Thumbs-up is what I use too--mine measures 7 1/4"--just right for my longbow. I generally leave my bows strung, except the selfbow--even Dynaflight will contract/stretch a tad with unstrung/strung.

Along with settling in the string, a selfbowyer friend of mine told me all wood bows have to be "warmed up"--the first few arrows will shoot differently than those shot after that. I believe him--maybe it's a mental thing, but it affects my shooting with the selfbow.

Chad

You're too slow on the draw, Bob.[8D]

Do I get any style points?

LOL

Excuse my ignorance but what's the Thumbs up trick????

I never tried the thumb trick. I did notice that i get a little over 1/2" stretch each time I string up/shoot the bow. I guess thats normal for flemish. as for loosing the arrow, itsjustmarks with a sharpie,so no biggie.

The distance between the bottom of your fist and the tip of your thumb. Measure it and you have an idea to compare your brace height/fistmele.

What's the best string to buy for a laminated limb recurve?

I like Flemish strings, you can get them at 3-Rivers Archery or make them.

If the bow is made for it, I'd also say DF97. But if it is not or you question whether it is or isn't, I'd use Dacron.