Choosing The Right Bowstring For Recurve Bows

Choosing the right bowstring for a recurve bow is a complex task. There are many factors to consider, from the length of the string to the type of material used. The most important factor is ensuring the string is the correct length for your bow. This can be determined by measuring the length of your existing string or consulting the owner's manual. The correct length will ensure the optimal brace height, which is the distance between the handle of the bow and the string. This impacts the speed and noise of the bow.

Another key consideration is the type of material used for the string. Most modern bowstrings are made from either Dacron (Polyester) or Dyneema/Spectra (HMPE-High Molecular Polyethylene). Dacron is more suitable for older bows or those without limb-tip overlays as it is more forgiving and will prevent splintering. Dyneema or Fastflight/Spectra strings are less stretchy and offer higher arrow speeds but can be harsher and reduce the life of recurve limbs.

The number of strands in the string is also important and depends on the draw weight of the bow. Recurve and longbow strings typically have between 10 and 20 strands. For bows with a draw weight of 10-30 pounds, use Dacron strings with 10-12 strands or Dyneema/Fastflight strings with 12-14 strands. For bows with a draw weight of 30-40 pounds, use Dacron strings with 14 strands or Dyneema/Fastflight strings with 16 strands. For bows with a draw weight of over 40 pounds, use Dacron strings with 16 strands or Dyneema/Fastflight strings with 18-20 strands.

Finally, it is important to maintain your bowstring by regularly waxing it and checking for any fraying or loose strands.

Bowstring length

The length of your bowstring is critical to getting the best performance out of your bow. If your bowstring is too short or too long, it can damage your bow and severely decrease your accuracy.

To determine the correct length of your bowstring, you can refer to the AMO standard. AMO stands for Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization, and it represents a uniform system of measurement for recurve and longbow bowstrings. According to AMO standards, the correct bowstring length for a particular bow is three inches shorter than the stated bow length. So, for example, if you have a 68-inch bow, you would need a 65-inch AMO string.

However, this rule of thumb may not always be optimal, as modern materials and string-building methods have led to bowstrings that do not stretch as much as traditional Dacron B-50 or Flemish bundle-made bowstrings. Therefore, it is important to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations or consult an expert when determining the correct length for your bowstring.

If you already have a bowstring that you are happy with, you can measure its length to use as a reference for your new string. To do this, place one loop of the string over a fixed object, like a nail, and then measure from the outside of the loop to the outside of the opposite loop.

Additionally, when determining the correct length for your bowstring, consider the type of bow you have. Traditional and homemade wooden bows, bows without limb-tip overlays, and vintage bows may require a string with more stretch to prevent splintering or damaging the limb tips.

Bowstring material

The material of your bowstring is important as it can affect the speed of your arrow and the noise of your bow. The two main categories of bowstring material are pure and blended. Pure strings are made from High Modulus Polyethene (HMPE), the most common form of which is Dyneema. Blended strings mix HMPE with Vectran, a polymer with virtually no stretch and high resistance to heat.

The amount of stretch in a bowstring is important. Lower levels of stretch provide higher levels of speed. More stretch equals less speed but also makes for a quieter bow. More traditional bows generally match strings with more stretch, while high-performance bows require tighter strings for higher speed and flatter trajectories.

If you have a homemade wooden bow, a bow without limb-tip overlays, or a vintage bow, then you should opt for a material that has more stretch to it. This will be much more forgiving to the bow. A tighter string on a wooden bow or unprotected limb tips could cause splintering or even breakage.

There are dozens of different strings on the market, but three of the main types are Dacron, D97, and Fast Flight. Dacron is cheap to produce and is a reliable string material. It does, however, tend to slow down the arrow a bit compared to other materials. The biggest drawback of this material is that it tends to stretch a lot, decreasing your brace height and changing the dynamics of your bow.

In the 1970s and 80s, non-stretch Kevlar strings displaced Dacron. However, Kevlar strings tend to break quite fast and don't show physical marks that they need replacing. Therefore, the material can snap and cause major damage to the bow.

Spectra and Dyneema-based materials changed the game when they were introduced in the early 1980s. They are technically Ultra High Modulus Polyethylene (UHMPE) fibre and are impervious to many solvents, normal environmental conditions, and moisture. The weak point with these materials is that, under tension and in high temperatures, they will exhibit "creep" and stretch.

In the mid-1990s, the "creep" characteristic of some UHMPE compound bow strings led to the development of blended fibres using UHMPE and Vectran. The blend helped arrest creep but required good maintenance procedures and improved string waxes.

Modern bowstrings for recurves and longbows are generally made from one of two types of material: Dacron (Polyester) or Dyneema/Spectra (HMPE-High Molecular Polyethylene). If your bow was made prior to 1990, only use a Dacron bowstring to avoid damage. Dacron is more forgiving on limb tips and string grooves as it elongates, or gives a bit, on each shot. Dyneema or Fastflight/Spectra bowstrings offer very little creep/stretch and higher arrow speeds on newer bows.

Bowstring stretch

The stretchiness of a bowstring is an important consideration when choosing a bowstring for a recurve bow. A little stretch is beneficial as it allows the string to absorb excess energy and soften the vibration from loading and unloading the bow. However, too much stretch can be detrimental as it takes more energy to stretch the string, resulting in slower arrow flight.

Factors Affecting Stretch

The stretchiness of a bowstring depends on the material it is made from and the method used to create it.

