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.
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Maker: Angel
Composition: 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 serving may be used for an additional cost. These are BCY Halo, BCY Powergrip, BCY 62XS, Angel Majesty, or Bloodline BOA.
Here's what we recommend based on your priorities:
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Don't really care what material is used? - 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 62XS or Powergrip
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Want the end serving to last far longer than the string itself - Angel Majesty in black
BCY 2X
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.
Material: 100% Dyneema® or Spectra
Breaking Strength: 50 lbs (.015")
BCY .008 Spectra
Pros:
• Small diameter fits around curves well
• Durable and grips well
Cons:
• TBD
Material: 100% Small diameter twisted Spectra
Breaking Strength: 46 lbs (.008")
BCY Halo
Pros:
• Comes in color or transparent (to show the string beneath)
• Very durable
Cons:
• Not quite as flexible around curves
Material: 100% Braided Spectra
Breaking Strength: 45 lbs (.014")
BCY 62XS
Pros:
• Very flexible for bending around corners (like end loops)
• Very durable
Cons:
• Available only in black
Material: Braided material containing Spectra or Dyneema®
Breaking Strength: Unknown (.014")
BCY Powergrip
Pros:
• Resin coated and grippy
• Excellent for curving around loops
Cons:
• Available only in black
Material: Braided material containing Spectra and nylon
Breaking Strength: 25 lbs (.009")
Angel Majesty
Pros:
• Very durable
• Does not show signs of wear
Cons:
• Does not conform to curves and transition areas as well as some other serving materials
• Is susceptible to nicks and cuts
Material: Blend of HMPE and polyester.
Breaking Strength: Unknown (.015")
Bloodline BOA
Pros:
• Very durable
• Very similar to Angel Majesty
Cons:
• Not as strong as Angel Majesty
• Has quite a bit of memory (meaning if it gets cut it unravels easily)
Material: HMPE, polyester, proprietary fiber, proprietary coating
Breaking Strength: Unknown (.014")
Center Serving Materials
All center servings are done with Angel Majesty in black as this has proven to be the best center serving material around lasting far longer than the string itself. It does not wear and provides a consistent nock fit.
For those barebow shooters who are string walking as their aiming method, we still recommend Angel Majesty. However some string walkers find it to be too slippery. For those archers, we recommend BCY Powergrip as a less slippery alternative.
Angel Majesty
Angel Majesty serving is very durable blend of HMPE and polyester. Practically the only way to destroy it is to cut it, so do be careful when tying in or cutting off the nock set.
BCY Powergrip
BCY Powergrip is a braided spectra and nylon material coated with resin.
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All strings are made on Baker Archery Product jigs and stretchers because they are simply the best out there!