Premium Flemish Twist String
Made from D97/Dyneema SK75, a "Fast Flight" Material
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Price: $22-32
This is a Premium custom made Flemish Twist string for your traditional recurve or long bow. It's a double loop Flemish Twist string made from DynaFLIGHT 97, a low-stretch, low-creep bow string material. Made to your specifications. The following Premium options are available:
Please read the information below, and proceed to the order form. |
Instructions:
- Please review the information below.
- Make sure your bow maker says you can use D97 or other "Fast Flight-type" string materials.
- Figure out what string length you need.
- Fill out the order form, selecting your preferred options and colors.
Premium Options
Padded Loops: Simply more strands of fiber in the loops of the string. This can allow you to have a skinnier string, but with thicker loops to help reduce any stress that skinny strings might cause to your bows string nocks.
Padded Serving Area: Skinny strings are lighter, and can therefore make for higher arrow velocity. But skinny strings might result in loose arrow nock fitment, or discomfort on the fingers. A padded serving area can fix that.
Premium Serving: Served with BCY 62XS serving, instead of the default nylon serving option. Black only! Available in two diameters -- .021" and .025". Selected for best fit based on strand count. (If you prefer one diameter over the other, let me know in the "Additional Instructions" field.)
Accent Colors or Full Custom Colors: You will have several options here.
Padded Serving Area: Skinny strings are lighter, and can therefore make for higher arrow velocity. But skinny strings might result in loose arrow nock fitment, or discomfort on the fingers. A padded serving area can fix that.
Premium Serving: Served with BCY 62XS serving, instead of the default nylon serving option. Black only! Available in two diameters -- .021" and .025". Selected for best fit based on strand count. (If you prefer one diameter over the other, let me know in the "Additional Instructions" field.)
Accent Colors or Full Custom Colors: You will have several options here.
- Add a single accent strand per bundle of a different color.
- Add TWO (2) accent strands per bundle, of two different colors.
- Or, you also have the option of specifying which colors you'd like for fully-customized color selections.
String Details
VERY IMPORTANT: Order the correct length! Review the information about finding the proper string length for your bow, and order the length you require. The length options are for ACTUAL STRING LENGTH, not bow length.
Feel free to message me if you're having trouble determining what length you need.
The listing has options available that will work for many popular recurve and long bow lengths. If you need a length that is not listed, please select "Other," and specify the preferred length in the Additional Instructions field. I can build to any length.
Strand Count: By default, unless requested otherwise, I will make strings from 14 strands of D97. I have found that this is a good "happy medium" option for most applications. It is a good balance of light, strong, and fast. It fits most arrow nocks well.
If you would like a different strand count (10, 12, 14 or 16), please specify in the Additional Instructions field. I will do this for no additional charge. You might consider a 10 strand string for light weight bows, or to get a little extra arrow speed -- or you might consider thicker strings for heavier bows, wide arrow nocks, or just for comfort. A slightly larger diameter string won't dig into the fingers so much. (Due to the high-strength nature of D97, breaking strength really isn't something you need to worry about when considering the number of strands.)
Loop Sizes: My strings come with two loops, usually measuring about 1" to 1-1/4" for long bows, and about 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" for recurves. (There might be some variance.) The larger of the two loops is intended to be the top loop. If you need or want smaller or larger loops, please let me know.
The splices are nicely tapered with the tag-ends trimmed and cleaned up.
Serving: By default, the center serving will measure about 7" -- with a 3" offset towards the top of the string, and 4" towards the bottom. If you would prefer something different -- longer (up to 10") or shorter serving, or adjusted up or down, please let me know. All bows have slightly different arrow nocking locations.
If you would like to make modifications to the strand count, loop sizes, or serving length or location, please leave detailed instructions within the Additional Instructions field, or message me before (or immediately after) purchasing. I will always prefer to spend a little extra time making sure your string is perfectly how you want it the first time, rather than having to do returns, exchanges, or refunds.
Feel free to message me if you're having trouble determining what length you need.
The listing has options available that will work for many popular recurve and long bow lengths. If you need a length that is not listed, please select "Other," and specify the preferred length in the Additional Instructions field. I can build to any length.
Strand Count: By default, unless requested otherwise, I will make strings from 14 strands of D97. I have found that this is a good "happy medium" option for most applications. It is a good balance of light, strong, and fast. It fits most arrow nocks well.
If you would like a different strand count (10, 12, 14 or 16), please specify in the Additional Instructions field. I will do this for no additional charge. You might consider a 10 strand string for light weight bows, or to get a little extra arrow speed -- or you might consider thicker strings for heavier bows, wide arrow nocks, or just for comfort. A slightly larger diameter string won't dig into the fingers so much. (Due to the high-strength nature of D97, breaking strength really isn't something you need to worry about when considering the number of strands.)
