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While tinkering with a recurve this weekend, I came to the realization that there is a relationship between preload and brace height (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). The set up I was tinkering with is a 58" AMO recurve consisting of a Dryad 15" Epic riser with medium 45# TradTech Black Max Carbon Extremes.
With max preload (limb bolts 1/2 turn out from snug), I find I am able to shoot a lower brace height than if I had the limb bolts max out (4 turns from snug). I also noticed the brace height increased slightly when turning the bolts out (not taking string off), but there was increased noise on the shot, similar to what I usually get when brace is too low.
On the extremes of either side, I found the bow would behave well with a brace of 6 5/8" with max preload, but would need a brace of 7 1/2" with min preload. I determined the brace heights by way of the sound on the shot and simply added/subtracted twists until the shot no longer sounded harsh. I also noted that the further out I turned the limb bolts, the greater the "twang" I would get from the limbs regardless of brace height. Just for fun, I turned the bolts in as far as I could (just lightly snug) and found the bow to be remarkably quiet. I suppose this may be the reason why bolt-downs are desirable. At any rate, just thought I'd post up my findings and see if others here concur or disagree.
With max preload (limb bolts 1/2 turn out from snug), I find I am able to shoot a lower brace height than if I had the limb bolts max out (4 turns from snug). I also noticed the brace height increased slightly when turning the bolts out (not taking string off), but there was increased noise on the shot, similar to what I usually get when brace is too low.
On the extremes of either side, I found the bow would behave well with a brace of 6 5/8" with max preload, but would need a brace of 7 1/2" with min preload. I determined the brace heights by way of the sound on the shot and simply added/subtracted twists until the shot no longer sounded harsh. I also noted that the further out I turned the limb bolts, the greater the "twang" I would get from the limbs regardless of brace height. Just for fun, I turned the bolts in as far as I could (just lightly snug) and found the bow to be remarkably quiet. I suppose this may be the reason why bolt-downs are desirable. At any rate, just thought I'd post up my findings and see if others here concur or disagree.