Materials
String Construction
There are 2 types of string construction: continuous loop and flemish twist.
Continuous loop (also known as an endless loop) is a single strand of string material wrapped around in a loop to set the length of the string and continues for the desired number of strands. So to make a 14 strand string, 7 complete loops are formed. When they come together, they form a 14 strand bundle. This is what we recommend for the majority of strings.
Flemish twist strings are composed of a number of individual lengths of material of tapering lengths. 2 bundles are formed and they are twisted together. This twisting construction forms the end loop, so no end serving is used for a flemish twist string. Because of the construction method, flemish strings are stretchier than their continuous loop counterparts. This is an excellent choice for traditional shooters or those shooting vintage bows that may not have reinforced limb tips. Extra padding is sometimes added to the end loops.
String Materials
There are many string materials out there. To help sift through that information, here's what we recommended as a good starting point for various setups:
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Olympic Recurve: 8125 or 652 Spectra continuous loop
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Barebow Recurve: 8125 or 652 Spectra continuous loop
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Traditional Recurve: 652 Spectra or B55 continuous loop
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Longbow: 8125 or 652 Spectra continuous loop
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Vintage bows without reinforced limb tips: B55 continuous loop or flemish twist (possibly with padded loops)
ASB Majesty Pro
Angel's ASB Majesty Pro material features a thermally bonded resin wax. As a result of this coating, the string does not need to be waxed like other bow string materials. This is the Angel material that is most comparable to BCY's 8125.
Manufacturer: Angel
Fiber: Izanas® SK71 + Thermally bonded resin wax
End Serving Materials
Our standard end serving materials are BCY 2X or .008 Spectra because they conform to curves very well and is resistant to separating. 2X also comes in a variety of colors. Premium servings include BCY Halo, BCY Powergrip, BCY 62XS, Bloodline BOA, and Bloodline ICE2.
Here's what we recommend based on your priorities:
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Want a softer end serving feel - BCY 2X in black
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Want the end serving to match the string material color - BCY 2X or Halo in color
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Want the string material to show through the serving - BCY transparent Halo
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Durability is the main concern - BCY Powergrip or 62XS
BCY 2X
Material: 100% Dyneema® or Spectra
Construction: Twisted
Coating: None
Size: .015"
Pros:
• Very flexible for bending around corners (like end loops)
• Comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
• Starts fuzzing faster than some of the materials listed below.
BCY .008 Spectra
Material: 100% Spectra
Consruction: Twisted
Coating: None
Size: .008"
Pros:
• Small diameter fits around curves well
• Durable and grips well
Cons:
• TBD
BCY Halo
Material: 100% Spectra
Contruction: Braided
Coating: None
Size: .014"
Pros:
• Comes in colors or transparent (to show the string beneath)
• Very durable
Cons:
• Not quite as flexible around curves
• Transparent makes then end loop more slippery
BCY 62XS
Material: Spectra or Dyneema®
Construction: Braided
Coating: None
Size: .014"
Pros:
• Very flexible for bending around corners (like end loops)
• Very durable
Cons:
• Available only in black
• Surface not as smooth as other materials
BCY Powergrip
Material: Spectra and nylon
Construction: Braided
Coating: Resin
Size: .009"
Pros:
• Grippy and less likely to separate
• Excellent for curving around loops
Cons:
• Available only in black
• A bit stiffer than other materials
Angel Majesty - No longer available
Material: Izanas® & Polyester
Construction: Braided
Coating: Thermally bonded resin
Size: .015"
Pros:
• Very durable
• Slick surface from coating
Cons:
• Only comes in black
• Suseptible to cuts
Bloodline BOA
Material: HMPE, polyester, proprietary fiber
Construction: Braided core
Coating: Proprietary
Size: .014"
Pros:
• Very durable
• Stays round
Cons:
• Has quite a bit of memory (meaning if it gets cut it unravels easily)
• Suseptable to color transfer
Bloodline ICE2
Material: 100% HMPE
Construction: Braided
Coating: Proprietary
Size: .014"
Pros:
• Very durable
• Grips the string material very well
• Resistant to color transfer
Cons:
• Only comes in one size
Center Serving Materials
BCY Halo
All center servings are done with BCY Halo in black as this has proven to be the best available center serving material for recurve and longbows. It is slick for a clean release, does not show wear, and provides a consistent nock fit.
BCY Powergrip
For those barebow shooters who are string walking as their aiming method, we recommend BCY Powergrip. It has grip from its resin coating and provides more grip to be able to hold a crawl without slipping.
All strings are made on Baker Archery Product jigs and stretchers because they are simply the best out there!