BCY X My Initial Results...

[Ryan Sanpei]

Hey Gang,

In the past, I've built strings for all types of bows and have been a fan of BCY fibers from day one.

When I really got into traditional bows, I did a lot of experimenting and found that I really liked 8125 for my stickbows. That was before BCY had X, 8190, trophy, etc...

Over the last few years, I've experimented with the newer fibers, but never shared my personal results. I've decided to share my informal testing of BCY X and how it compares to what I'm currently using which is 8125.

Ryan K. Sanpei

[Ryan Sanpei]

Yesterday, I twisted up a 20 strand BCY X flemish string. My main goal was to get the final diameter the same size as my current string, which was the old 8125 (before 8125G).

Unfortunately, it came out too large, so I had to try 18 strands. The 18 strands come out perfect in terms of getting the diameters the same.

 

[Ryan Sanpei]

I tried my best to compare "apples to apples", so I used the same serving, same size silencers and tried to get the overall string weight the same.


 
I achieved the same diameter. 14 strand old 8125 & 18 strand BCY X.


 
I also tried to get the overall weight the same. I got really close. 8125 was 168gr and the BCY X was 173gr.

[Ryan Sanpei]

The first thing that I did notice during the building process was that the fibers stayed intact while twisting. Although it's not the final indication on whether the string will fray, it gives me a good primary indication.

The string did creep less too. Given a 51" string, it creeped about 1/4" less than the 8125 in the initial string creeping process.

   

[Ryan Sanpei]

Before testing speed, both Staci and I shot a round at our local range. I wanted to ensure that it was shot in.


 


 

[Ryan Sanpei]

Then we ran it throughout the chrono. We used Staci's bow for the initial tests. 43lbs @ 27" 470gr arrow.

   

BCY X 158fps, 159fps, 158fps, 158fps

8125 157fps, 158fps, 158fps, 158fps

I didn't use a shooting machine as I prefer not to. I know collecting the data won't be as accurate but for my personal tests, I like to have my results given from a finger release and have the equipment tuned to my shooting.
What I do to try to maintain consistency is I have Staci off to the side of me and she informs me when I hit my 27" pen mark on the arrow. She tries to make sure that I release on the mark. If not, I won't count the shot.

[Ryan Sanpei]

I also tried the new powergrip serving in .032. I just tried to serve it on the 18 strand BCY X, but because it lays "round" instead of "flat" like my Halo, I'll probably have to go with 16 strands to get the nock fit that I prefer (which is a good thing for guys building skinny string).

I definitely "grips". I'll need to build a new string to see how it feels on the release as compared to my Halo .030.

I did use it for my adjustable string nocks. So far so good, but I didn't shoot it nearly enough to give myself feedback.


   

[Big Ed]

Thanks for sharing!!

[LBR]

Cool.  I haven't tried the powergrip yet, and not likely I'll need the .032 as I'm not a fan of "skinny" strings...

My results with the X have been great.  I haven't chronographed it, but three biggies for me:  the noise level seems to be very low,the durability is very good, and the rate of stretch/creep is very low, even in high temps.

Those are my three main criteria for string material, and X exceeds everything else I've used.

[jkm97]

Thanks for the review. I've been meaning to order a BCY X to try for awhile now, but haven't gotten around to it.

[Stump Buster]

Since this is a Sanpei thread, I'm sure he's not done yet, but I still wanted to say THANK YOU already for this review so far... I'll be watching!!!

Thanks for the excellent post Ryan!

Mike

[Ryan Sanpei]

You're welcome Guys.

I totally agree Chad. Thank you for informing me about these new BCY products!      

Here are my pros and cons at this point...

Pros
Less creep
At this point seems more abrasion resistant, but I'll need to take it hunting to test it out.
No noticeable difference in noise during/after the shot. Maybe a touch more quite than 8125 (human ears...)
Same speed (finger shot, no shooting machine)
Use of more strands for guys that prefer "low strand count" strings


Cons
None at this point, unless I decide to change and have to buy new string material. LOL!  

I still need to test it out of a few more bows. Next I'll need to build a set for my heavier weight bow.

[Ryan Sanpei]

Thank you for the kind words Micheal and yes I'm not done yet! It's just the beginning...    :D

Aloha!
Ryan

[LBR]

Glad to help, and add me to the list of those who appreciate the review.

From a slightly technical standpoint, X should be the second most durable material on the market--a very close second behind 8190.

X and 8190 are SK90 Dyneema--the strongest and most durable made to date.  X has 17% Vectran in it, which makes it more stable (especially in high temps) but the Vectran isn't as durable.

Not enough that it would be noticed, unless you are really pushing the limits and shooting a very low strand count string.

Looking forward to more!  So far every person I've talked to that's reviewed it had nothing but good things to say.

Chad

[Jwilliam]

Great review Ryan !!!!     Thanks


Bill

[Arctic Hunter]

Thanks for a good review!