fast flight vs. standard strings

[IowaBob]

I'm thinking about buying a used bow that only handles the non-fastflight, "standard strings".  With a 26" draw at 58 lbs, how much slower will this bow be vs. a new bow of the same model (Robertson) that takes fast flight strings?  

I'm thinking of using the used bow for elk.  I have a bow that I can easily shoot with, but its only 46 lbs.  Thougths?

[Bird Dog]

When I've gone from FF to Dacron I've lost about 3-5 fps--kinda depends on how efficient the bow is to start with.

[last arrow]

I have an older 65lb non-fastflight recurve bow that, with an arrow of about 550 grains, is slightly slower than a newer fastflight bow of 56 pounds.  I think several other things contribute to the higher speed in addition to the ff string, including better materials and the designs used today, I draw the lighter bow about 1/2 inch farther, etc.  

I would recommend you shoot them side by side.  You may find that the 46 lb bow will provide the same speed to a heavy arrow.

[jhansen]

I agree with the 3-5 fps loss in speed.  Over hunting distances I doubt you will be able to tell the difference.

John

[Orion]

I agree, maybe 5 fps difference, not enough that you or the animal will notice.

[Frank V]

IowaBob, 3 years ago I chronographed my 54lb Fox longbow with the fastflight string Ron & Debbie furnish with the bow & a B-50 string, same brace height. I also used the same arrow for the whole test so there was no arrow difference.I got a consistant 3fps faster reading with FF than I did with the B-50. I wouldn't worry about lost performance. Shoot & enjoy. Frank  

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Why bother with a fastflight string in new bows if it only gives you 3-5fps faster arrows? Don't the B-50 strings give you a smoother feel or feedback or less shock? Are we just looking for that little bit of more speed that really isn't noticed???? I got away from compounds partly because I got fed up with all the speed chasing gimmicks.

[jhansen]

Snag,
You left out that dacron strings are usually quieter.      

John