The seemingly simple bowstring is a vital component in traditional archery. Its construction and material can significantly impact arrow performance, bow health, and even the archer’s experience. Unlike their modern counterparts, traditional bowstrings prioritize durability and natural materials, offering a unique blend of function and aesthetics. Let’s dive into and compare the two main types of traditional bowstrings: Endless Loop vs. Flemish Twist bowstrings.

Endless Loop: The Modern Traditionalist

The Endless Loop string, also known as a Dacron string, is the most common choice for modern traditional bows like recurves and longbows. It’s constructed from a single strand of Dacron (polyester) material looped back onto itself, creating a continuous string. The loops are secured with a serving, a tightly wound thread that protects the string from wear and tear at the nock points (where the arrow rests).

Pros:

• Durability: Dacron is a strong and resilient material, making Endless Loop strings highly resistant to breaking. This is crucial for traditional bows that often have higher draw weights than their Olympic counterparts.
• Low Maintenance: These strings require minimal maintenance compared to Flemish Twist strings. Regular inspection and occasional serving replacement are sufficient.
• Affordability: Endless Loop strings are generally less expensive than Flemish Twist due to their simpler construction.
• Wide Availability: They are readily available from most archery shops, making replacements easy to find.

Cons:

• Stretch: Dacron has a slight stretch compared to modern materials like Dyneema. This can cause slight inconsistencies in arrow flight over time, especially with heavy use.
• Noise: The serving on Endless Loop strings can generate some vibration and noise upon release, which some archers find undesirable.
• Less Traditional Appearance: While some Endless Loop strings come in different colors, they lack the visual intricacy of Flemish Twist strings.

Flemish Twist: A Touch of History

The Flemish Twist string is a more traditional option, boasting a unique construction method. It involves multiple strands of material, typically Dacron or linen, twisted together in a specific pattern to form a continuous string with loops at each end. The tightness of the twist and the number of strands determine the string’s thickness and performance.

Pros:

• Minimal Stretch: Flemish Twist strings made with high-quality materials like linen exhibit minimal stretch, leading to more consistent arrow flight.
• Quiet Performance: The tight weave of the Flemish Twist string dampens vibrations, resulting in a quieter shot compared to Endless Loop strings.
• Traditional Look and Feel: The craftsmanship and visual appeal of a Flemish Twist string resonate with archers seeking a more historical archery experience.
• Wide Availability: They are readily available from most archery shops and online, making replacements easy to find.

Cons:

• Higher Maintenance: Flemish Twist strings require more frequent inspection and serving replacement due to their complex structure.
• Cost: The hand-crafted nature of Flemish Twist strings often makes them more expensive than Endless Loop strings.
• Break-in Period: New Flemish Twist strings need a break-in period to settle and reach their optimal performance.

Custom Bowstrings

Custom flemish twist bowstrings are often a blend of different materials. One of my favorites is a Shrew Whisper String. Developed by Ron LaClair and Henry Bodnik – Shrew Whisper Strings offer a strategic blend of three different high-performance materials coupled with precise construction to ensure that the highest percentage of stored energy generated by the bow limbs is transferred into the arrows. These strings increase arrow speed and penetration performance. Even though Shrew Whisper Strings are fast and efficient, they live up to their name beautifully because they are extremely quiet – even without string silencers. The best part is that they’re affordable at only $23, which is the same or less than many Flemish Twist strings.

Pros:

• Maximum Efficiency and Arrow Speed
• Increased Power and Penetration
• Whisper Quiet – No Hand Shock

Cons:

• Higher Maintenance: Custom flemish twist strings typically require more frequent inspection and serving replacement due to their complex structure.
• Cost: The hand-crafted nature of custom strings often makes them more expensive than Endless Loop strings.
• Break-in Period: New custom Flemish Twist strings often need a break-in period to settle and reach their optimal performance.

Choosing the Right String

The ideal string choice depends on your priorities and archery style. Here’s a quick guide:

• For beginners or those prioritizing durability and affordability, an Endless Loop string is a great choice.
• Experienced archers seeking peak performance and a traditional feel might favor a Flemish Twist string.

Traditional bowstrings, though seemingly simple, offer a world of options. By understanding the different types, materials, and factors to consider, you can choose the perfect string to unlock peak performance and enjoyment from your traditional archery journey. Remember, consulting with a knowledgeable archery shop or bowyer is always recommended to ensure the best string selection for your specific bow and needs.