So this question is directed to anyone who makes strings with High Performance Materials. I have been making strings for years and padding them and never really thought about it. How much padding is to much and how much is not enough? If you make skinny strings, do you pad the loops to the same thickness as non-skinny string? How do you determine how many strand of padding to use in your strings loops? I realize different diameters of material and strand count used can influence choices. Just curious what others do. As for me I use a 16 strand Dacron string loop for a gage to determine loop thickness for my High Performance Material strings when adding padding. DANNY

I usually add pads to make the loops 18 0r 20, so two bundles of say 7 strands each BCYX then add 3 pads to each end of each bundle to equal 10 strands at the end of each bundle and 20 total at the loops. So 14 strand string padded to 20.

Using 450+ I make a 8 strand string with the loops padded to 12 strands and it works well.

I use Rhino 9 strand pad to 18.

I use 8 strands of 450+ and serve the endloops with #200 Spectra Dynema fishing line, no padding needed :)

Do you really need padding or is it something we do to feel safer?

4 strands of b50

MnM I feel the padding quiets the string. I also believe it is easier on the tips.

I add a total of 2 strands per bundle on each loop of my skinny strings. So if I make a 10 strand string it has 14 strands in the loops. I cut the extra strands 6" long.

I make 18 strand bcyx or 16 strand 8125g. I do not pad.

I buy my strings from the expert string makers. I make my own arrows.

I gave up on padding my 6 and 8 strand strings and now serve them instead, it seems a lot lighter, because you pick up some serving, but loose out on the padding. However, the padding affect the Flemish twist length and coarseness also. My padded Flemish twist looks funny to me now, so ropy. The cool bit is that say 8 strands with serving is what you get with an 8 strand Flemish or 16 strand continuous loop, so I am not guessing that I have enough padding, it is industry standard.

An objective I had was to make strings easier to make. Seemed like a number of folks had left string making because they hated padding. I find my way is a little difficult till you get it worked out, plus you need a (very simple) jig. It may be less hassle though once you have it. It isn't any worse.

"Much effect" is probably true, nothing has much effect, ACS was a big deal and was only a few FPS. It is the accumulation of a lot of little effects that makes a difference, and even then only to those who care about it.

The thing about padding that surprised me was how much it lengthens the splice. Try it yourself. Make up a 6 or 8 strand string And twist it up. You can pull it apart and insert the paddling and finish it up as you like it. It is shocking how much less material there is, and how short the splice is.

As I said, there are pros who have given it up because they don't like doing it. But for those that like it that way, who is saying there is a problem?

My main reason for trying it myself is I don't really know how effective the padding is. It acts as a cushion, and maybe it acts like a 16 strand string. I've moved heavily to ILF for the kids, and I just feel better having the conventional serving on the string, though I don't like making continuous loop, so this works for me. Never had any trouble with padded loops on my ASLs. Anyway, it's fun to have one's own method.

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