How do you guys string you bows? I am new to traditional archery and I have seen people string their bows by bending the bow with their legs, but I also see those people have twisted limbs.

The best and safest way for both you and your bow is to use a bow stringer. This is a length of cord with ends that slip over the tip of your bow allowing you to step on the cords middle and pull upward exterting equal pressure on both limbs as you slide the bow string into place. Saunders makes a really nice one. I am currently having one that I make tested that I may offer to others. Be safe and treat you equipment well and the world will be a better place for you.
Shoot straight, aim well,
and tell tall tales to
good friends.

Yep, I agree 100% with using a stringer for a recurve. The flat wide limbs are prone to twisting otherwise.

Make em sharp and shoot em straight, or leave em home.

This can be kind of a hot topic with some people. You'll eventually run into someone that says it's unmanly to use a stringer and if you're not strong enough to string your bow by hand then you have no business being in the woods with it. I know there's people out there that have been shooting since Moses was a pup and they've never used a stringer but I'm not ashamed to say I use one every time I shoot my bow. It's safer for the bow and it's safer for the shooter. I've seen a bunch of horror stories where a limb has slipped and 17 stitches later everything-is-all-better-the-chicks-are-gonna-dig-that-scar-next-to-your-eye.

Get a stringer, use it.

Guy

If, and this is a BIG if, you know how to properly push-pull string a recurve, it's completely safe for both you and your bow.

However, I'd recommend a stringer just to be on the safe side.

JRW

I have to admit that I use the push-pull method when I'm in a hurry to string up a bow, or just too durned lazy to get out the stringer. But I'm totally nuts. Just ask my wife. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Use a stringer. It's what intelligent people do. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Use a stringer it is better for your bow. Most limbs get bent when bows are strung without a stringer. Your bow will last longer if you use a stringer.
Bill

billyj87 I used to string my bow using the leg method and I believe that is what caused my bow limb to break and gave me 15 stitches I went and bought a stringer and will never again use the other method