You want it bending ten inches on the long string before moving on to the short string. For example, if your long string starts bending the limbs and becomes taught at the 2" mark on your tillering tree/stick,then you need to be pulling it to the 12" mark at at no more than your desired weight. Understand? And also never pull past once you notice a hinge no matter what weight your pulling, even if its under your desired weight. And try to get your limbs nice and evenly matched on the long string as it makes life easier once you move on to the short string and first bracing.