Author Topic: Sticker shock on bow string material  (Read 3021 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline JW_Halverson

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,917
Sticker shock on bow string material
« on: May 21, 2021, 01:00:13 am »
I am fresh out of the shower after the violent pooping of my pants after shopping for bow string material and my heart-rate/blood pressure is nearing normal.  I will admit it has been years since I bought a quarter-pound spool of one of the nonstretch modern materials last time I was at the Tennessee Classic (2013, maybe?). But I think the prices have gotten a little out of hand. I'm looking at 3Rivers asking $150 for a pound of Dynaflight 97, and the BCY 652 Spectra is no better at $40/quarter pound!  They are closing out their Brownel's Fury cheap enough, but I know nothing about that bowstring material.

Are there other low/no stretch options out there that do not break the bank?




Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline PatM

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,737
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2021, 01:11:01 am »
Fishing line.

bownarra

  • Guest
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2021, 02:29:07 am »
Yes :) Braided fishing line :) Same stuff really just made slightly differently but it still works just fine.

Offline Mafort

  • Member
  • Posts: 423
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2021, 06:58:02 am »
Flax/linen. You can use a drop spindle to produce your own string to make your bow strings. Flax grows something close to 90 days or so maybe more

Offline Parnell

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,556
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2021, 09:51:15 am »
Interesting on the braided fishing line.  What # line is appropriate, # of strands, and is Flemish string doable?
1’—>1’

Offline BowEd

  • Member
  • Posts: 9,390
  • BowEd
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2021, 10:09:01 am »
It's been a while since I've needed to buy FF string.I forget how much I paid for some FF plus from 3 Rivers.That does sound like quite a bit but it will last a long long time.I imagine using braided fishing line like spider wire would work.Good thing is then the breaking strength should be shown on the package.
The FF plus I got from 3 Rivers has a breaking strength of 85#'s per strand.I had to call a tech to find that out.
BowEd
You got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
Ed

Offline Morgan

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,028
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2021, 10:14:04 am »
I am curious about what people are using lb test wise as well. I made a few Flemish strings from 50 lb test kastking braid for my bowfishing bow and it worked fine, was probably overbuilt though.

bownarra

  • Guest
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2021, 10:20:10 am »
The stuff I used was 40#. I've only made endless strings with it because its braided. 4 x times bow strength lasted well for me.

Offline PatM

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,737
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2021, 01:53:05 pm »
The mid-heavier weight stuff is fine and it twists up  easily when waxed.  You can just do the math to work out what's OK for your bow weight.  Most FF type materials are a bit overbuilt just to get a reasonable thickness.  I like the power-pro brand in brown.  Looks good on a wooden bow.

Offline BowEd

  • Member
  • Posts: 9,390
  • BowEd
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2021, 07:22:21 am »
Yes color might be a issue too.
BowEd
You got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
Ed

Offline PatM

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,737
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2021, 07:25:00 am »
Many of them come in very natural looking neutral colors.

Offline aznboi3644

  • Member
  • Posts: 802
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2021, 12:01:28 pm »
I get 500 yards of 80lb braided fishing line for $20 at academy.  It doesn’t stretch

Offline Digital Caveman

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,117
  • formerly Tradcraftsman, formerly Yooper Bowyer
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2021, 12:53:11 pm »
How heavy is it compared to FF?
God Bless America

Offline PatM

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,737
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2021, 05:06:22 pm »
It essentially is FF type material.  Spectra or Dyneema.

Offline Morgan

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,028
Re: Sticker shock on bow string material
« Reply #14 on: May 23, 2021, 12:20:51 am »
I get 500 yards of 80lb braided fishing line for $20 at academy.  It doesn’t stretch
Do you use the 80# for the main body of the string? I use that for center serving.