Wondering about best string choice. I shoot a Bear Montana 50# with a Tomahawk string. Seems good, but the only one Ive ever used. I need a back up string, so Im wondering if I should stay put with another Tomahawk or if there is a better choice for me.

there is no "best string" choice - there is, however, a string that will work optimally best for you, for a particular bow.  you need to take some time and money and do some testing to best answer yer question.

consider string type, fiber type, strand count, for starters.

Steve Smith - aka bearbowman makes a top-shelf string!

IMOH, for 50-55# bows I like 8-10 strand 8125 or DF97 strings with padded loops. Their are alot of good strings makers on here.

However, if this is to be a "back up" string and you go with something different from your current Tomahawk string it will shoot different and more than likely need to be tuned different. Steve

you will find enhanced performance with the padded loop strings.  i will gladly make you whatever you want.  i have an ad in the sponsors classifieds.

How the string is made will have as much or more to do with everything as the material it's made from.  A well made string will be quieter, last longer, perform better, etc. vs a poorly made string.

Chad

What exactly is meant by padded loop string?

Laying extra strands into the loops to increase the surface area.  Cushions the string, and usually helps quieten it, especially recurves.  Works best with flemish strings--I can't tell that it benefits an endless string.

Chad

thats what I thought, been doing that for thirty years and it does work well, thought maybe there was something new out there!

Thanks for all the good info. I checked to see what my current tomahawk string is made from. Catalog says it's made from 18 strands of TS-1. Is this a familiar number to anyone? I haven't seen it anyware elese.