Endless strings on a flemish stringed bow?

[Matabele]

Hi all,

Been following the skinny string threads with interest and would like to give it a try. Some folks have said a endless loop string is easier to serve and when padding the loops. So Im going to try make an endless string.

One question tho, my FireFly came with a Flemish twist string, is it ok to use a endless string? Is this ok on any bow to change the strings to another type? Any tips when changing over?

Thanks!

[Orion]

No problem doing it.  However, keep in mind that with an endless loop string, only half the strands form the loop, not all of them as with a flemish twist loop.  If you go to a low number of strands endless loop string, say six or 8 strands, it could very likely fail in the nock area, which will only have 3 or 4 strands.      

[Jeff Strubberg]

An endless might be easier to serve, but there's a heck of a lot more serving to be done and you will have to build a jig before you can make one.


Endless are more work than flemish...

[frank bullitt]

Mark, to answer your qestion, yes you can! Let us know what you think of the performance difference when done. I think learning to serve a string is the most important thing any archer should learn to do. Good shootin to you, Steve

[Rob DiStefano]

all that matters with a stickbow is the type of string fiber you use, *not* how the string is made - modern hmpe fiber *only* for bows that can handle the added stress, else use dacron.

for that matter, you wanna go "true trad", use bowyer's knots (timber hitches) for both string loops and then for sure you won't need to spin or twist up a string.  Seriously.

i'm a huge fan and proponent of endless strings, have been since the late 50's.  i've twisted my share of flemish, but endless is easier, faster and way more accurate in terms of string-to-string length consistency than flemish.

fwiw, in a few weeks i'll be posting a video on how i spin endless bowstrings.

[Charlie Lamb]

Like Rob said, it doesn't matter which type you use only the material you choose.

I too am a proponent of the endless string and have been for years.... I've used my share of flemish too, but I'm over it.

Once my jig is set each string comes off of it "just right". I don't care for much twist in my strings and endless allows for that.

Besides, every mother's son in archery is using flemish twist strings and I like to take the path less traveled.

[ozy clint]

i agree with rob and charlie. i can make both string types but i can make a much better quality endless than flemish. mainly the finished loop to loop length is more accurately made with endless......for me.

the endless revival has begun.....  

[ozy clint]

BTW. you don't need a jig to make an endless. an emergency string could be made in a bush camp queit easily.

[Matabele]

Thanks for the info guys, Im going to give it a try!

[Rob DiStefano]

yeah - the traditional endless string revival - i'm all for that.   :D  

i've often thought about the bowstrings those medieval archers used.  would it have been a double looped flemish?  i don't think so.  bowstrings needed to be serviceable, and that means dealing with the constant brace height changes (some quite pronounced) due to both  selfbows and the environment.  

methinks those yeoman archers at best spliced a flemish style loop for the top limb nock and used an adjustable bowyer's knot (timber hitch) for the bottom loop.  or ergo the loop end twisting and just lay out a continuous loop string, part and knot for the top loop, hitch up for the bottom loop.  

the resulting timber hitched string would be easily adjustable for those wet battlefield dayze when bow wood and natural fiber strings went noodly and needed screwing up.   :cool:

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Jeff Strubberg:
An endless might be easier to serve, but there's a heck of a lot more serving to be done ...

Nope, not at all - once you know how to spin a serving jig you will realise how fast string loop and center serving can be.

... and you will have to build a jig before you can make one.

Yes, you do need an endless jig.  Not a problem once you know how to make one, and get all the materials at Home Depot or Lowes - for relatively cheap.  See my 'one arm endless jig' post.

Endless are more work than flemish...

Having twisted and spun strings for over 50 years, imho that statement is just not true.  In fact, *anyone* can spin an endless string *faster* than twisting up a double loop flemish string - and I can prove that.        

If need be, with just a spool of bowstring fiber, a loaded string serving jig, a sharp knife, a bit of bowstring wax, and a stickbow with no string at all for a reference, I can spin a perfectly good endless bowstring to the correct optimum brace height, WITHOUT an endless bowstring jig in 5 minutes (or less). Yep, you can too. Promise,              

.........

[frank bullitt]

Rob, your awful winded today! And I disagree. The competiton is on! Steve

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by frank bullitt:
Rob, your awful winded today! And I disagree. The competiton is on! Steve

HAH!    :rolleyes:

[Gordon martiniuk]

I also agree with Rob Endless are far more accurate,, and yes I build both but a well made endless is still better as you can take them off your bow and they will not untwist also endless strings are rounder and well better looking I also gain a bit of speed with endless .. if your worried about too small in nock area when building skinney strings ,, I Just double serve ends

[portugeejn]

I personally prefer strings on my bows!:-)

RonP

[Chris Wilson]

I've made and used both.  These days, I use primarily endless loop strings.  Personally, I find them easier to make and I can spin one out pretty darn quick.

[newell38]

im glad im not the only one that loves endless loop strings.  i like to get maximum performance out of my bows so thats why i shoot endless.