FF Strand Count for 88#?

[cool_98_555]

My bow is 88# at full draw and I am using an 18-strand FF + string.  Can I go to fewer strands, like 12 or 10?

[bradsmith2010]

some guys use 6 strands on 50#... based on that you could go lower, I am spit balling,,

[Badger]

My bow is 88# at full draw and I am using an 18-strand FF + string.  Can I go to fewer strands, like 12 or 10?

  10 would be fine

[cool_98_555]

Will knocking off 8 strands increase arrow speed significantly you think?

[bradsmith2010]

I am going to guess,, 4 fps,, when you test it let me know if Im right
if you bow is shooting 170 and  you get to 174,, ok,, but if its shooting 176 and you get to 180,, then thats significent,, right

[Badger]

     My guess will be 6 ft per second.

[BowEd]

cool....I don't know if all FF is the same in breaking strength myself.The tech working for the dealer I got mine from did'nt know the breaking strength.I had to call the manufacturer.Per strand it's 80#'s breaking strength the stuff I use.
I would think the length of your bow would be a factor too.

[cool_98_555]

Well I just read online that the breaking strength for FF+ is 95#.  10 should be just fine.  I'll keep you updated on who's right with the fps increase!  I hope you're right badger....6fps faster would be awesome.

[Badger]

  several years ago we tested the speed per strand. I don't remember if it was .75 pr strand or per 2 strands. We tested in increments of 2 strands. I think it was 1 1/2 ft per second for 2 strands but not positive.

[cool_98_555]

I just made the 10-strand string.  Put it on my bow and it looks like it wants to eat into my self nocks.  I might have to put some overlays on the tips first.  I have some ebony laying around I could use.

[Hawkdancer]

What wood is your bow?  Keep us posted on the FF beaver syndrome!  I'm using 8 strands FF on my 45# hickory flat bow, haven't noticed any damage after about 250 shots drawing 26".  Thanks.
Hawkdancer

[osage outlaw]

You can pad the loops with B50 or other string material.  Tip overlays are still a good idea.  Every bow I make gets them. 

[cool_98_555]

It is osage, Hawkdancer.  Outlaw I have never padded string loops with additional string material before, so it would be a new thing for me that I would have to learn how to do properly.  I will probably add tip overlays.  I don't want the overlays to add any additional weight to the tips, but for safety it would be a nice option.  Not sure if the string would cut through the osage, but I don't want to really risk it.

[Del the cat]

10 strands, continuous loop string with served loops...
Del