Loop Sizes: My strings come with two loops, usually measuring about 1" to 1-1/4" for long bows, and about 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" for recurves. (There might be some variance.) The larger of the two loops is intended to be the top loop. If you need or want smaller or larger loops, please let me know.
The splices are nicely tapered with the tag-ends trimmed and cleaned up.
Serving: By default, the center serving will measure about 7" -- with a 3" offset towards the top of the string, and 4" towards the bottom. If you would prefer something different -- longer (up to 10") or shorter serving, or adjusted up or down, please let me know. All bows have slightly different arrow nocking locations.
If you would like to make modifications to the strand count, loop sizes, or serving length or location, please leave detailed instructions within the Additional Instructions field, or message me before (or immediately after) purchasing. I will always prefer to spend a little extra time making sure your string is perfectly how you want it the first time, rather than having to do returns, exchanges, or refunds.
String Length
The length options for the strings are the actual string length. There are a few ways to find out what length of string you actually need for your bow.
Option 1: Measure your old string. This is the best and easiest way to get the right length. String your bow to the recommended/preferred brace height. Remove it from the bow without letting it untwist. Loop one end around a nail or something, and measure the string while you pull it completely taut. Write down this measurement. When you select a length, round up to the nearest inch. (Ex: String measures 58 3/4", order a 59" string.)
If your old string is Dacron, order a string up to 1" longer than the old string. The new string will not stretch as much.
Option 2: Select a string length 3" shorter than your marked bow length. If your bow has a length measurement written on it (ex: 64" AMO), generally speaking you'll want a string that is 3" shorter than the bow (61" actual string length). The AMO Standard specified that the AMO bow length was 3 inches longer than the string length at optimal brace height.
If your bow does not say AMO, the instructions are the same. The AMO "standard" is actually no longer officially in use, although it is still common to reference, and used by some bow makers unofficially.
An older recommendation was that long bows needed a string 3" shorter than the bow, and recurves needed a string 4" shorter than the bow. I would urge you to stick to the 3" recommendation. This recommendation used to be made for Dacron/Polyester strings. D97 will not stretch nearly as much, and in many cases a 4" shorter string will be too short. A string that is slightly long can be shortened up considerably just by twisting it more -- but you can't make a short string longer.
Option 3: Measure your bow yourself, and subtract 3". If your bow does not have a length written on it somewhere, and you don't have an old string for it, you can measure it yourself. Measure along the belly (the side pointed toward you while holding it) of the bow from one nock to the other. Do your best to follow any curvature of the bow's limbs, because this does count in the bow's "length." (You don't have to follow the pistol grip shape.) Write down this length. You'll want a string that is 3" shorter than this "nock-to-nock" length. If the length you get is a fraction of an inch, round up.
Option 1: Measure your old string. This is the best and easiest way to get the right length. String your bow to the recommended/preferred brace height. Remove it from the bow without letting it untwist. Loop one end around a nail or something, and measure the string while you pull it completely taut. Write down this measurement. When you select a length, round up to the nearest inch. (Ex: String measures 58 3/4", order a 59" string.)
If your old string is Dacron, order a string up to 1" longer than the old string. The new string will not stretch as much.
Option 2: Select a string length 3" shorter than your marked bow length. If your bow has a length measurement written on it (ex: 64" AMO), generally speaking you'll want a string that is 3" shorter than the bow (61" actual string length). The AMO Standard specified that the AMO bow length was 3 inches longer than the string length at optimal brace height.
If your bow does not say AMO, the instructions are the same. The AMO "standard" is actually no longer officially in use, although it is still common to reference, and used by some bow makers unofficially.
An older recommendation was that long bows needed a string 3" shorter than the bow, and recurves needed a string 4" shorter than the bow. I would urge you to stick to the 3" recommendation. This recommendation used to be made for Dacron/Polyester strings. D97 will not stretch nearly as much, and in many cases a 4" shorter string will be too short. A string that is slightly long can be shortened up considerably just by twisting it more -- but you can't make a short string longer.
Option 3: Measure your bow yourself, and subtract 3". If your bow does not have a length written on it somewhere, and you don't have an old string for it, you can measure it yourself. Measure along the belly (the side pointed toward you while holding it) of the bow from one nock to the other. Do your best to follow any curvature of the bow's limbs, because this does count in the bow's "length." (You don't have to follow the pistol grip shape.) Write down this length. You'll want a string that is 3" shorter than this "nock-to-nock" length. If the length you get is a fraction of an inch, round up.
