flemish string

[molongbowman]

Why is it so hard to get the hang of making a three ply flemish string? I have the video Doin the twist but having a hard time putting the loop back into the string.

[LBR]

Get the 2-bundle down first, then the 3-bundle shouldn't be too hard to pick up.

You are welcome to call or e-mail me direct with any specific questions.

Chad

[molongbowman]

Just made a 2 ply string now I'm to try a 3 ply. Why do some people prefer a 3 ply over a 2 ply? I am using b-50. Thanks

[Grey Taylor]

Some people feel the 3-ply is rounder. But if you make the 2-ply properly I don't see any advantage.
Making the 3-ply is the same as the other but you have another bundle to work with and that can be confusing. If the three bundles are different colors that can help.
If you need help take Chad up on his offer. He's a stand up guy and he'll do what he can to assure you get the skills figured out.

Guy

Guy

[LBR]

"Some people feel the 3-ply is rounder. But if you make the 2-ply properly I don't see any advantage."

Yep--at least that's the only "advantage" I ever hear about...well, that and being able to use 3 separate colors.

Making the 3-bundle is a little more complicated--you have 3 bundles to keep even tension on vs. 2.

Suppossedly the rounder loop in the 3-bundle is easier on your bow.  I've seen good arguments "on paper", but not in real life.  Like Guy said, if you know how to make a string properly, there aren't any real advantages to a three bundle over a two bundle--at least none I know of.

I use my old longbow as an example.  It's been my favorite for 15 years.  It's NEVER had a dacron string on it, and rarely has it had a 3-bundle string on it.  It's never had an endless string on it.

If a 2-bundle were going to damage it, or if "FF" were going to shorten it's life, or if a flemish string were detrimental (I've seen all this and more purported);  I'm positive that if any of that were so, I'd have seen some evidence of it by now.  Other than some scratches and dings (been refinished twice, will need it again sooner or later--it gets used) she's as good as the day I got her.

Anyhow.....

It's not a bad thing to know how to make a 3-bundle, but you won't be missing out on anything important if you don't.

Also like Guy said, it's easier when you use 3 colors.  Make a sequence, and keep it for both loops.  For instance, if you start out your twist with red/white/blue, maintain that sequence throughout the string.  Make the first loop, keep the bundles in line and in sequence, and make the second loop the same way.  You can do it with one color, but two or three is much easier.

Chad