linen, f'r example.

Just as a warning....if you've left your bow strung for too long and/or the bow itself has suffered other ignominities, it may not be your string which is Ken Ackered, but rather that the bow itself has lost some of its spring. AFAIK, there's not much you can do there except live with a weaker bow.

microgirl

Yeah, having finally managed to get in touch with the Archer's Guild in the LRP system I'm in it seems to be a consensus that it might be the bow, which is a pain in the neck. It's not old, and has not been used that much (certainly fewer than 20 times, and possibly fewer than 15) and although I do tend to leave it strung at events, so does everyone else and it would generally be for a max of a few hours.

But considering the arrows we use have 2.5" diameter foam heads on them, 20# really doesn't send 'em far

Thank you all very much for your help