So what would be the difference between a 10 strand BCY X and a 10 strand D97.?
From my understanding, isn't the "standard" d97 string a 10/12 strand on your average bow(around #50)?
From my understanding, the BCY X is stronger, a better material, and around 1/2 the diameter of d97.
Although it is a very "skinny" string, it is still stronger than a 10 strand d97, 1/2 the diameter and the same strand count.
Excellent question. I'll do my best to answer.
My preference with Dynaflight '97 is 12 strands (except on very light draw weights). One big reason is this lets me serve for most any type nock without having to do anything more than pick the correct serving size. Although very strong (around 120#), it still stretches some. I shot 14 strands for years and years, but 12 gives me a better foundation for smaller nock sizes.
X is stronger per the size of the strand. It's not as strong per strand as '97 (either 75# or 90#--having a brain cramp at the moment). It also contains a small amount of Vectran (17%). Vectran has practically no give.
When you drop down to a low strand count, you are putting that much more on the Vectran. That's why you will notice it getting a little fuzzy--that's fibers breaking down. The breaking strength is static, not shock--shock weight is much harder on the string (like every time we shoot).
10 strands of X is very strong, but it's not as strong as 10 strands of '97, plus with it being a blend the properties are different which will cause more wear and tear.
Didn't mean my comment as a slam towards anyone that likes "skinny" strings--it's just my honest opinion/experience. I've tinkered with low strand count strings off and on for almost 20 years, starting with 450+ back when Mr. Dan Quillian was promoting 6-8 strand strings. Since then I've tried several other materials on several other bows, including selfbows. Maybe I'm missing something?
Anyone who's spent any amount of time with me knows I'm a "string nerd". I hated studying in school, but I love to study strings and string materials. Another thing I've noticed is I've never seen anyone who's made a name for themselves shooting a bow using a low strand count string. Many of them, especially in the 3-D circuit, are also accomplished hunters who shoot hunting distance shots.
Watch the old Fred Bear and Ben Pearson videos...they were practically using ropes for strings.
Anyhow...I'm not saying there's a right or wrong, this is just what has consistently worked for me for the past 20+ years.
Orion makes a good point about reduced hand shock between the high performance materials vs. polyester (Dacron).
There's a good bit more about strings on the FAQ page on my site.
Chad
Topic: String questions (Read 538 times)
