# Optimal String Length **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [September 25, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854 "2009-09-25T02:22:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![WaveMonger](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/wavemonger/32/311_2.png) [@WaveMonger](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/WaveMonger)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/1 "2009-09-25T02:22:20Z")
I am relatively new to modern yoing. I am working on intermediate 1A play, and my learning curve seems to have accelerated since I have nailed the reverse split mount. I have a question about string length. I am short at 5’ 6" and I was wondering, should shorten the length of a stock string? I have cut a few inches off of new string several times but I do not like the feel of the shortened string length. Is this just a matter of getting accustomed to a shortened string? Would a shorter string facilitate my play? Any enlightenment would be appreciated. ??? ---
**Author:** ![anonyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@anonyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/anonyo)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 2:31am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/2 "2009-09-25T02:31:06Z")
Shorter string will help with faster play. I see no need to shorten it till you think you need to go faster. I like mine a little long too. Helps with more room to learn your tricks. ---
**Author:** ![ElendilAndurilz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/elendilandurilz/32/140_2.png) [@ElendilAndurilz](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ElendilAndurilz)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 2:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/3 "2009-09-25T02:53:33Z")
Originally I liked my strings very long, but they seem to get shorter by the day now. Just go with what feels right. Experiment and see what fits your preference. ---
**Author:** ![Apetrunk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/apetrunk/32/148_2.png) [@Apetrunk](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Apetrunk)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 3:02am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/4 "2009-09-25T03:02:47Z")
Yup, experimentation is key. Many people cut it off so that the knot is at their belly button, but it varies from there. I feel that I play much smoother with little bit longer ones, but I can indeed go faster with a shorter string. ---
**Author:** ![tyler3490](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/tyler3490/32/77_2.png) [@tyler3490](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/tyler3490)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 8:35pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/5 "2009-09-25T20:35:36Z")
i like it to be at my belly button when i have my shoes off (i take 1 shoe off when im measuring it) it just seems like the right length for me ---
**Author:** ![catorameus](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/catorameus/32/175_2.png) [@catorameus](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/catorameus)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 10:31pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/6 "2009-09-25T22:31:26Z")
I had a hard time with string lengths, too. Experiment with the string. Try cutting off half an inch at a time until you find your miracle length. ---
**Author:** ![polloyoyo12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dec6dc/32.png) [@polloyoyo12](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/polloyoyo12)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 10:33pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/7 "2009-09-25T22:33:25Z")
i like mine long and im short at 5’3 it just gives me more romm to do tricks ---
**Author:** ![DaShiznit](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/dashiznit/32/62_2.png) [@DaShiznit](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/DaShiznit)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 11:57pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/8 "2009-09-25T23:57:05Z")
Try this?: [http://www.youtube.com/results?search\_query=yoyo+string+length&search\_type=&aq=f](http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yoyo+string+length&search_type=&aq=f) ---
**Author:** ![WaveMonger](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/wavemonger/32/311_2.png) [@WaveMonger](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/WaveMonger)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 1:51am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/optimal-string-length/6854/9 "2009-09-26T01:51:46Z")
Thank you all for the great feedback. I cut the string on my yoyos to the belly button and it seems to be working well for me. I have been practicing quite a bit since the last time I shortened a string and the difference was quite noticeable. Now it actually feels like I have more control with the shortened string.