endless loop strings vs. flemish twist

[sulphur]

i was re-reading tbbII and  the section on bow strings really got my eye this time.  i've been making flemish loop strings from day one and was wondering if there is any advantage to the endless loop strings.  the seem easy to make but is it superior to the flemish at all???

[OldBow]

I used to make endless loop strings and dreaded every moment. I would serve the loop and bring the serving down the "collar" of the string. Generally, they were an unsightly mess. I have finally learned to make Flemish strings and can make one in half the time, too. But, I'm not answering your question. I would suppose that they are equal in quality. The DVD "Doing the Twist" makes that assertion, too.

[El Destructo]

I used to make endless loop strings and dreaded every moment. I would serve the loop and bring the serving down the "collar" of the string. Generally, they were an unsightly mess. I have finally learned to make Flemish strings and can make one in half the time, too. But, I'm not answering your question. I would suppose that they are equal in quality. The DVD "Doing the Twist" makes that assertion, too.

Hey Don....can Ya Burn Me a Copy............

[Pat B]

A Flemish twist string is quieter and stronger than an endless loop. In a Flemish twist has all the strands around the loop and a continuous string has only half the amount. It only takes a matter of minutes to make a Flemish. I use one loop for the upper limb and a bowyers knot for the bottom.

[VenomBOWslinger]

hey i posted about strings... Maybe no one saw it check youtube on making a flemish string id like to make one totally primitive and go sinew someday

[sulphur]

yeah thats about what i thought.  the only advantage i can see is for making strings for horsebows or composite bows with long loops.

[Justin Snyder]

I think like so many other things, Flemish versus continuous is a personal preference as much as anything.

Venom, I saw your post, but I didn't open it because the title annoyed me too much with all the capital letters mixed in the middle. 

[TBod]

The serving takes forever on an endless string. Endless string equals endless serving for me.

I like to serve the loop an a Flemish to, feels wrong to have the B50 grinding on the nock. I only use 10 strands on my strings both Endless and Flemish.

[The Gopher]

When i got into this stuff i started with endless strings because i thought they looked easier to make. I was wrong, flemish strings might take more time to learn, but once you have it down they are easier, faster, stronger, and they look better than endless strings. not to mention that they are more versatile, you can twist/untwist a flemish more than an endless. makign flemish strings is more portable, a flemish jig is more than half the size of an endless jig, you may not need a jig at all!

My suggestion: learn to make flemish string and you will never go back. not to mention it is a good skill to barter with, this summer i traded a guy two flemish strings for his kids' bows for 4 big bags of turkey primaries!

good luck.

[Josh]

wow 4 bags of primaries....          You walked away with a great deal there man!!  -josh 

[George Tsoukalas]

This is one of those draw a line in the sand issues. Personally, I agree with Pat which is always a good thing for me. There is one advantage to an endless. They are usually lighter so you'll gain a few fps. Jawge

[Bullitt]

Both types will work, no better than the other. Well made, good quality just like building arrows or such. Endless strings have the advantage of being built in high production, with machines to serve endloops and centerserving. This is why in the late 50's and 60's they became popular. Also the lengths can be more readily duplicated.

  Thats about it. Flemish can be made to comparable physical weight, and strength and properly made, no big difference. Also a whole lot of ways to make without a jig, which is good in the field. Also you can't make endless strings with natural materials, sinew, nettle or such ,without a whole other set of processes.

  Try both and have fun, that's what it's all about! Good shootin, Steve