RE: New to Trad
There should be some markings on the bow, usually on the grip but sometimes on the base of the limb that will give you the bow's length and draw weight. Usually look something like:
60" AMO
45#@28"
In this case, the bow takes a 60" AMO string and draws 45 pounds at 28". If you don't have those markings, then you have to do it the hard way.
Lay the bow down with the tips of the recurves pointing up. Take a cloth tape and measure along the surface of the limbs from one string nock to the other. Be sure to measure by following the contours of the limbs/riser! The straight line distance from tip to tip doesn't do you any good at all, unless you're looking to buy a bow case.
Anyway, once you get that measurement along the back of the bow, then you subtract 4" from that number to find out what length string you need.
Most modern day recurves are made to use fastflight or similar strings. Older bows, and even some of today's bows, should only be used withB-50 or B-500 dacron strings. Putting a fastflight string on a bow that's notdesigned for itis running a high risk of destroying the bow so, if in doubt, go with B-50 or B-500.