I would like to make my own strings for my Super Kodiak and a I have some questions. Do I need a jig? I have seen guys do it free hand. Also, what material do you serve your strings with? Do yall find that homemade strings could potential hurt or help the performance of the bow? Finally, how many strands is a good balance of speed, silence, and string shock? I will be hunting so quiet really seems like my biggest concern. Thanks for any inputs I did not think of as well!

A jig isn't required, but sure comes in handy, especially if you make different length strings or make many strings.

I like Halo, 62XS, or Power Grip for serving material.  

A well made string will help performance, as well as the feel of the bow.

How many strands depends on the material used.  I like a happy medium myself--not too thick, not skinny.  In BCY-X or 8190, I use 18-20 strands.  With Dynaflight '97, 12 strands.  With 8125, 14-16 strands.  With Mercury, 24-26 strands.