Stringing your bow
Whether stringing a modern recurve, or traditional longbow/horsebow, the techniques for stringing are very similar. The safest method, using a stringer, is preferred due to the allowance of equal pressure applied to both top and bottom limb of the bow. This method is recommended for beginner archers to prevent the risk of twisting the limbs or causing an injury. Many experienced archers however, tend to use a method using the lower body as an anchor, often referred to as the “step-through method”.
Scroll to the bottom of each method for a link to a video demonstrating each technique.
Method 1 – Using a stringer
| Pros | Cons |
| Safer | Slower method |
| Better for your bow | Not as convenient |
Step 1. Unravel your string and hold the loops at both ends of the string
With bowstrings that have different size end loops the larger loop will hook over the top part of the bow, and the smaller loop will hook over the bottom limb. If the loops are the same size, as is often the case with traditional bows, then either loop can be used for either limb.
NOTE: A Traditional bow may be symmetrical and therefore will not have specified upper and lower limbs
Step 2. Place the larger loop over the top limb and slide it down toward the riser as per the image below. If both loops are the same size, either loop can be placed over the top.
Step 3. Place the smaller loop into the groove on the bottom limb tip as per the image below. The bottom string will now be sitting in a groove, whereas the upper limb string will be sitting loose over the limb.
NOTE: A basic stringer will typically be made up of a rope or elastic with a pouch on one end.
Step 4. Place the pouch securely over the lower limb tip as shown.
Step 5. Place the stringer guide over the upper limb tip and slide it down to sit below the string loop.
Step 6. Hold the bow by the handle and let the string and stringer hand down to the ground as shown in the picture below:
Step 6. Raise one foot off the ground, and place your foot onto the stringer, which should be hanging lower than the bow string. Ensure that you are only stepping on the stringer, and not the bow string.
Step 7. With one hand, grasp the centre of the bow and pull towards you. As you do you will feel resistance as the bow tenses from the stretched stringer.
Step 8. The other hand is used to push the stringer guide. As the guide is pushed, the string will be moved towards the limb tip. When it gets closer to the end of the limb, use your hand to push the loop to it's resting place in the the groove at the end of the upper limb.
Step 9. When the bowstring is seated firmly within the upper and lower limb tip grooves, the bow is then properly strung.
Note: Check both grooves to ensure that the string is firmly in place before you begin shooting your bow.
Congratulations you've done it! If you're struggling with stringing your bow, don't worry. It may take a few tries until you get it right. The video below shows this same method for those who prefer to follow along that way:
Horsebow/Modern bow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKBB29GLonQ&t=0s
Longbow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBnz0yWOWk4
Method 2 – Using the 'step-through' method
| Pros | Cons |
| Quicker | Can damage the bow over time (if not done correctly) |
| Very convenient | Can cause an injury (if not done correctly) |
Step 1. Unravel your string and hold the loops at both ends of the string
With bowstrings that have different size end loops the larger loop will hook over the top part of the bow, and the smaller loop will hook over the bottom limb. If the loops are the same size, as is often the case with traditional bows, then either loop can be used for either limb.
NOTE: A Traditional bow may be symmetrical and therefore will not have specified upper and lower limbs
Step 2. Place the larger loop over the top limb and slide it down toward the riser as per the image below. If both loops are the same size, either loop can be placed over the top.
Step 3. Place the smaller loop into the groove on the bottom limb tip as per the image below. The bottom string will now be sitting in a groove, whereas the upper limb string will be sitting loose over the limb.
Whilst the first three steps for both methods are the same, the following steps differ:
Step 4. Place the bow out in front of you with your right hand holding the top of the bow
Step 5. Step your left foot through the centre of the bow. You should now be standing with the bow between your legs. Ensure to keep the lower bow tip from touching the floor as this could damage the tip.
Note: Whilst following the next few steps it is vital that you do not twist the limbs to either side.
Step 6. Brace the bow against the back of your right leg, and the front of your left leg, as shown below:
Step 7. Grasp the top of the bow and bend it towards you, whilst at the same time ensuring that the bottom of the bow is firmly braced against your left leg.
Step 8. With the top limb of the bow bent, slide the string up the limb until it reaches the groove at the top of the bow.
Your bow should now be strung and ready to go!
Note: Check both grooves to ensure that the string is firmly in place before you begin shooting your bow.
If you have mastered the stringer technique but are wanting to try the step through, and yet are unable to get it right then try following along to the instructional videos below:
Longbow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbgW7XwJZT4
Horse bow/Modern bow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_PSjT7_I7o