Material

Dacron is a cheap option that is widely used, especially for beginner, traditional, and recurve archers. However, it tends to stretch a lot, requiring frequent adjustments to the brace height. It also slows down the arrow slightly compared to other materials.

Kevlar was once a popular choice but is now rarely used due to its tendency to break unexpectedly. Vectran, which is chemically related to Kevlar, is also not commonly used for recurve bows due to its harshness and lack of elasticity, which can reduce the life of recurve limbs.

Spectra/Dyneema-based materials are now widely used and offer significant advantages over natural materials and older synthetics like Dacron and Kevlar. They have very little creep/stretch, resulting in higher arrow speeds.

Construction Method

The construction method also affects the stretchiness of the string. A bowstring can be made using either the endless loop method or the Flemish splice method. The endless loop method produces a string that is more elastic and lighter, with slightly better performance, but it may not be suitable for all bows. The Flemish splice method involves twisting two or more string materials together to create end loops, resulting in a less elastic and more durable string.

Managing Stretch

To manage the stretch in a bowstring, it is important to follow good maintenance practices. This includes regular waxing of the string to prevent damage and prolong its lifespan. For modern strings, synthetic waxes are recommended as they add less weight and keep the string weight more consistent, especially in wet conditions.

Additionally, storing the bow in a controlled-temperature room can help prolong the string's life. For recurve bows, it is recommended to remove the string after each shooting session.

When a new bowstring is installed, it may require some adjustments to compensate for stretch. This can be done by retwisting the string to return it to its original length. However, this can only be done a limited number of times before the strands start to cut into each other and damage the bow.

For compound bows, some archers use rubber tubing to work around peep sight-rotation issues caused by string stretch. However, this is not a permanent solution as the tubing can also break over time.

Recommendations

To minimize stretch and maximize performance, it is recommended to choose a bowstring made from modern materials like Spectra/Dyneema or blended fibers. These materials offer minimal stretch and higher arrow speeds. When constructing the string, consider using the Flemish splice method to reduce elasticity. Additionally, follow good maintenance practices and regularly wax your string to prolong its life and maintain performance.

Bowstring strands

The number of strands in a bowstring depends on the draw weight of the bow. Generally, recurve and longbow bowstrings have anywhere from 10 to 20 strands. The number of strands can vary depending on the string material and serving thread.

For bows with a draw weight of 10-30 pounds, use Dacron strings with 10-12 strands or Dyneema/Fastflight strings with 12-14 strands. For bows with a draw weight of 30-40 pounds, use Dacron strings with 14 strands or Dyneema/Fastflight strings with 16 strands. For bows with a draw weight over 40 pounds, use Dacron strings with 16 strands or Dyneema/Fastflight strings with 18-20 strands.

The most commonly used number of strands is 12-strand B50 string, which provides a balance between size, weight, strength, and nock fit. More strands make the bowstring heavier and stronger, and the thickness of the string changes. The fit of the arrow nock is affected by this. A 10-strand B50 string may need a smaller nock or the string fattening at the nock point for entry-level arrows to fit well.

The number of strands can also impact the speed of the arrow. Generally, strings with more strands are slower, and strings with fewer strands are faster. However, this relationship is not always straightforward, as changing the number of strands also changes other variables, such as nock fit.

It is important to ensure that the center serving is built up to allow a good nock fit when the number of string strands is reduced. HMPE products like Dyneema and Spectra are prone to more creep if fewer strands are used. Elevated temperatures and higher draw weights increase this problem.

Bowstring maintenance

The bowstring is one of the most important components of a recurve bow. Without it, your bow is useless. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your bowstring in good condition. Here are some tips on how to maintain your bowstring:

• Regularly wax your bowstring: Waxing your bowstring helps to maintain its integrity and prolong its lifespan. The recommended frequency of waxing varies, but a good rule of thumb is to wax it after every few shooting sessions. You can also feel your string to determine if it needs waxing; if it feels slick and dry, it's time to wax it.
• Inspect the bowstring for damage: Before and during your shooting practice, carefully inspect all parts of the string for any signs of damage, such as frayed threads or loose servings. Pay close attention to the nocking point and the area where the string attaches to the limb. If you find any damage, replace the string immediately to ensure your safety.
• Store your bow properly: Keep your bow and bowstring clean and free of dirt or grime, especially after using it outdoors. Consider using a bow case for storage and transportation, especially if you travel frequently. If you don't use a case, hang your bow up high to prevent build-up on the string and keep it out of reach.
• Be cautious of heat: Heat can be damaging to bowstrings, causing them to erode. Avoid leaving your bow in a hot car or storing it in places like attics that can get extremely hot.
• Get regular inspections: Just like a car, your bow can benefit from an annual inspection by an experienced bow technician. They can identify any issues and make adjustments to keep your bow in optimal condition.
• Avoid dry firing: Dry firing, which is releasing the bowstring without an arrow, can cause significant damage to your bow and is also dangerous. Always ensure there is an arrow properly nocked before releasing the string.
• Be mindful of string stretch: Recurve archers should regularly measure their bow's brace height to check for string stretch. If the brace height decreases due to string stretch, unstring the bow and add twists to the string to increase the brace height.
• Maintain proper serving: Inspect the serving on your strings and cables regularly. Serving is the thread tied over the string, and it should sit tightly in neat coils. Any separation in the serving, especially in the nocking area, should be addressed as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions