Strings make a big difference. I have recently switched exclusively to bcyx for all my strings that I make. I have noticed a huge improvement over d97 in terms of felt performance. I don't measure such things but can feel a difference. I recently purchased a Dwyer dauntless longbow that came with the stock string from Dwyer. It's a great string and I believe it to be d97. I really thought the bow was a dog compared to my sarrells Sierra. I finally took the time today to build a new string for it and retune it. I had to drop 65 grains of point weight on my cedars that I had tuned to the bow with original string. If that's not a substantial improvement in performance I don't know what is. I have heard fury is even better than x but I am impressed.

I picked up 6 fps with Bcy x on my wheeie bow, coming from 8125. One of The best fibers right now.

On my Timberhawk Recurve, i just had 60 x make me an endless loop of Brownell Fury. I myself over-served the loops with .021 Bcy Spectra just for xtra cushion in the string notches.

Admittingly, the chrono says i did not pick up any xtra Fps, but it is a tough string, and i do not have to put up with creep any more like i did with D 97.

And it really looks good. Neon green and black. Black serve

Few years back I was shooting my brothers Don Dow longbow and it had a fast flight plus on it,I think the string was. Felt awfull upon the shot but switched the string out with another type low stretch string and it was like shooting a different bow.

Bcyx is what I use now. Glad you found a better string, it can make a big difference.

Bcyx, good stuff :-) JF

As far as performance going from Dacron, B55 and such to the new FF strings it makes a difference but FF to FF not much performance wise but certain materials have a better feel and may be quieter. Shawn

The lack of creep is worth it in itself d97 creeps pretty bad compared to X and just slightly less than dacron. D97 works and has worked for years just like dacron but it really isn't in the same league as x or fury

There actually IS a difference in these HMPE materials (which is what they all are). Dynaflight 97 is made from SK-75 Dyneema (which was originally developed in 1996), This is the weakest of the Dyneema products. SK-78 (developed in 2003) and SK-90 are both stronger. The Dyneema material with the LOWEST creep rate is Dyneema DM20 which has 0.5% creep rate. I SUSPECT that may be what the new Mercury material is made from since it is advertised as being made from 100% SK99 Dyneema.

BCYX is made from a combination of HMPE fibers. SK-90 and Vectran. SK-90 has a 15% higher modulus than SK-75. It also contains Vectran which is a proprietary material (and the manufacturing process is considerably different) that is made in a very unique way. The stability (lack of creep) in the BCYX is afforded by the inclusion of the Vectran. The SK-90 Dyneema has a creep rate that is too similar to that of the SK-75 to really matter.

450 Plus was also a Dyneema/Vectran blend.

Fast Flight is actually made from Spectra which is a slightly different type of material that has more inherent creep in the fiber.

This is another one of those discussions where I really wish I knew enough to be able to keep up!

To be honest the chemistry and makeup of the materials doesn't interest me much so I don't delve into it. I just tried different string materials on the same bow and noticed an improvement that I liked. I over build my strings with x to 20 strands compared to 12 strands of 97. Diameter of finished strings are about the same. 20 strand x strings don't need padding in the loops or the center and perform plenty good for me. I could make a skinny string and gain a little but my 625 grain cedars are doing just fine with what I have.

When everyone is comparing creep are we talking about a new string until it is broke in, or a continuing situation? I am making my own Flemish twist D97,12 strand strings for 50# selfbows, and once I take the initial stretch out before I serve it, I never have a problem with it again. I am just curios if everyone is talking about a continuous on going stretching, or a 1 time deal.

A break in period is what I'm referring to. I find it takes about 500 shots for me to get 97 fully settled in. With x a shoot in period isn't needed for me.

I am talking about creep in the material over the long term. Most folks are talking about creep that is induced during the construction process.

There is no way to quantify the amonut of "creep" that is induced during construction, everybody makes strings differently, with different levels of skill. This is ESPECIALLY true in Flemish strings.

You can build a string that "creeps" 1" when you put it on your bow, and I can make one from the same material that "creeps" 2" simply becuase you have better technique in manufacturing.

Thats what I was wondering. When I make mine, I twist the end loops in, put it on the bow for maybe an hour, let it stretch, twist what is needed, put back on the bow for awhile longer, when stretching is done, I add center serving and never have a probably with anymore stretching after that. I usually make my strings while watching TV, so waiting for string to stretch on the bow is no big deal time wise.

I leave all my modern bows strung that I'm currently shooting and you can definitely notice the stretch over time with 97. After awhile it stops but it takes it awhile to do so. I have no problem still using 97 on bows that I would typically use dacron on and it is a substantial improvement over dacron.

Strings (good strings) absolutely make a huge positive difference in both how a bow performs, and in how it feels.

Some folks get it, yet some never will, because being able to see the difference in strings is largely dependent on how well you understand the characteristics of the material you are using (how to build/use a string from it), and how well you understand the aspect of tuning.

DF97 is barely above the grade of polyester in my experience. I don't/won't use it. It's only attraction is "It's Cheap".

Rick

Been on the Dan Quillian 8 strand 450+ string band wagon for years. Seriously thinking of going back to B50, just something there that can't be measured by a chrono, or feel.

Yessir, Dan was using skinny 450 strings back in the 1980's on his bows with just wood tip overlays. I guess Owen Jeffery knew how to make FF ready bows with just wood tip protection. Anyway, I have several BCY-X strings Barry Hughes made for me. One is on my Carroll's takedown, the other on my old Hoyt Pro Hunter. I have a few Dacron strings that I try now and then, and they continually show why I like the low stretch better. And what Rick Barbee said above X-2.

Creep is increased length that will return at rest and come back again.

Stretch is a one time permanent lengthing.

And there is a 3rd stretch involving flemish strings : All those braids will eventually tighten together and add length- permanently.

So, a D97 flemish string- get ready !

Gary Sentmans bows come with non stretch strings and wood tip overlays. It seems to work fine that way for him. But yes there's a difference. That's why I use dacron but won't use b50 or non stretch. Depends what you like.

To Correct & Update my earlier post (#2) in this thread :

I did look back in my chtonograph logs and i had 171 average with the D97 string.

The new Fury string is 182 steady. So i did pick up alot. I chrono at least 5 bows regulary, experimenting so i guess i didn't realize the improvement.

My Timberhawk Strike # 51 @ 28 with this string is a blast to shoot. Shooting GT Hunter 400's and 150g points. Darn tight groups from 30 yards.

That's a great pick up if all else is equal. Nice to see documented info.

Scott would void my warranty for using this string, but i padded the loops. It's a 2011 so warranty is up anyhow.

Yes i'm looking now at a 2011 chrono with Gt 3555's and 150 pts and the readings were 173.4, 171.2, 171.1

Now 182 steady. I hate D 97.

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