The search for the perfect bowstring is a journey every serious archer understands intimately. After spending countless hours with my Sanlida Hermit X8 ILF recurve bow equipped with the factory D-97 flemish twist string, I decided it was time to try an upgrade. Enter the Shatterproof Archery Invincible Fast Flight Flemish Twist Bowstring – a product that promises to blend traditional hand-made craftmanship with modern materials and innovative design. The loop is the most common area for a string to wear out, so Shatterproof created served loops for extra durability. Over the past month, I’ve put this string through its paces in everything from casual backyard shooting to competitive 3-D archery. I’ve been really impressed with the string’s performance and durability.
First Impressions: Craftsmanship That Speaks Volumes
When opening the packaging, the Shatterproof bowstring immediately communicated quality and care. The attention to detail extends beyond the string itself to create a memorable unboxing experience that feels more like receiving a handcrafted gift than a mere archery component. Each bowstring arrives in a distinctive brown kraft envelope sealed with authentic bronze-colored wax bearing the Shatterproof Archery logo. The Flemish twist construction features an intricate braiding pattern with consistently uniform twists and impeccably finished loops. I chose the Fast Flight option – Shatterproof’s proprietary version of the original fast flight (652 Spectra) material – that feels substantial yet remarkably lightweight in hand. I selected a classic white and black twist color pattern, which complements the colors of my Hermit X8 really well. I couldn’t help but run my fingers along the serving, noting its tight, even wraps that showed no signs of the loose ends that often plague lesser strings. The string was waxed really well, a quality Shatterproof strings are known for. The 10 inch (extra long) serving section is designed to protect the string from wrist slap.
Installation: A Straightforward Affair
Stringing the Sanlida Hermit X8 with the new Shatterproof string offering proved refreshingly simple. The Flemish twist loops seated perfectly on the bow’s limb notches, with just the right amount of flexibility to ease installation while maintaining security. I noticed immediately that the string’s 16-strand construction struck an excellent balance – thick enough to inspire confidence but not so bulky as to impede performance. The center serving accommodated my arrow nocks with the perfect amount of tension – snug without requiring excessive force to attach or remove arrows. One minor note: the string came twisted fairly tightly, requiring several twists to loosen it to my preferred brace height of 7.5 inches on my recurve bow.
Performance Metrics: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
After proper break-in (about 100 shots), the true character of this string began to reveal itself. The Fast Flight material delivered on its promise of increased speed. Using my digital chronograph, I recorded an average velocity increase of 7 fps compared to my previous D-97 string when shooting identical 450-grain carbon arrows. That might not sound like much on paper, but in practical terms, it translated to slightly flatter trajectories and more predictable point-of-impact at varying distances that I value on a 3-D target range. Pair this with the increased durability, and it’s a solid winner for competitive traditional archers.
I was able to quiet down the Invincible string similar to the factory D-97 string, which will come in handy during hunting season. When paired with the small silencers I added (paracord, for those curious) and velcro on the limbs & attachment points, the resulting shot noise was impressively quiet – a crucial consideration for bowhunters concerned with spooking game. String oscillation after release was visibly reduced as well, which likely contributed to the tighter groupings I experienced during testing.
Durability: Built to Last
Forty days and approximately 1,000 arrows later, the Shatterproof string shows almost nosigns of wear. The serving remains intact with no separation or peeling, even at the critical points where the arrow nock engages. The loop servings have maintained their integrity despite numerous string removals for transportation. Even more impressive was the string’s resilience during an unexpected rainstorm. While other soggy strings would effect shot consistency, the Fast Flight material seemed to shed water and performed admirably even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Tuning and Adjustability
The real magic happened during the tuning process. Adding or removing twists to fine-tune brace height and tiller measurements produced consistent, repeatable results due to the string being pre-stretched and having low creep. I found that the string reached its sweet spot on the Hermit X8 at exactly 7.5 inches of brace height, producing a satisfying yet quiet “thwack” on release that experienced archers recognize as the sound of perfect tune. The string also maintained its tension admirably through temperature fluctuations, from crisp 40°F mornings to warmer 75°F afternoon sessions. The stability allowed me to maintain the same sight marks regardless of weather conditions – a significant advantage for competitive shooting.
Value Proposition: Premium Price, Premium Performance
At $45, the Shatterproof Invincible Fast Flight Flemish Twist Bowstring positions itself firmly in the premium category, commanding about 20% more than many competing strings. After extensive testing, I can confidently say the performance justifies the price premium. The combination of durability, consistency, and performance enhancement delivers real value for serious archers. Consider that a quality string should last for thousands of shots with proper care, and the per-shot cost becomes negligible compared to the satisfaction of improved performance. Also, if the string breaks for any reason, they will replace it for free.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade
The Shatterproof Archery Invincible Fast Flight Flemish Twist Bowstring has transformed my experience with the Sanlida Hermit X8 ILF recurve bow. The marriage of traditional Flemish twist construction with modern Fast Flight materials and Invincible loops delivers a shooting experience that’s noticeably superior to factory strings in every measurable category. From the satisfying tactile feedback during release to the whisper-quiet shot cycle and impressive arrow velocity, this string elevates the entire archery experience. Whether you’re a competitive target archer, a dedicated bowhunter, or simply a traditional archery enthusiast who appreciates quality equipment, this string deserves a spot in your archery arsenal. After six weeks of rigorous testing, it has certainly earned a permanent place on my Hermit X8 ILF recurve. Get yours at ShatterproofArchery.com.
