String question

[tiknuttle]

what is the best string to use on a bow for the performance? Primitive and modern.

[Dano]

Well,  of course Fast flight.

[kylerprochaska]

I usually buy either B-50 or fast flight from 3river's....I have a hard enough time making a working bow....Im not ready to tackle strings and arrows yet 

-Ky

[Hillbilly]

I like B-50. Some people like Fastflight better, but it's also been known to saw the tips of wooden bows off. For the primitive side, sinew is probably the best option.

[Dano]

"but it's also been known to saw the tips of wooden bows off" I wish I knew where that came from, I've never seen wear on the tips of my bows and I have been using FF for the past five years. I think on recurves it is a must to reinforce the tip or pad the loop, but for longbows I don't see a problem. Course if you don't maintain your string and bow, if you don't clean the tips and string loops any material will cause a problem. JMHO

[nugget]

I like b-50 or linnen strings. Have not made a string out of rawhide or sinew yet, but want to. Fast flight has a habit of cracking boo or splintering wood  if the bow does not have tip overlays.
I have seen this.

[Hillbilly]

Dano, I haven't tried it myself, but I've had people who have made more (excellent) bows in the last year than I've made in my life tell me that they won't use it again after having tip damage on some bows, inclusing literally cutting a tip off. One guy only uses it if he puts phenolic overlays on. I've also heard many knowledgable people tell me that they've used it a lot with no problems. So I can't say personally, just go by what people tell me.

[ricktrojanowski]

I have to agree with Hillbilly and Nugget on this one for sure.  I've seen fast flight ruin the tips on unprotected wooden nocks as well.  Also I think FF is less comfortable to shoot than B 50 due to the thin cross section.   I've only made one bow with a sinew string and I really like it.  It feels great in the hand and performs really well.

[woodstick]

get this in your head b50 thats all you need to know.

[Dano]

I guess some of us just get lucky with the stuff.

[TBod]

My Dacron string is called B500 from BCY. Is that same as B50 or? Any difference?

[medicinewheel]

"but it's also been known to saw the tips of wooden bows off" I wish I knew where that came from, I've never seen wear on the tips of my bows ...

Same here!
There are woodbow archers who never tried and keep saying that, and there are woodbow archers who tried and used it ever since. I personally would always reinforce with overlays (hardwood is good enough), but I've seen several bows without it and no problem (mostly Osage).
Personal preferences I'd say!?

[Bullitt]

B-50 dacron is fine . BUT the modern materials are better! Sawed off tips.... have you ever sawed thru wood? Can you hear it? How long do you hear that sound before you check where it's coming from? Gentlemen you have probably made more and nicer bows then me, no doubt! Not three or maybe more have made as many strings. period And I have probably shot more, different types of bows than most! I'm not hear bragging, All my self bows have Modern material strings and I shoot the heaviest arrow possible! 

   I have sawed thru pvc with a nylon boot shoe string, that is possible! A solid piece of Osage, Hickory, White Ash...... have you split wood ? We're talking a solid piece, not laminate or glued. If you have pics of the bows, please show me! And I also ask for the records of the treatment or abuse..ie light arrows, poor tiller, Whatever! Good shootin, Steve

[adb]

If you're talkin' pure performance, FF all the way. I use nothing but for heavy bows (>60#). However, the majority of my bows (especially self bows) are equipped with B50.

[Justin Snyder]

Fast flight will give you a few FPS over B50.