Is bcy 8125 considered fastflight?

[longbow fanatic 1]

What is the difference between FF & BCY? In my searches, it appears bcy is not considered ff. So, where does bcy fall in the string category? ff, byc, dacron...? Can someone use byc 8125 on no ff bows? What's the diff. between 8125 and 8125G?    

[dragon rider]

If you mean "Fast Flight +" it's a trademarked name.

If you mean "fast flight" as in old bows are not suited for fast flight strings, yes.  Don't use 8125 on a bow that is not fast flight ready - i.e., the limb tips are not reinforced.  

Now you could probably pad your string loops enough to use it on a non-fast flight bow, but it's still not a great idea - not enough flexibility to the string. And, you could probably make two or three perfectly fine B-50 or B-55 strings in the same amount of time.

Of the bows you list, I would use 8125 on all but the Bear.  Actually I wouldn't because I use BCY X and like it better, but you could certainly use it on all but the Bear.

[grouseshooter002]

Sir,
BCY is the company name and yes, 8125 is ff. The other top string company is Brownell.

Regards,
Grouse

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks. I've seen post such as, "Fastflight vs. BCY 8125..." I was just curious if bcy 8125 was considered to be a fastflight material.

[WESTBROOK]

"Fastflight" was one of the first, if not the first, no stretch string material. The name stuck and every no stretch string material was/is referred to as fast flight.

B50, B55 and B500 are the only non-fastflight materials out there as far as I know.

So yes, fastflight is a brand and also a commonly used term for the countless other no/low stretch string material.

[J. Holden]

Thanks for asking this question, what great timing!  I was wondering the same thing.  I think I'll stick with B55.

I'm not comfortable with words like "probably" and "maybe".  Don't want to wreck a bow.

Great minds think a like longbow fanatic 1 (a.k.a. closet recurve shooter 1).

 

[longbow fanatic 1]

LOL, Jeremy. Leave it to me to ask the dumb question!    

[Orion]

I believe Fast Flite is still being made, so it is a brand name.  It is/was one of the first low stretch strings on the market and has taken on the generic meaning of low stretch string as well, much as Kleenex is used to describe facial tissues.  

When you're about to sneeze or blow your nose, you probably ask your spouse, etc., "Quick, hand me a Kleenix," when in fact you're just asking for any facial tissue and may be handed a Puffs or some other brand.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks, Jerry!

[M60gunner]

Reminds me of my dad. Any adjustable wrench was a Cresent wrench to him. If he asked for a Stillson it meant pipe wrench. I guess I do the same even today..

[LBR]

There are three basic types of bowstring material (right now at least).

Polyester (dacron):  B-55 or B-50 (B-500 isn't made anymore)

100% HMPE:  Dynaflight '97, 8125, 8190, Mercury, Fast Flight, etc.

HMPE/Vectran blends:  BCY-X, 452X, 450+, Trophy, etc.

Some materials have GORE fiber in them, but that's added for durability.  It's supposed to act like an internal lubricant.

Fast Flight was the first HMPE bowstring material, invented by Bob Destin and Ray Browne (the founders of BCY) when they worked for Brownell.  Brownell still owns the name, but BCY still offers the original material in their 652 Spectra.

[Holm-Made]

Chad is brownell Fast Flight Plus the original low stretch string?  I've used t for years and was wondering the history of it.

[LBR]

As I understand it, although Brownell owns the name they cannot purchase the material for original Fast Flight.  That's why the name was changed to Fast Flight Plus.  The original is BCY's 652 Spectra.

[Holm-Made]

Thanks.

[LBR]

Glad to help.  If you want to try the original, let me know and I'll get you a couple of sample spools.

[JR Belk]

8125G is still my favorite string material