This is perhaps one of the most elementary parts of owning a bow.
However, as with many things in archery, some people may be surprised to find out they've been doing it wrong.
Let's look at how to string a bow.
Although you'll find several methods on youtube tutorials,
the recommended method is to use a bow stringer
The bow stringer is much easier to use and is the safest option.
The reason of this is that the pressure is equally distributed under the limbs...
preventing them from twisting and causing permanent damage.
It's worth noting that if your bow is under warranty,
this may be the only method you can use to string the bow.
There are several varieties of bow stringer,
but most of them are designed the same way.
One end is the saddle, which sits over the limb.
The other end is the limb pocket, which sits over the limb tip.
Some bow stringers have two saddles, others have two pockets.
To use the a bow stringer, you must first place the string onto the bow.
Conventionally, the top of the stringer has a bigger loop,
although this isn't always the case.
Slide the string down the limb.
Then, take the other end and loop it over the bottom limb tip.
Next, place the top of the top of the bow stringer over the limb tip.
If it's a saddle, clip it over the front of the limb below the string.
Note that the string sits under the bow stringer.
Next, place the bottom of the bow stringer over the bottom tip.
If it's a saddle, this goes over the limb like the first part.
Now, position the bow horizontally.
Step on the bow stringer.
You can you use one foot or two feet, depending on what feels more comfortable.
As a small guy, I prefer a wider stance.
Use one hand to pull the bow up.
Then, bend over and lift the string so that it hawks over the limb tip
Remove the bow stringer. Check to see that the string is sitting in the limb groves neatly,
and adjust if necessary.
Giving the string a few plucks will usually set the string in place as well.
To unstring the bow, slip the bow stringer on as you did before.
Step on the bow stringer and lift the bow.
Slide the top loop down the limb and then lower the bow.
If you've never assembled a bow before, this may seem a little scary.
After all, you are putting a lot of tension on the limbs.
But don't worry, the bow won't break.
This is how the bow actually functions.
It's meant to take this amount of pressure.
And in fact, that's how the bow functions.
There's no more tension on the bow than if you're actually shooting it.
So, don't stress, the limbs won't snap.
One thing that can happen, is the string spinning around on the tip, and being strung backwards.
This can be caused by the string not sitting properly in the string groove.
Now, what happens is that when you put the bow under tension, the string slips off the groove and comes around.
Often it comes with a very loud snap, but don't worry, nothing is broken.
All you have to do is put some tension on the limbs,
and then pull the string back down, then you can string it properly again.
Speaking of which, you may see some people pulling the loop off the end of the limb tip.
This can work, but in my opinion it's much easier...
to pull the string down the limb then to pull it off.
Now, what do you do if you don't have a bow stringer?
There are two other popular methods: The 'push pull' and the 'step through'.
To string the bow using the 'push pull' method,
start with the string positioned as mentioned earlier:
The top loop partly down the limb and the bottom loop over the tip.
Place the bottom against the inside of your foot.
Put one hand on the grip and one hand and one hand over the top limb.
To put the bow under tension, push the bow away from you by pulling the grip towards you.
As you push the limb, slide the loop over the tip.
Once it sits into the groove, release the tension and check both ends.
To unstring, do the same thing. This time, pull the loop down.
It's worth noting that the 'push pull' method is easy and convenient if you're using a light bow.
If you're using a bow with a heavier draw weight,
you may find out it takes a lot more strength to get the limbs under tension.
In which case you may end up using the 'step through' method.
To use the 'step through' method, step in between the bow and the string.
Place the bottom limb across the front of your back leg.
To put the bow under tension, use your hand to pull the limb towards you.
Slide the string up to the tip.
Check to see that the string is sitting properly in the groove, and you're done.
To unstring, do the same thing.
Step through, push the limb and slide the loop down.
It's a good idea to keep your head out of the way of the limb tip.
It may seem like an easy habit to do, to put it under tension to see if it's on correctly,
but if you slip, the limb will snap back, and you will hit yourself.
The advantage of the step through method is that it seems easier to put a heavy bow under tension,
and this is because you are using your whole body.
However, it's also the least safe of the three methods.
Not only because you might snap yourself on the head,
but it's also the most likely to apply uneven tension on the limbs.
Now, what this can do is twist the limbs over time.
You won't notice anything huge like a snap or a crack, but if you continually do it wrong,
you may end up warping the limbs and render them unusable.
Although this probably won't happen with cheap fiberglass bows or expensive carbon limbs,
it may be more prone to happen to traditional, wooden limbs.
So, do be careful if you use the 'step through' .
I would highly recommend you are to use the 'push pull' method,
or, even better, get a bow stringer.
They're very cheap, they're very easy to use,
and it's far safer for your bow than using any other method.
Anyway, this is NUSensei, I hope you find this helpful, thanks for watching and I'll see you next time.