Replacing a Bodnik Whisper string on a Kiowa with a normal string

[KevinK]

I got a Bodnik Kiowa last month for a Turkey blind bow. It is a short bow, 52" and I have a 28.5" draw and it doesn't stack and shoots very well. The problem I have is with the stock string. IMO it is not great, it stretched like crazy and the loops wore out in 2 weeks (ironically immediately after it stopped stretching). So I have been trying other strings with not the best luck.
Anyone else with a Bodnik bow have issues with using anything other than a Bodnik Whisper string?
The string grooves are very narrow and any torque whatsoever causes the string to not settle perfectly into the grooves. I checked for any twists and cannot see any.

[30coupe]

I'm with you on the "Whisper" strings. They suck! They are supposed to be some sort of secret "blend" of materials. My guess is B50 and recycled rubber bands. The one that came on my bow stretched like crazy as well. It never did stop stretching because I twisted up a D97 string and BINGO! it works great!

Mine seems to like an 8.25" brace height. I have a couple of Hush Puppies about half the size they send and all I get is a dull thump reminiscent of a longbow.

What else have you tried? I know D97 works, but most of the string makers are using more modern materials these days. Since I'm an old fart, I figure I probably have enough D97 to last as long as I do, so I'm not switching. It's not broke, so why fix it?

There are a number of great string makers who are sponsors here. Do a search and you will find plenty of guys who should be able to fix you up with a MUCH better string than the one that came on your bow.

[KevinK]

So far I've tried a 3Rivers Lazer string (Astroflight flemish twist style with served loops). That came too short and did not stretch. Had my brace height at about 8.75" and it suffered performance. I also tried the 3 Rivers D97, but it was the adjustable loops so it kept not settling into the string grooves about every other shot. Been using the Fast flight 18 strand for about a week. It's been the best about settling in the grooves. I know it is a short bow and I am torquing I guess. Going to try a Dacron after work today, if it works consistently I will be happy even if it is dacron. I am not a fan of skinny strings and hope I can find something that will settle in the grooves properly.

[KevinK]

I do agree on The brace height, somewhere between 8-1/8 and 8-3/8. Any lower and it's loud any higher than this and it's sloow.

Mine also seemed to want a higher nock height and a weaker arrow than I would normally use for the poundage.

[30coupe]

I'm using a Bear Weather rest on mine so I can shoot vanes or feathers. I seem to get better arrow flight with it than off the shelf as well, even though the shelf is nicely rounded.

I don't know that I've had to use weaker spine, still using about the same setup as with my other bows in this range. The Kiowa isn't a speed demon, but dang, it is accurate! It's getting expensive too. I Robin Hooded another arrow this afternoon. I'll give up a little speed for accurate shot placement any time.

[30coupe]

I make my own strings, so I can get about any configuration I need. The one I'm shooting is a 3 bundle, 9 strand string, with the loops padded to 18 strands of D97. It settles into the grooves nicely, and I think the tapered loops help reduce noise. I've been using this same combination for some time on all my bows that will handle low stretch string.

I'm not a fan of B50, but if it works for you, go with it. You will get a fair amount of stretch with it though. My experience has been it quits stretching and wears out at about the same time, lol.

[KevinK]

I also have a vintage Grizzly so I am no stranger to B50/Dacron. I am relatively new and I am about ready to learn how to make my own strings. B50, isn't my favorite because of the creep but, like you said if it works, then go for it. You are correct it is accurate. Since I have a 28.5" draw and I wanted a short bow for turkey I expected some pain involved with it. But it's accurate and I've more than OK with it.
As mentioned before I am new but I do have an engineering background and I did have a weather rest of my grizzly at one time. I found that when I removed the rest I had to go with a weaker arrow. At first it didn't make sense because my arrow was closer to the riser. Then someone explained to me the rests capture the arrow, slowing down the paradox and give you more flexibility in spine ranges. I have a 40# model which pulls 44# at 28.5. Originally this was supposed to only be for turkey but since I am so confident in the accuracy and I can pull it easily in even the most awkward positions I am considering using it for deer season as well.

[KevinK]

The B50 string worked pretty well. Maybe the springyness helps it settle better? I only put about 50 arrows through tonight with no silencers and it shot OK. I will have to retune though as I am getting arrow slap on the riser now but shoots accurate. I will put silencers on tomorrow and put a few hundred through it before I can say for sure though. It also seems to be less offensive with finger pinch on this short bow.

[Sota]

I've tried the whisper string and have had positive results 1/2" stretch then it's done.  Good price point on Kustom King, however custom made strings are not expensive, choice of colors, interact with awesome trad people lots of good ones on this forum shouldn't have any problem with other strings on a bearpaw bow.

[jess stuart]

If you current string is the correct length just worn out>  I think i would just measure the worn string and have someone build me a string of the correct length. Record that length and next time measuring will not be necessary.  
Be sure you record the length things committed t memory have a way of being misfiled somehow.

[LBR]

My favorite string to date is 18-20 strands of BCY-X with the loops padded to 24.  Doesn't take anything special to get a great nock fit;  fast, quiet, stable, consistent, durable.

If you decide to start making your own strings, let me know.  I can help with material and serving, and I have a video that could shave a lot off the learning curve.

Chad

[KevinK]

Thanks Chad. Yes I'm going to give string making a try this weekend. I bought several spools of B55 for practice. Plus I can use it on any of my bows. After I get the hang of it I might try the newer fancier stuff. I will check out the video, assuming it's on your site. Ironically I was at the NGT shoot earlier this month and one of the guys suggested me making my own strings and I am pretty sure he mentioned you and your video. He said to search for you, now I don't have to!

[LBR]

Good deal.  If you can get consistent with B-55, you got it whipped...dacron is aggravating stuff to work with.  I'll be at the Pre-Spring Arrow Fling in AL next weekend, barring no disasters.

Chad

[KevinK]

Well I've only been involved with traditional archery since summer of 2015 and I am mostly self-taught. I don't expect anything traditional archery to be easy. It can be aggravating itself if you let it. Requires a lot of patience and determination. As long as I don't suffer an injury or incur property damage I am fine with it being a tough learning curve. Of course when things do start working out well, it is a very gratifying sport and hobby.