String troubles

[Steven_CO]

I have a Hawk recurve that seems to eat up fast-flight strings.  I'm into my 3rd string in a year and this last string didn't last long at all.  This last string isn't frayed.  I mostly notice it keeps stretching and I am losing my brace height.

So, what's the best stuff out there for wear and stretch?

[LBR]

Lack of stretch/creep:  450+, 8190, 8125, Dynaflight '97

Durability: 8190, 8125, Dynaflight '97

I only use BCY products--couldn't say about other materials.  I do know 8190 is made with the highest grade Dyneema available--SK90.

How the string is made, number of strands, draw weight, etc. will also make a difference.

Chad

[Steven_CO]

Thanks for the feedback.

[Orion]

Where were your strings fraying, at the nocks or at the serving or somewhere else? A properly made fast flite string should stretch very little after it's shot in. If your strings are stretching, I suggest they're not made properly.  If they're fraying at the loops, theres's either some rough spots in the nock(s) eating away at the string, or perhaps dirt and grit has worked into the string loop (common on the the lower limb) and is working on the string.

[LBR]

One other possibility I didn't think to list--might be a "bad" spool of material.  I've wound up with a couple over the years.  It's rare, but it happens.

Chad

[Steven_CO]

Thanks Orion and LBR for the responses.  

On the first string I had, it wore out in the loop.  I will check to be sure that everything is is clean and will see if I can feel any rough spots perhaps with a small round piece of brass rod (no burrs) or ???.

This last string isn't showing signs of wear.  It just won't keep the brace height.  I expected some stretch for a few shots.  But it seems it should be "broken in" by now and just keeps stretching.  Bad string is a possibility.  It was pretty long and I did have to twist it a lot.  

I bought a new string for it this weekend.  I'm working to break in that one now.  

How many shots should fast flight last before it fatigues?  It's 16 strand in a 56# bow.

[LBR]

Check the string grooves with a cottom ball--that should let you know if there's any rough spots.  My guess is there isn't, since the new string isn't wearing out there.

Is the 16 strand the Fast Flight brand?  Depending on the material, 16 strands could be fairly small to really large.  Either way, it should last a long time--you should notice a good bit of fraying as a sign it's time to change.

My guess is the one that keeps stretching is either not made right, or you got some bad material.  Are you sure it's FF?  Dacron can keep on stretching forever it seems.

Chad