Anyone make their own strings for a Saluki Ibex?

[jhansen]

I just got a Saluki Ibex 58" bow and really like it.  I make my own flemish strings and like to have a spare handy just-in-case.  The problem is the size of the loops.  I know how to make them the right size for a longbow or recurve but the Ibex has siyahs and requires long loops.  How much do you allow for twisting the loops in a flemish twist string?  I can just start guessing and experimenting but figured it might save time and string to ask someone who already does it.

John

[The Huntress]

I can't answer your question, but would you post photos of your Ibex? I have been interested in Saluki bows for years! I have a Toth Istvan Mongolian horse bow, myself.

[jhansen]

Jan,
I had been interested in the Saluki bows too but very seldom saw one for sale on the used market.  After shooting this one for a few days I think I know why.  It is marked 49#@29".  My scale tells me this is true and gives a reading of 47#@28".  The draw is extremely smooth and the bow is surprisingly fast.  The first three shots I made impacted the target in a tight cluster with each arrow touching another one.  The cluster was also about 4" above the bullseye meaning that the bow was faster than what my brain expected.  The workmanship is superb.  It's just a great looking bow.  If you get the chance to grab one I'd urge you to do so.

John
           

[AKCrazyhorse]

That's a great looking ibex. I had one back in 05' and regrettably sold it. I've been looking for one ever since. I just got a used Scythian and it should be here on wednesday. I'm so excited!!!

[AKCrazyhorse]

Oh yeah. I don't make my own strings but I chatted with SBD about it and, although they don't make them yet, it is a project that Pierre is interested in, he's just sooooo busy right now. He asked me to check back in about a month.

[jhansen]

I just need to know how much to allow for the loops.  I guess I'll just start experimenting.  I'll try doubling what I use for a recurve upper loop.

I had a Magyar a few years ago but it was one of the all-fiberglass bows that are wrapped in leather.  Didn't come close to this one.

John

[tecum-tha]

Try 3treebowstrings, he makes Flemish ones. He made a few for my korean bows as well. If you wanna do it yourself, after 2 strings you know what to do for your particular bow.

[DTD]

John,

You might try contacting Frank Bullitt on this site. He made me two strings for my 58" Ibex. They were endless, but I believe he makes flemished strings as well.

Doug

[BSBD]

Nice Ibex!

I just got my 62" Ibex after a long wait.

1st Ibex but 3rd Saluki.

[LBR]

It's rare for two flemish string makers to make their strings exactly alike--different size fingers twist differently--so it won't help much to know what the other guy does.

What I'd try is this:  Cut the bundles way longer than you think you need.  Make the first loop working from the end towards the middle (that's how I make mine anyway).  Keep in mind the loop is going to stretch.  After you get the twists in for the first loop, but before splicing the bundles to make the loop, measure what you have left.  That should tell you how much it took to make the first loop, which will let you know where to start the second.  Take lots of notes.  Measure everything.  Might take a few tries, but that should work.

Personally, I think this a rare occassion where an endless string will work better.  I can't remember if I made a flemish string for a bow with siyahs before, or almost did, but if I recall correctly it wasn't practical.

[Festivus]

WOW!! Gorgeous Bow!!

I have been lusting for one for years. Literally, this is the only wood bow that I still desire.

[jhansen]

I've considered doing an endless loop string.  I had a jig that I made to do them but it got borrowed and never returned.  I don't remember who I loaned it to.  I could make another one but I think I'll do a little experimentation with a flemish first.  In 9 years of shooting trad I've owned quite a few bows and either sold or traded them off.  This is the first bow I'm sure I'll keep.  So figuring out how to do a flemish twist string will be worth the time spent.

John

[BSBD]

All of my Saluki's have endless strings but all other bows have flemish.

I like flemish better but endless fit those siyah's better and those tips can handle any kind of FF material.

My wood and glass Saluki's are faster than any other bow I've owned including some of the top carbon limbed bows.

[MercilessMing]

I would make endless loop strings for my Salukis next just thinking that flemish may twist the loop tighter and rub the siyahs.

[sorefingers]

I have an 88# Ibex and use endless loop 8125 loops are padded fit great. You will get more energy to the arrow without the twist. Mine is also sooo smooooth and quiet Lucas builds an awasome bow.

[LongStick64]

One consideration of endless vs flemish is that in my experience flemish is easier on the siyahs. With a endless string the loop is going to rub against the Siyah and the serving material can be harsh on the finish.

[The Huntress]

Thanks for the photos, John. Sounds like you have a winner there! Maybe someday...LOL