Question for string makers.

[BrotherRon]

I know most strings are 28 - 32 strands, but....
What is the least amount of strands you would safely recommend for a Matrix 310...
I realize that different materials will result in different answers so I will impatiently wait to see replies to various string types.

Thanks.

[ComfyBear]

Factory made strings might be 28-32 strands, but the strings I make contain 38 strands.
I've found that a 36-40 strand string works best with Excalibur crossbows. It will be more stable and consistent, and less harsh on the components, thereby increasing the longevity of the string and bow.

[racking up points]

I have a 24-strand Boo Force-10 on the same bow as you and I love it. It's plenty fast, not harsh and just as accurate as my heavier strings. I wouldn't use it on my bigger Matrix though...

[nchunterkw]

Ron
I'd be ok with 24 strands on that bow. Lower than that and thickness becomes an issue. D97 andF10 are similar and each has over 100 psi strength per strand so strength is not a problem.

[BrotherRon]

Thanks guys for the info...
I have always been a fan of the heavier strings myself because I prefer a quieter, smoother shot, and also feel the heavier strings are a little more accurate because the string sits closer to the center of the nock.
The only reason I asked is because I just happened to be wondering.
I'm thinking that even with less strands I wouldn't gain much for fps with the 310.
The 310 has gotten meat on the table for me 2 years in a row now. I picked up a regular Matrix riser so that I would have a little more zip for hunting, but am finding that even cocking a 330 is difficult due to my hernia and back surgeries. I grew up on a dairy farm, have worked in a steel factory, and currently handle steel all day long working for a company that makes manure spreaders and chopper boxes. I may be small and old, but I ain't no wimp ... but the strain on my back and hernia give me problems after cocking the 330 a few times.
I guess I will either continue hunting with the 310 which is actually big enough for most of my hunting situations, or purchase another Matrix 355 and a crank.

[xcaliber]

Strand count is a very deceptive value until you choose the material type. Like Keith said, those two materials will be fine, but something that is thinner in diameter, and has less strength would not be suitable. For the little gain in speed, it is not worth the string strand reduction option in my opinion. Ron, for your hunting conditions i would change nothing!

[vixenmaster]

They have answered yer string ? So i will throw this out, pick up a crank n shoot the 330 also. I shoot my Pipsqueak yr around. I use a crank on my Micro 355

[BrotherRon]

They have answered yer string ? So i will throw this out, pick up a crank n shoot the 330 also. I shoot my Pipsqueak yr around. I use a crank on my Micro 355

Solid advice

[8ptbuk]

Ron, Nothing I can add to the solid advise done given. I wouldn't change my string specifications for a few FPS .

[BrotherRon]

Ron, Nothing I can add to the solid advise done given. I wouldn't change my string specifications for a few FPS .

I wouldn't either.

[longbow joe]

After killing 3 deer with full penetration with a "lightning fast" 260 fps vixen 2 . I gave up on worrying about fps put a string on it that dosnt stretch and is strong the few fps you will gain with a lighter string is just not worth it. I went from 125 grain broadheads to 100s and barely saw a difference at 30 yards ....same scenerio .

[RobD]

I did a chrono recently on my bows with some different strand strings. Not totally scientific, but should put your mind at ease about strands and fps. The difference on my 355 between a 36-strand and a 26-strand was only 3fps. This is an excerpt what I said in the Matrix 350SE Owners thread...

I used the same bolt (stock Diablo 18" w/150g field point), but I only shot it once.

The Sapphire with Mike's 24-strand speed string did 277fps
The Matrix 355 with Mike's 36-strand durable string did 319fps
The Matrix 350 with the stock green string did 338fps

Cool, right? Doesn't tell you much, they all used different strings. Out came the stringer and one of my new 26-strand speed string from Mike. Same string on both bows, now we're getting to the meat of the post.

Matrix 355 equipped with full Dr Stirrup kit (silences & stirrup) did 322fps
Matrix 350 (a stock bow) did 337fps

[xcaliber]

RobD, this data you provided means very little unless you state materials used for both strings.

[RobD]

RobD, this data you provided means very little unless you state materials used for both strings.

My signature had all of that info. Force-10 Vixenmaster strings for all of them (except for the green factory string I mentioned that came on the 350). 24, 26, and 36 strands although the the 355 is the only one that provides a direct comparison swap of just the 36 to 26 strand, which is why I mentioned that one specifically with the 3fps change.

[xcaliber]

The fine print, my bad!