Lets talk Strings but the string maker!

Here is a question asked frequently. Here is the answer as well.

Question: What is creep compared to stretch?
Answer: Creep is non-recoverable elongation, unlike stretch which is basically elasticity or recoverable elongation. Some elasticity is necessary. Creep is a problem. It can cause the bow to go out of tune and the peep to rotate. The draw weight can increase or decrease and the draw length can increase or decrease.





Hutch

 

Here is a couple of questions asked frequently. Here is the answer as well.



Question: Are there any bowstring materials that do not creep?
Answer: Yes - 450 Plus, 452X and Trophy. These are blends of Dyneema® and Vectran. Vectran has no creep at the tension created by normal bows; therefore these materials are normally 100% stable.

Question: If these products have no creep, why would anyone use anything else?
Answer: Any archer needing maximum speed will find that a Vectran blended product is slightly slower than a 100% Dyneema® or Spectra product.




Hutch

 

Hutch... wouldn't reliability be more valued than speed?

 

Not for all! Some prefer speed. Some like me prefer stability. The new material Bcy X is suppose to give both.


Hutch

 

Here is another.

Question: What is the fastest string material that does not creep?
Answer: On most bows, we would suggest 20 - 24 strands of 452X or Trophy material in the string and the cable (or make the cables from 12 - 14 strands of 450 Plus). This response relates to compound bows with 55 - 75 lb draw weight. A lower number of strands can be used on lighter poundage bows. Formula 8125 material and Dynaflight 97 are made from the latest and strongest Dyneema® material. In many cases, little or no creep will occur when using these materials and 8125 is the fastest. Many recurve shooters prefer 8125 or DynaFLIGHT 97.

 

Just ordered my string/cable set from Hutch. Went with the BCY-X for my string and BCY-Trophy for my cables after talking to him. Seems like some great material and I'm pumped to have Bow String Depot building them!!!

 

My 2 questions.

Which material is the quietest?
Which material with no creep the quietest?

Speed means nothing to me.

 

2 good questions. Right now its hard to beat X, trophy and 452x.
Trophy and 452x are stable and a quiet shot. X is new on the market a little faster then the first 2 but a lot more quieter. Its what my tester calls a softer shot. Not as stable but close to the first 2.

Hutch

 

Here is some more questions and answers from Bcy my distributor

Question: Is it a fact that the lower the number of strands, the faster the arrow?
Answer: Yes on most bows but not all, and of course with today"s extremely strong materials, a lower number of strands can normally be used safely. Of course it is important to be sure that the center serving is built up to allow a good nock fit when the number of string strands is reduced. Note also that at a certain point not too far below the manufacturer"s recommended number of strands, it is quite likely that the archer will notice an increase in vibration directly after release because there is not enough mass in the string to absorb the "elastic energy" that occurs when the arrow is released.

Note that HMPE products like Dyneema® and Spectra are prone to creep more if fewer strands are used. "Elevated temperatures and higher draw weights increase this problem."

 

and another

Question: Are there string materials that are better on some bows than others?
Answer: Bow manufacturers make their choice of string material based on many criteria but primarily safety and performance. Performance - meaning speed, low or no creep, vibration, and durability. Bow manufacturers do extensive testing. Some put a higher priority on certain criteria than others but they are all very conscious of safety.

 

hutch,

What would you recommend for my 2102 Elite Answer which allows for similar speed to factory with little creep? 30 " draw/ 72 lbs

I will be needing a set before next fall

thanks
Bruce

 

Trophy, its in a nutshell stable and fast enough. It will take 1000's of shots and last. Just wax it when it gets fuzzy.


Hutch

 

So the X would be quieter than my Trophy? Dang...it's quite now...lol

 

so useful information, i enjoy read this what bill whrite about strings! thanks bill!

 

My question is how do you tell if your string is creeping?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997

 

Peep rotation will be your first sign ...from there a draw board can tell you a whole lot.

 

Thank you. How long before a string starts to creep, typically?

 

Fast flight was horrible about being unstable but the stuff lasted forever.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

 

Question: Is it necessary to use "special" wax with certain types of bowstring material?
Answer: Not really. There are four main reasons for using wax on a bowstring.
1. To lubricate the fibers and prevent "fiber to fiber" abrasion
2. To help keep the "bundle" of strands together
3. To maintain and extend the life of the string
4. To help prevent water absorption

Bowstring material manufacturers normally apply a generous amount of synthetic wax in liquid form, which insures that from its origin the bowstring material is well lubricated inside and out. It is this process which gives the material its basic protection from fiber to fiber abrasion and helps keep the bundle of strands together. Generally the type of wax used would be a good quality standard "tacky" wax. At this stage it would be unusual for the wax to include silicone which is very slick and, particularly in the case of Flemish strings, makes it difficult to convert the bowstring material into a finished bowstring. However, after the string is made, it is recommended that the archer look for a "maintenance" wax that contains some silicone because a wax blended with silicone penetrates the string material very well and keeps the inside fibers lubricated as well as the outside. Wax can be applied with fingers, with a cloth, or with a chamois leather. It should be applied frequently and rubbed well into the string.



Hutch