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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: snowplow on October 17, 2014, 06:29:00 PM

Title: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: snowplow on October 17, 2014, 06:29:00 PM
I am going to pick up a new string for my new Helms Deep. I was going to get a SBD string because I hear good things. However, I figured I'd post up to see if there was some other good options to consider as well.

What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: BOWMARKS on October 17, 2014, 06:51:00 PM
D97 Because my buddy that makes my strings likes it and seems to hold up very well.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: cch on October 17, 2014, 07:55:00 PM
Check out Rick ****** he makes a great strin . I like his serving better than the SBD.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: md126 on October 17, 2014, 08:05:00 PM
SBD, Allen Shafer (lefties r us), and Rick. No need to look any further than that. Allen is the fastest and cheapest I believe
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Caughtandhobble on October 17, 2014, 08:13:00 PM
Whoever you choose, get two strings so you'll have a good backup.

You may want to try to make your own strings, it's not hard to make a quality string.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: jkm97 on October 17, 2014, 09:23:00 PM
I really liked my SBD string, and the customer service was awesome. I'm currently shooting a BCY X string made by LBR and I'm liking it so far as well.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: grouseshooter002 on October 17, 2014, 09:26:00 PM
The one I made myself.    :goldtooth:  

Regards,
Grouse
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Austin Brown on October 17, 2014, 09:27:00 PM
I really like Allen Shafer's 12 strand Rhino strings.  He does top notch work, gets string built and mailed quick.  You really can't beat his strings and service in my opinion.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: snowplow on October 17, 2014, 09:30:00 PM
Who is Rick?
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: snowplow on October 17, 2014, 10:15:00 PM
Who is Rick?
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: slowbowjoe on October 17, 2014, 10:23:00 PM
Snowplow, PM sent.

"Best" string for me so far has been an SBD D-10. Allen and Rick have both made excellent strings for me as well, I just find the SBD has been the most quiet for my bow.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: JRY309 on October 17, 2014, 10:53:00 PM
I like Ultra Cam and BCY-X have become my favorite of late.I have tried D97,8125,8190 and 450+,all have been great strings also.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 17, 2014, 11:14:00 PM
Best material--hands-down, BCY-X.  Made from the highest grade Dyneema available.

How the string is made makes a big difference, as does personal preference.  Customer service is a biggie with me.

I've been making strings for myself and others for near 20 years now.  I've made more than 10,000 strings, probably less than 20,000, still learning.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: damascusdave on October 18, 2014, 05:02:00 AM
Just going to pick up some strings made of BCY-X tomorrow from a friend...thanks Chad for extolling the virtues of that material...we ordered it based on that and you have been proven absolutely correct, it is a big step forward

DDave
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Pat B. on October 18, 2014, 09:31:00 AM
Chad, I'm using 14 strands of 8190...

Appx how many of X will equal that as far as diameter???

Thanks always for your input !
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: subsonic on October 18, 2014, 09:47:00 AM
I use Allen Shafer Strings exclusively.  Really like the Rhino material as well.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: warbird on October 18, 2014, 04:27:00 PM
I just got an SBD d10 after using d97 for years. Nice string its fast and quiet. I get a sweet slick release off cordavan. I would buy again.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Deeter on October 18, 2014, 04:57:00 PM
All I know is that is  Flemish twist b-50 from RMSgear.  Have their strings on all 3 of my bows.  They look good and work great for me.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: GUYZER on October 18, 2014, 07:15:00 PM
The best for me is the ones I make flemish or endless loop on all my recurves and longbows. B50 SINCE 1979!!

MAY THE SPIRIT OF FRED BEAR GUIDE OUR ARROWS
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 18, 2014, 08:37:00 PM
QuoteChad, I'm using 14 strands of 8190...

Appx how many of X will equal that as far as diameter???  
X is almost the same diameter as 8190--a tiny bit larger.  Diameters can vary a tad depending on the color.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: yeager on October 18, 2014, 10:51:00 PM
I'm partial to the ones I make myself....currently using 12 strands of 8190 padded to 18 in the loops.  On my older Bear Kodiaks, though, I use 14 strands of B50.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Pat B. on October 18, 2014, 11:00:00 PM
Thanks Chad !!!
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Pointer on October 18, 2014, 11:37:00 PM
I make my own with Fast Flite Plus..No complaints
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 19, 2014, 12:44:00 AM
Had a club shoot today.  I was shooting a Samick Journey against one of our clubs top shooters using a Dalaa.  He beat me, but barely. I was using an X string on the Journey.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: meleagris1 on October 19, 2014, 04:39:00 AM
I like 8190
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: cahaba on October 19, 2014, 05:14:00 AM
I really like SBD strings made with D10 I have them on all my bows. The strings made my bows shoot quieter and faster.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: jkm97 on October 19, 2014, 09:22:00 AM
If I knew how to post pics on tradgang, I'd show y'all a doe I killed yesterday evening with one of Chad's BCY X strings. Looks and shoots great.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: BHall on October 19, 2014, 06:44:00 PM
Champion - D97 for me.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: snowplow on October 20, 2014, 02:43:00 PM
Hey thanks guys. So this is a little overwhelming as I didn't think there was quite so many options lol.

