Whether you are a recreational archer or an avid one, stringing and unstringing your recurve bow are among the first few skills you need to master.
You can either use a stringing tool or do it manually. While specialized tools such as bow stringers make things easier, you can learn to string your bow manually without being dependent on a tool.
In this blog, I will provide detailed instructions on how to string and unstring your recurve bow without damaging it or injuring yourself.
Let’s begin.
How to string a recurve bow?
Stringing a recurve bow is trickier than stringing a longbow or composite bow. The strings touch the limbs beyond the knocks, increasing the risk of limb twisting.
Be patient and careful to avoid any damage to your bow.
I recommend buying an inexpensive tool, like a bow stringer.
The bow stringer method
It is the safest and most recommended recurve bow stringing technique. Whether you are a novice archer or an experienced one, I strongly recommend that you buy this inexpensive tool to avoid straining your bow.
What is a bow stringer?
A bow stringer helps flex the bow safely so you can easily string or unstring it. It consists of a long and strong cord with pockets or loops at each end to fit onto the limbs of the bow.
There are two types of bow stringers.
- The first variety has two loops or pockets, one at each end of the chord.
- The second one has a loop for the upper limb and a pocket, i.e., a saddle for the lower limb.
Both of them are easy to use, but I prefer the loop and saddle one because the saddle covers a larger area, which helps control the pressure on the bow.
Take a look at our recurve bow stringer to see how it works.
Pros and cons of bow stringers
This table explains why I strongly recommend buying a bow stringer.
| Pros | Cons |
| Prevents accidents like a limb snapping back and hitting the archer. | You become dependent on the stringer, meaning you will always have to carry it during travel. |
| Provides controlled bow bending to minimize the risk of damaging the bow. | Bow stringers wear out with time. |
| Much easier to use than manual stringing. | You may not want to buy an extra piece of equipment. |
Now that we know what a bow stringer is, let’s see how it works.
How to use a bow stringer
Here is a quick 5-step process of using a bow stringer.
- Place the saddle over the top limb and the loop end over the bottom one. Make sure the loop and the saddle are just behind the string groove.
- Stand in the middle of the cord with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Firmly hold the riser/handle of the bow and pull it up.
- Keep pulling up gently until the bow is flexed enough to let you string comfortably.
- Bring the bow down gently and remove the stringer.
If you are an experienced archer who understands how to bend a recurve bow without twisting the limbs, you can try stringing your bow manually using the step-through method or the waist cable method.
Let’s break down the step-through method.
The step-through method
It is a traditional technique often used by ancient warriors and hunters. While it requires some practice, once you have mastered it, you will be able to string your recurve bow within seconds.
Here’s a simple 4-step process for stringing a recurve bow using the step-through method.
- Hook the string to the bottom limb.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for maximum balance. Step through the bow and place the bottom limb behind your right ankle (or left, whatever feels most comfortable for you).
- Hold the upper limb and gently bend it toward you until you can string the other end.
- Release the bow gradually.
Pros and cons of the step-through method
The table below explains why I recommend this method for experienced, physically strong archers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick and easy. Depending on your practice, it could take less than 20 seconds. | Requires a lot of practice and physical strength. |
| No dependence on a stringing tool. | You may accidentally lose control over the pressure, which could cause the limbs to break. |
Even though the step-through method is the fastest, I prefer a safer alternative, the waist cable method.
The Kemend or waist cable method
It is a seated method often recommended for heavier bows. However, I have used it even with a basic recurve bow with a draw weight of just 20 lbs.
Here’s what you need to do.
- Take a rope and make a loop at both ends.
- Wrap the rope around your waist and sit down on the floor. You can also use a Kemend, a type of waistband.
- Hook one end of the bowstring to the bottom limb.
- Slide the loops of the ropes onto the limbs. Keep it in front of you on the floor.
- Hold the limbs gently and push the bow away from you gently using your legs.
- Continue to push until you can hook the other end of the bowstring onto the upper limb.
- Release the bow gently.
Pros and cons of the waistband method
Let’s see why this method is best suited for beginners as well as expert archers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers maximum stability even when you are using a heavy. | There is a higher chance of applying inconsistent pressure while bending the limbs. |
| Since the bow stays at a distance, you are less likely to get injured if the limbs snap. | Requires lower body strength |
| Simple and straightforward process, even for those who do not have much upper body strength | May not be suitable for people with mobility issues. |
Now that you have learned how to string a recurve bow, let’s see how you can unstring it.
How to unstring a recurve bow?
The process is nearly the same as above, except that when the bow is bent, you remove the bowstring from the nock instead of attaching it.
Depending on your preference, you can unstring the bow with a stringer or use the step-through and seated methods I have discussed above.
Why unstring a recurve bow?
If you use your recurve bow regularly, you can leave it strung as long as the strings don’t need replacement. But, if you do not plan to use your bow for a while, you should remove the bowstring.
Here are the two things that can happen if you leave the string on while storing the bow.
- Strung bows are always under tension. While this tension is good for improving the wood’s memory, leaving it strung for too long can cause it to crack and warp.
- Unstrung bows are safer and easier to store, as there is no risk of the string snapping accidentally.
Now that you are ready to string your recurve bow, let’s discuss some common mistakes that you need to avoid.
3 mistakes to avoid while stringing and unstringing a recurve bow
While stringing and unstringing a recurve bow seems straightforward, being too quick or too confident can damage your bow beyond repair.
Here is what you should avoid.
Don’t choose a stringing method that doesn’t match your skill level.
Sure, the step-through method is fast, but it is risky too. If you have never strung a bow, you should start with a bow stringer first. Practice the art of bending the bow gently before shifting to the other two methods.
Do not bend the limbs too hard or too quickly.
Apply gentle pressure and let the bow flex naturally. It could take a few seconds to a minute to bend the limbs to a position where you can string the bow. Be patient.
Don’t keep your face too close to the bow.
The limbs should face away from your body, so they don’t hit your face hard in case the bow snaps or the string breaks.
Wrap up
Do you know any other recurve bow stringing method that’s easier than these ones? Have you tried any of the above methods? Do you have any tips and tricks that could help others? If so, please share them with us as a comment.
Before you go, you might want to check out our comprehensive guide on how to make a recurve bow.
And here’s a list of the best recurve bows that I recommend for beginners.
Good luck with your bow-stringing journey!
