BCY-X Bowstring More Results

LBR · July 07, 2014, 12:01:00 PM

A while back a friend came over with a new Bear recurve he'd bought for his wife. He was happy with the bow, but not the string that came with it.

He wanted a B-55, because the string that came with the bow was just too noisy.

I talked him into a BCY-X. He was reluctant, but went with my recommendation.

A week later he was back wanting the same string for his new Darton recurve. He was floored with the results from just changing strings.

BCY knocked it out of the park with this one.

Chad

Pete McMiller · July 07, 2014, 03:15:00 PM

Chad,

I make my own strings for my longbows. I have settled on 8 strands of D10 padded to 20 in the loops with .030 Halo serving. If I went to BCY-X what would I notice is different in it's performance?

LBR · July 07, 2014, 03:26:00 PM

More stability, more consistency, especially in higher temps. Increased durability, and probably a quieter shot. With recurves we have noticed a big difference in noise levels.

BD · July 07, 2014, 04:08:00 PM

How does it compare to 8190?

WildmanSC · July 07, 2014, 05:04:00 PM

Chad,

You have a PM.

Bill

LBR · July 07, 2014, 05:19:00 PM

8190 is 100% SK90 Dyneema. BCY-X is 87% SK90 Dyneema with 17% Vectran. The diameter is very close--the X is a tiny bit larger. The Vectran makes it more stable in higher temps and seems to make it even quieter.

July 07, 2014, 07:16:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by LBR:
8190 is 100% SK90 Dyneema. BCY-X is 87% SK90 Dyneema with 17% Vectran. The diameter is very close--the X is a tiny bit larger. The Vectran makes it more stable in higher temps and seems to make it even quieter.

Is there a typo here?

87% + 17% = 104%????

Bisch

Jasper2 · July 07, 2014, 09:38:00 PM

Yep it is 83% SK90 dyneema and 17% Vectran according to the website.

SHOOTO8S · July 07, 2014, 10:27:00 PM

I've changed all my strings to X .

LBR · July 08, 2014, 12:06:00 AM

Sorry--fat fingers. 83% SK90 Dyneema, 17% Vectran.

It's not on my site yet, but should be soon. It is available.

CRS · July 08, 2014, 12:21:00 AM

Chad,

I agree 100%

I have had the exact same results with the BCY-X that I bought from you.

Ryan Sanpei · July 08, 2014, 02:50:00 AM

Thanks Chad!

Looks like I'll be ordering a couple spools soon!

I normally use 14 strands of the old 8125. How many strands do you think I'll need to get the same size diameter. 16?

JamesKerr · July 08, 2014, 02:56:00 AM

I love mine!

buckracks7 · July 08, 2014, 03:27:00 AM

I also shoot 14 strands of 8125, and 8125G. How many strands of BCY-X would equal the same diameter? Thanks.

Pheonixarcher · July 08, 2014, 06:42:00 AM

Is bcy-x the same as the rhino material?

bowhuntingrn · July 08, 2014, 07:15:00 AM

I recently picked up some X from Chad. Made my first string with it last week. It does seem quieter than the D97 that was on the bow (Hill Halfbreed). That bow was pretty darn quiet to begin with, but there was a noticeable "twang" without silencers. That "twang" is now just a short, low, buzz at most (also without silencers). I went with Chad's recommendations and built it with 18 strands, loops padded to 24 with B50 and served with 0.19 Halo. Fits my X-nocks and Bearpaw 5/16 indexed nocks (on tapered Surewoods) perfectly. Just a light, audible "snap", but still moves freely up and down the serving.

LBR · July 08, 2014, 09:39:00 AM

"I normally use 14 strands of the old 8125. How many strands do you think I'll need to get the same size diameter. 16?"

20 should be close--it's a very small diameter thread. I'm really liking 18-20 strands for pretty much any draw weight. It's not a "fat" string at all, but I can get a good nock fit on most any nock just by switching serving sizes.

"Is bcy-x the same as the rhino material?"

No. X's construction method is patented. As I understand it, rhino is 100% HMPE/UHMWPE--no Vectran. I haven't been able to find out what brand or grade HMPE is used.

BCY uses DSM'S "Dyneema" brand, and the highest grade available (SK90). DSM requires BCY to mention this on their label, so my guess is that's not what rhino uses.

Thanks bowhuntingrn! I haven't had time to do any experimenting on longbows yet. Further reducing what little noise you get from a Hill is pretty amazing.

Kris · July 08, 2014, 09:55:00 AM

Excellent post...I'll be trying some BCY-X. IMO strings make a huge difference for the most desirable traits extracted from Trad bows.

Kris

Ryan Sanpei · July 08, 2014, 10:50:00 AM

Thank you Chad!

halfseminole · July 08, 2014, 10:58:00 AM

How does it work for endless loops? I've got a new bow to spin up strings for, and since everyone loves this stuff, I figured I'd ask.

Just how thin is it? I'll probably need to pad my loops a touch, but it makes a difference when I tie in my tunçs. Don't want them sliced through first shot.