I use two types of string construction, Flemish and Endless.
I don't make my own strings because there are many very good custom string makers at reasonable prices.

I shoot 55 pound longbows and Recurves and I would like to know what you all recommend for strand counts using D97 and 8125g? I have been ordering Halo for servings and it is very durable. I have been thinking about trying Angel Majesty; any thoughts?

Please advise...

D97 I use 12 strand up to 50lb, over 50 I use 14.

I use 10 strands of D97 for my ACS's 51# & 54# and pad the loops to 18 strands for my Flemish splice strings.

Kris

12 strands of D97 is strong enough for up to a 100# bow.12 strand D97 with .024 Halo will give you close to a .110 served diameter which gives a great nock fit to Easton 3D Super nocks,large groove G-nocks.I have used a lot of D97,though the least expensive string material but not always the quietest.I have become quite a fan of the new BCY-X.

i shoot 8 strand D97 on my 58# border no problems at all.
12 strand on my 70#

Tooltech,

it all depends on what you're wanting.  If were just concerned with how many strands will hold that amount of weight, I make some 6 strands for people when they order them and stretch all the strings out to over #200.  Although that is just a static stretch and different than actually shooting the bow, i think 6 strand bcy x would hold a #55, but i wouldn't really want to do that.  It really depends on exactly what you want.  

As far as serving goes, there are quite a few good ones out there.  One important thing to know about serving is they have different laying qualities.  For instance, power grip has a VERY GOOD finish on it and is also round, even after you serve it on the string, it is still round.  Halo tends to lay flat.  

What really determines the durability of the serving is the material and the finish.  If you go to bcyfibers.com you can look up what the make up of each type of serving is and then you'll see what makes them quality.  

Power grip is a blend of spectra and nylon yarn and halo is just spectra.  Power grip is the proclaimed "latest and greatest".  I have been using it for several months and I really do like it.  But i like halo as well.  


sorry for the long answer

I like 10 strands of D97, with 14 strands in the loops. When serving with .025" dia. serving material, I spiral wrap one layer of plumber's thread seal tape (Teflon ?) under the nock and finger contact area, and serve over it. With .021" serving material, I spiral wrap two layers. Fits Gold Tip size arrow nocks.

I know that calculating the force on the bow string when it hits brace height after release is WAY beyond my math skills. Just remember that if you are drawing 50#, the force on the string is actually much greater. The classic physics 101 example is a line stretched between two buildings with a weight hanging from the middle. The force on the line is equal to the sin of the angle between horizontal and the line. If your bow string forms a 110 degree angle at your finger tips for example, and you're drawing 50#, the force on the string would be around 87#.

That's at full draw. What it would be when the limbs hit brace height and have to be stopped there by the string is beyond my simple math ability. How much it would be would be determined by the mass of the limbs and their speed. Integral calc and I never did agree, but I assume its a bunch!

Dynaflight '97 I like 12 strands for your draw weight.  14 if using 8125.  Halo is a great serving material, as is 62XS and Power Grip.  PG is great if you have problems with the serving slipping.

Angel Majesty bowstring has its fans.  It was developed for target archers, not usually the quietest.  Majesty serving is good, I like Halo better.

FWIW, I've never seen an archer who is ranked use tiny strings.  That includes Vegas and most recently the World Youth Championship in SD this week.  If anything they go heavier than I like.

I played the skinny string game for a couple years, I justswitched back to standard 16 stand strings rmsgear sales, it's easier to get a good consistent nock fit and speed difference is minimal. Plus the extra strands give you a little bit more insurance if you nick the string with a broadhead etc

I find the skinny strings make my bows MUCH quieter. I use 8 strand strings, on my 50-55#bows. I draw about 29.5".

I haven't had that happen with me--longbows, recurves, or selfbows.  Brace height, silencer placement, nock fit, arrow weight, and release are all tools I use to get a quiet shot.