In the world of traditional archery, few components are as crucial yet often overlooked as the bowstring. This is especially true with budget bows. The Shatterproof Archery D-97 Flemish Twist Bowstring represents a masterclass in traditional craftsmanship merged with modern material science. As someone who has spent countless hours testing various bowstrings across multiple types of traditional bows, I can confidently say this offering from Shatterproof Archery is a standout choice among bowstrings found on Amazon in several meaningful ways.
Construction and Materials
The D-97 Flemish Twist utilizes BCY Dyneema D-97 material, a highly advanced synthetic fiber that offers remarkable strength-to-weight characteristics. D97 allows you to experience the best of both worlds of getting a smooth shot off, but not having to sacrifice speed. Each string is hand-twisted using the time-honored Flemish twist technique, which creates that distinctive tapered appearance traditional archers have come to love. I’ve found the 14-strand construction provides an optimal balance between durability and performance, while the tight serving pattern near the nocking point shows exceptional wear resistance even after thousands of shots.
Artisanal Packaging and Craftsmanship
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 D-97 arrives in a distinctive brown kraft envelope sealed with authentic bronze-colored wax bearing the Shatterproof Archery logo. Inside, you’ll find your string carefully coiled and wrapped in waxed paper, accompanied by a hand-signed note from the master string maker who crafted it. It’s a refreshingly personal touch in an age of mass-produced archery equipment.
Technical Specifications
The technical prowess of the D-97 becomes apparent in its specifications. With a breaking strength of 550 pounds and less than 1% creep after initial stretching, this bowstring delivers remarkable stability. Shatterproof pre-stretches the bowstring at 120 lbs, which means that when you get your bowstring it will be tested and 100% ready to shoot. The pre-waxed individual strands are twisted to a precise 35-degree angle, creating a string that maintains consistent brace height even in varying weather conditions. The serving is also longer than most strings, another feature that is important to me. During my summer testing in 90-degree heat and high humidity, the string showed minimal stretching compared to other premium offerings.
Performance Characteristics
Perhaps what sets the D-97 apart most notably is its exceptional performance characteristics. The string exhibits minimal noise upon release, a characteristic I attribute to its precise strand alignment and quality serving material. The speed and arrow efficiency are particularly impressive – chronograph testing showed a consistent 3-5 fps increase compared to similar strings, likely due to the reduced string mass and superior energy transfer properties of the D-97 material.
Durability and Maintenance
After months of regular use, including several rainy practice sessions, the D-97 has shown remarkable resilience. The serving remains tight and shows minimal wear, while the string itself maintains its original thickness and twist pattern. There’s also no fraying of the string that I’ve encountered with most other flemish twist strings. A light application of string wax every 200 shots or so is all that’s needed to keep it in prime condition. I’ve found that the string’s resistance to water absorption makes it particularly suitable for hunting situations where weather conditions can be unpredictable. The included guide covers common maintenance and troubleshooting issues.
Customization Options
Shatterproof Archery offers the D-97 in an impressive range of customization options. String lengths are available from 48 to 72 inches in one-inch increments, and customers can choose from 16 different color combinations for both the string and serving material. My test model featured their popular “Red & Black” combination – a eye popping string that matches my PMZ Black Coral Snake recurve beautifully while remaining visible enough for easy nocking in low-light conditions.
Compatibility and Versatility
One of the D-97’s strongest suits is its versatility across different bow types. I’ve tested it on everything from my budget Coral Snake recurve to my modern ILF takedown, and it performs admirably across the board. The string’s balanced construction makes it equally suitable for target shooting and hunting applications, though target archers might prefer their Fastflight string for maximum arrow speed.
Price-Performance Analysis
While the Shatterproof string sits in the premium price bracket at $35-50 depending on customization options, its longevity and performance characteristics make it a sound investment. Based on my testing, one can expect thousands of shots before any significant performance degradation. This superior quality, combined with its performance benefits, makes it a compelling value proposition for serious traditional archers.
Field Testing Results
My field testing included various shooting conditions and distances, from 20-50 yard outdoor range sessions to roving in the fields and woods. The string’s consistency particularly shines in challenging weather conditions – during recent stump shooting in gusty winds, the D-97’s stability helped maintain grouping consistency while other competitors struggled with varying brace heights. The string’s low stretch characteristics also meant no adjustments were needed between morning and afternoon sessions, a common issue with lesser strings.
Wrap Up
The Shatterproof Archery D-97 Flemish Twist Bowstring represents a nearly perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern materials. While its premium price point might give some archers pause, the combination of exceptional performance, durability, and customization options makes it a standout choice for both serious target archers and traditional bowhunters. After extensive testing, I can confidently say that this string not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern traditional archery, setting a new standard for what archers should expect from their equipment. Check pricing and availability on Amazon.