DynaFLIGHT 97
DynaFLIGHT 97 is a modern, high-strength bow string material made by BCY Fibers. It's made from a material called Dyneema SK75. It's very durable. It will not stretch much when the bow is strung or drawn, and it should not "creep" much over time. No more constant brace height adjustments!
Maybe you've heard of or read about "Fast Flight-type" strings. D97 falls in this category. This is different from older bow string materials, usually made from polyester ("Dacron," Brownell B50, BCY B55). These older materials are weaker and tended to stretch and creep a lot. It makes for a little different feel while drawing and shooting your bow. But ask any archer who has made the switch, and most will tell you they'll never switch back.
While most modern "traditional" recurve and long bows are built to tolerate these newer string materials, some makers/manufacturers specify to use Dacron/B50 only. (Vintage bows especially.) Check your manual, or ask your manufacturer or bow maker if it is acceptable to use D97 or other "Fast Flight-type" string materials. I am not liable for any bow damage that might result from failing to follow your bow maker's recommendations.
Usually, if your bow has tip overlays/reinforced tips, it should be fine -- and really, it is mostly just very thin strings that risk damaging your bow. I myself make and shoot all-wood long bows, and I have used D97 and similar materials for years without any issues, and no damage to my bows. This is on a variety of woods, with and without tip overlays. I've talked to many other bow makers who have done the same. But again: Follow your bow maker's recommendations.
NOTE: D97 is currently the only bow string material that I use and sell
Maybe you've heard of or read about "Fast Flight-type" strings. D97 falls in this category. This is different from older bow string materials, usually made from polyester ("Dacron," Brownell B50, BCY B55). These older materials are weaker and tended to stretch and creep a lot. It makes for a little different feel while drawing and shooting your bow. But ask any archer who has made the switch, and most will tell you they'll never switch back.
While most modern "traditional" recurve and long bows are built to tolerate these newer string materials, some makers/manufacturers specify to use Dacron/B50 only. (Vintage bows especially.) Check your manual, or ask your manufacturer or bow maker if it is acceptable to use D97 or other "Fast Flight-type" string materials. I am not liable for any bow damage that might result from failing to follow your bow maker's recommendations.
Usually, if your bow has tip overlays/reinforced tips, it should be fine -- and really, it is mostly just very thin strings that risk damaging your bow. I myself make and shoot all-wood long bows, and I have used D97 and similar materials for years without any issues, and no damage to my bows. This is on a variety of woods, with and without tip overlays. I've talked to many other bow makers who have done the same. But again: Follow your bow maker's recommendations.
NOTE: D97 is currently the only bow string material that I use and sell
Color Selection
The following 18 colors are available for string color: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Black, White, Silver, Pink, Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Green, Seafoam, Lavender, Mountain Berry, OD Green, Tan, Sand.
Preview of colors: http://www.bcyfibers.com/ColorCard060619.pdf
Notes:
The following 12 colors are available for serving color: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black, White, Silver, Brown, Lavender, Seafoam, Fluorescent Green, Camo.
If I run out of the color you would like, I will message you letting you know, and ask whether you'd like to choose other colors or to wait. Usually restocks don't take more than a few days.
If you don't make color selections, please at least give me some guidance in choosing colors. Something like "neutral," "bright," "natural," "dark," etc. Otherwise I will likely select from the colors I have the most of, or sometimes I will pick two completely random colors.
Preview of colors: http://www.bcyfibers.com/ColorCard060619.pdf
Notes:
- OD green is quite dark. When paired with black there isn't much contrast. In my opinion regular green looks better with black. Pairs great with tan, however, which is a personal favorite and popular choice.
- Tan is kind of a medium brown. The "brown" color offered by BCY is much darker. I prefer this, and don't currently offer dark brown.
- "Sand" is a more neutral/natural tan option.
- Mountain Berry is a dark red/maroon color.
- The blue, purple, and silver all have a bit of a "metallic" sheen. It doesn't necessarily make for a shiny string, just something to note. Silver is a fine stand in for "gray."
The following 12 colors are available for serving color: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black, White, Silver, Brown, Lavender, Seafoam, Fluorescent Green, Camo.
If I run out of the color you would like, I will message you letting you know, and ask whether you'd like to choose other colors or to wait. Usually restocks don't take more than a few days.
If you don't make color selections, please at least give me some guidance in choosing colors. Something like "neutral," "bright," "natural," "dark," etc. Otherwise I will likely select from the colors I have the most of, or sometimes I will pick two completely random colors.
THIS WEBSITE AND ORDER FORM ARE STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS.
It needs some editing, and more testing is required. If things don't work as expected, please contact me directly:
It needs some editing, and more testing is required. If things don't work as expected, please contact me directly: