Leathersmith​/Archer

Ultimately the string on your bow will fail.  Tyipcally failure points are at the loops going over the limb tips, the area where you nock your arrows, or just below this area where the string strikes you arm upon release - more an issue for longbow shooters than recurve shooters.

 

You can purchase a string for your bow, or you can make you own.  Making your own gives you the ability to customize the string to YOUR bow.  I have 14 bows, at last count, and I color code the strings for each bow.

 

First question should be, "How long should it be?".  Well actually the true meaured length with loops on the end, ready to be put on the bow will seem shorter than what is needed.  Most bows will have an AMO marking on the lower limb followed by a number.  That number is the length string recommended for that bow.  If your bow does not have this mark then measure straight from limb tip to limb tip.  If a recurve bow, do no follow the curve.  That will be the setting for the jig in the attached article.  As metnioned above, you will actually be making a string slightly shorter when finished.

 

Now a word about string materials.  Most modern bows recommend and can use FastFlight string materials.  These fibers are stronger per smaller diameters and provide much less stretch.  When you release an arrow on your bow the limbs actually over recover requiring a bit of stretch in the bow string.  Older bows were not designed for these newer low stretch materials and could result in the tip of you bow limb snapping off upon release!

 

And finally, "Should I use a Flemish string or an endless loop?".  Most bows from the larger manufacturers come with endless loop strings.  As the name implies the string is made by setting two pegs the required distance apart then simply looping string around the pegs to the required number of strands to support the draw weight of the bow (covered in the article).  Endless loop strings are easy to identify as they are typically one color, black, and have string serving in the nocking area and each limb tip loop.

 

The article to the left is how to make a Flemish String.  Unlike the endless loop string that gets its strength from one continuous loop a Flemish String is often called the Flemish Twist string.  It is the twisting together of the individual string fibers that gives the string strength.  The only serving typically on a Flemish String is in the arrow nocking area.  Whether or not you trim the excess where the bow limb tip loops are is purely a personal choice.  I don't, I think they're cool and choose to believe they serve as string silencers (they don't but I  can delude myself......).

 

After you have completed your new string expect some stretch.  Be sure to go to my article on setting up your equipment for setting brace height, nocking points, etc.  Enjoy the article and the other stuff here on my web site.  Any comments you may have just go to the contact page and post.

 

In the mean time SHOOT STRIAGHT!