So the SBD is made of BCY-D10 as opposed to Champion's with BCY-X.

I haven't heard the BCY-D10 discussed (I think?) How does that compare to the BCY-X?

Also, I believe these are all 'skinny' strings correct? Are they all the same size??
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Diamond Paul on October 20, 2014, 02:46:00 PM
I got two strings from Allen at Lefties R Us recently, and I like them very well.  Nock fit is very good and the strings are quiet.  Good service.  He offers many options; I got the wool wraps on the ends and the nock tied on, plus cat whiskers.  I don't know enough about materials to give a good opinion, but he recommended the Rhino material, so I went with that in a 12 strand with padded loops.  I also hear good things about SBD strings, but have not used one.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 20, 2014, 02:55:00 PM
QuoteSo the SBD is made of BCY-D10 as opposed to Champion's with BCY-X.
I (Champion Custom Bowstrings) offer several materials, but BCY-X is my current favorite.

QuoteI haven't heard the BCY-D10 discussed (I think?) How does that compare to the BCY-X?
Dynaflight '10 is 100% SK78 Dyneema.  BCY-X is 83% SK90 Dyneema and 17% Vectran.  The higher grade Dyneema means less stretch/creep, and higher durability.  Vectran further stabilizes the material, especially in higher temps, and seems to make the material quieter.

QuoteAlso, I believe these are all 'skinny' strings correct? Are they all the same size??  
Depends on what you call "skinny".  I like 18-20 strands of BCY-X, which equates to about the same diameter as 10-12 strands of Dynaflight '97.  Dynaflight 10 is a larger diameter strand than '97.

I can use fewer strands in X, but I don't recommend it.  In around 20 years of making strings (making well over 10,000 strings) I've found no real benefits to very small diameter strings, but they are going to be less durable with more stretch/creep.  My experience--yours may vary.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: JEFF B on October 20, 2014, 03:08:00 PM
B52
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 20, 2014, 04:07:00 PM
When I said I offer several materials, I should have mentioned they are all made by BCY.  

Also, how the string is made can make as much or more difference than the material it's made from.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Bill Turner on October 20, 2014, 06:22:00 PM
I don't know who "Rick" is, but my bud "Ric O'Shay" here on TG makes great strings for our bows. I haven't seen any I like any better. He is a real craftsman and takes great pride in his work.   :campfire:
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: beaunaro on October 21, 2014, 08:14:00 AM
I'm a fan of Allen's Strings.

Quick build and ship.

Good quality.

Fast and quiet.

Sending him another order soon.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Dave Nash on October 22, 2014, 03:27:00 AM
SBD works
for me. Hold up well
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Margly on October 22, 2014, 03:46:00 AM
Hi!
SBD strings from Pierre Lucas is in my opinion one of the best string/stringmakers out there.
And the service from Pierre is excellent!

I`ll higly recommend SBD!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 22, 2014, 08:54:00 AM
Here's a good source of information for comparing BCY's string materials.

http://www.bcyfibers.com/

Almost forgot--you won't find "Dynaflight 10" there.  It's now marketed as "Force 10".  Same material, different name.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Pat B. on October 22, 2014, 09:30:00 AM
Chad, do you reccomend a real tight twist on the bundles while forming the loops and or do you NOT twist everything as tightly as you can while forming them?

Just curious..  Does one method provide a quieter string with a bit more stretch/break in?
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 22, 2014, 09:38:00 AM
I always twist the loops and the "marriage" tight.  For the loops, I think if they are loose it will cause more wear.  Where you "marry" the ends to the main bundles, that's what holds the string together.  Tighter twist also means less creep/break in.

Couldn't say if it makes a difference with sound--my guess is it doesn't.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Pat B. on October 22, 2014, 10:05:00 AM
thank you for all your contributions !!!
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Burnsie on October 22, 2014, 02:22:00 PM
My latest favorite string is the 8 strand Ultra-Cam
from Allen Shafer.  Great service and a nice string.
Ultra-cam has been discontinued,  but Allen has some stock piled.  I'm tempted to order a bunch of strings now before he runs out some day.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: LBR on October 22, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
Thanks Pat--I love to study and discuss strings and string materials, and tinker with them.  The more I learn, the more I find out how much more there is to learn.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Tim on October 23, 2014, 08:27:00 AM
Contrary to my string makers opinion..   :laughing:   I'm going to go with dyna97, brown and black please!
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Kris on October 23, 2014, 08:34:00 AM
My own padded 2 bundle, 10 strands D97 with 18 strands in the loops.  

Kris
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: bisket on October 23, 2014, 10:22:00 AM
Pierre at sbd has been excellent as far as service and strings are great.  

He just set me up with another great string yesterday.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Tajue17 on October 23, 2014, 05:03:00 PM
for me its SBD for my high performance strings.
Title: Re: Whats your favorite string?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on October 23, 2014, 06:56:00 PM
I prefer the one piece    ;)