Anyone using B55?

[wapitirod]

I'm just getting into making my own strings and after reading that the B55 is safe for non FF bows I decided to order up some.  It says it has reduced stretch compared to B50 but I wanted to see if any of you had real world experience with it? How much less does it stretch and is there any difference in actual performance?

[LBR]

It's an improvement over B-50 or B-500, but don't expect it to be like one of the "Fast Flight" type materials.

Except in extreme cases (was overbuilt and/or poorly made vs. moderate and properly made) I haven't seen any huge differences in performance between dacron and FF.  Performance gains with B-55 vs. B-50 or B-500 will be minimal.  It's a good material for non-FF bows, but it won't change the game.

[Stumpkiller]

That's the scoop as I understand it.  

I'm a fan of the Dacron strings as most of my bows are vintage and I want them to last.

[Marc B.]

Chad nailed it.

[ron w]

I use it and it seems to work well......it does stretch but no where near as much as B-50. I build a string, put it on the bow and get the brace. Then let it set for an hour. Wax it and hand bur till it's warm, re set the brace and let it sit over night. In the AM I reset the brace and I'm good to go. May have to check the brace after 50 arrows or so....but I would anyway!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

without using  a chronograph or any technical device, I really don't see a difference. I still wont mix my b50 with my B55 though.

[dhaverstick]

There are three differences I have noticed between B-55 and B-50.

1) B-55 comes in a lot more colors.
2) A spool of B-55 doesn't seem to have as much wax on it as a spool of B-50.
3) B-55 doesn't initially stretch as much as B-50.

Other than that, they work the same for me. However, I will not make a string by mixing the two.

[Precurve]

Is the B55 the same size strand as the B50?

Dave

[LBR]

About the same diameter as B-50.  I wouldn't mix the two either.

Chad

[Pat B.]

Chad, do you find that B50 is more quiet that the various fast flights ???

[LBR]

I haven't experienced that myself.  I've heard lots of folks say dacron was quieter, had a few tell me that one of the FF materials was quieter than dacron, or that one FF material was quieter than another.

I never did care for original FF, but I know a good bit more about tuning now than I did then.  

I think the big difference is tuning.  You don't swap strings--especially if it's a different material, strand count, and/or string maker--and just set the same brace and expect everything to be just fine.

Nock fit has to be considered, silencer placement, brace height etc.  The pitch will vary, but the noise level itself doesn't usually change much, and can be controlled with proper tuning.

Society in general has moved toward "right NOW!" solutions.  Put it on and shoot.  Doesn't work like that.  You get back what you put into it.  Spend a little time tinkering to get everything right.  Enjoy the journey instead of worrying about how fast you can get there.

Chad