Bow Strings for Longbows and Recurve Bows
✔ Many vintage bows are shorter than their printed length, often in odd increments. We can help get the correct string for your bow.
✔ Newly made Flemish twist strings may appear slightly too short, especially B-55 strings. The braid settles and stretches for a short time once put to use.
Custom Bow Strings Made To Order
? F.A.Q.
Flemish twist strings are very popular among traditional archers. These usually cost a bit more, as they are typically hand made.
The strands are separated into two or three clusters, then twisted and braided together. The tighter the weave, the better the string.
The more details the better, but we can usually make a string with only basic specs. The essentials are:
+ One or more of the following:
+ The AMO length of the bow as printed on it
+ The actual length of the bow, as measured from string groove to string grooved, while following the curves (NOT tip-to-tip in a straight line)
+ The actual length of the existing/desired string, measured under tension, including the loops
+ The strength of the bow, listed in pounds (#) on the bow
+ The type of bow: longbow or recurve
Optional details and preferences may include the width of the limb tips, the width of the limbs themselves, the position of the serving, and preferred strand count.
The number of strands needed for a given bow vary pretty widely. Beyond the minimum strength needed to not break during use, strings are generally a good deal stronger than the minimum in order to last longer. D-97 strings can be made with fewer strands, as the material is substantially stronger per-strand.
Strings may also be made with extra strands to make them thicker and better fit certain arrow nocks. Thin strings often require two layers of center serving, as one layer may not be thick enough for the nock to latch on to.
If you know how many strands you want in a string, please inform us during the order. If not, we can help determine a good fit for your bow and your needs.
Extra strands can be woven into the last several inches of the string when the loops are being braided. This bulks up the loops where the string contacts the bow, which can quiet some bows down. It also generally makes the loops the most durable part of the string, so it'll often be the last part to wear out instead of the first.
The extra material cost is negligible, but they do take longer to lay out and weave. The reinforcements have to be laid out one at a time, waxed, and merged into the rest of the string.
Please be aware that the additional bulk from reinforced loops is not compatible with bows that have very shallow string grooves.
Flemish Twist Strings Are Made From Separate Groups Of Strands. Two Is The Standard, But If The String Is Poorly Made It May Be "Lumpy" In The Middle, Especially On Shorter Strings. Three Groups Will Make A Rounder String In General, But Takes Longer To Lay And Weave.
Our Strings Are Double Helix By Default And The Lumps Are Worked Out During The Weaving.
Strings without a nock point or silencers can be shipped in a standard envelope, up to two per envelope, for $1.50.
Nock points and silencers add too much bulk to fit properly in a simple envelope, and instead go in a small USPS Priority Mail box. The box can also hold many more strings, if you are placing an order for multiples. The box generally costs between $7 and $10 to ship.