Looking for Recommendations with a new string

[Bobtulowiecki]

I am looking to purchase a new string for my Java Man  "American" longbow and was looking for recommendations on who to go through.  Gregg told me that any of the low stretch string materials as long as the loops are padded additionally would work.  String making might be on next winter's list of things to learn but until then, who do you recommend to purchase from?  Thanks as always

[slowbowjoe]

Any of the string maker sponsors on this site will provide excellent strings and excellent service. As responses roll in, you'll hear many different preferences; it's an individual thing, as with most all else in this pastime.

I believe Greg suggests D-10 as a replacement string. Personally, I went to an SBD for a previous r/d performance bow, replacing a Rhino string. Noticeably more quiet with the SBD, and I'll use one again next string. Braveheart Archery has them in stock (and no better service around), or Pierre at SBD will make you a custom.

[mark Willoughby]

10 ring strings are top notch excellent service and craftsmanship nothing else will ever be on any of my bows !

[Pat B]

Chad Weaver certainly knows his way around a bow string. I don't think you can go wrong with Chad. Also Chad has a couple of "How To" DVDs on string making that will eliminate your need to look for a string maker.    

[LBR]

Thanks Pat!  There's a FAQ page on my site that might help with questions.  Regardless who you use, I suggest BCY-X for the material.

[Sirius Black]

Just curious, how does D-10 compare or differ from the BCY-X?

[Bladepeek]

I just ordered an SBD string for a 50# Bear Ausable. Not long ago I bought a BCY-X string from Champion Custom Bowstrings. It woiuld be comparing apples and tangerines, as the SBD strings I have are 8-strand. The BCY-X string was around 12 strand and they went on 2 different bows. Both perform similarly and both are as well made as any string I've ever seen.

Chad feels he gets better overall performance from more strands. Pierre swears by his 8 - 10 strand strings. I have both; can't ell the difference in performance and will continue to buy from both just to spread the wealth around (if you can call the price of a bowstring wealth        )

Both are a credit to Trad Gang and both are first-class businessmen who are responsive and listen to their customers.

[huskyarcher]

Absolutely cannot beat Allen Shafer with Ten Ring Strings! I was 3 or 4 days away from a texas pig trip and my dads string broke on his longbow, called Allen up and got a A++ string to my doorstep in a about 2 days! Talk about service!

[KyStickbow]

I have Ten Ring Strings on all my bows...love em!! Allen is a great fella to deal with!

Everyone has a personal preference...but honestly any of the string makers on this site will make u an awesome string.

[LBR]

D-10 is 100% Dyneema.  Think Dynaflight '97.  The highest grade 100% Dyneema material on the market is BCY's 8190 Universal, made with 100% DSM SK-90 Dyneema.

BCY-X is 83% SK-90 Dyneema blended with 17% Vectran.  Think 452X.  The Vectran stabilizes the material, especially in higher temps, and seems to act as a dampener as well (quieter).

I don't think more strands gives you better performance per se'.  I just haven't been able to squeak out a noticeable difference between a moderate strand count and a low strand count.  What I do notice is less stretch, less creep, higher durability, and higher over-all stability.  Olympic and Olympic style shooters usually go with what I consider an over-built string (high strand count) for the best stability.

Will the average 3-D shooter/hunter notice the difference in stability at the distances we shoot?  Probably not, anymore than we will notice 1-3 fps.  If either one is a game changer, you should be shooting for money and Olympic medals.  Seriously.

It boils down to what you like.  I've tried all sorts of materials, strand counts, etc. over the past 20+ years and to date the best for me is 18-20 strands of BCY-X (about the same size as 12 strands of Dynaflight '97).  

Like I say on the FAQ section of my site though...do your own experimenting to see what works best for you.

Chad

[Bladepeek]

Chad, sorry I mis-represented the strand count on your string. I guess you did say it was roughly the same size as 12 strands of Dynaflight '97 - not that it was 12 strands of BCY-X. On my light weight bows, it would be hard to tell the difference.

I will stand by my statement that both your strings and those by Pierre are first rate strings that are real works of art. I've never seen finer.

[LBR]

Not a problem--thanks for the good word!