Ever wonder what makes one bow string better than another? It’s more than just a piece of string! The right bow string can dramatically change how your bow feels and performs, making all the difference between a good shot and a great one.
Choosing a custom bow string can feel overwhelming. There are so many materials, colors, and serving options! You might worry about getting the wrong length, the wrong material for your bow, or spending too much money on something that doesn’t work. Finding the perfect match for your bow and your shooting style takes research, and making the wrong choice can lead to poor accuracy and even damage your bow.
This guide will help you navigate the world of custom bow strings. We’ll break down the different types of materials, explain the importance of proper serving, and show you how to measure your bow for the perfect fit. You’ll learn how to choose a string that improves your accuracy, increases your bow’s performance, and matches your personal style. Ready to discover the secrets to finding your perfect custom bow string?
Let’s dive into the world of bow string materials, starting with the most popular choice: Dacron.
Our Top 5 Custom Bow Strings Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Custom Bow Strings Detailed Reviews
1. Genesis Compound Bowstring Set – Custom Colored Archery Bowstrings NASP Bows (Black & White)
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your Genesis compound bow with this custom-colored Black and White bowstring set! Made in the USA, this set uses premium materials and construction for superior performance. It’s perfect for NASP archers who want a durable, long-lasting, and accurate bowstring. This set comes pre-stretched and pre-twisted, so you can start shooting right away. No break-in period is needed!
What We Like:
- Uses top-quality BCY 652 Spectra material. This material makes the bowstrings very durable and resistant to stretching.
- It’s a perfect fit for Genesis compound bows (but not Mini Genesis bows). This ensures smooth shooting.
- The bowstrings are pre-stretched and pre-twisted. You can shoot immediately!
- They are far better than factory strings. They provide a smoother, more accurate shot.
- The center serving is strong and provides a great grip. This ensures reliable arrow nocking.
- They are made in the USA. Archers made this for archers!
- These strings are ideal for NASP competitions.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options would be nice.
- The product description could clearly state compatibility with specific Genesis bow models.
This Genesis Compound Bowstring Set offers excellent quality and performance. It’s a great investment for any serious archer, especially those competing in NASP.
2. longbowmaker 45-68 Inches Handmade Custom Bow String Replacement for Recurve Bow Longbow Horsebow (55 Inches)
Rating: 8.5/10
This Longbowmaker handmade bowstring is a great replacement for your recurve bow, longbow, or horsebow. It comes in lengths from 45 to 68 inches, so you can find the perfect fit. The string is made from durable Dacron material and has 16 strands for extra strength. The loops are already made, so installation is quick and easy. You can even order a custom length if needed!
What We Like:
- The bowstring is made from strong Dacron material. This makes it very durable.
- It has 16 strands. This gives it extra strength and reliability.
- The loops are pre-made. This makes installation simple and fast. No tying is needed!
- You can choose from a wide range of lengths (45-68 inches). This ensures a good fit for most bows.
- Custom lengths are available. Contact the seller if you need a special size.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options would be nice. Currently, the color isn’t specified.
- A clearer picture showing the string’s detail would be helpful.
This Longbowmaker bowstring offers excellent value and ease of use. It’s a solid choice for archers needing a replacement string.
3. Deerseeker Archery Bowstring Set with 2 Nocking Points Dacron Recurve Bow String Replacement 12
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your archery game with the Deerseeker Archery Bowstring Set! This set includes a durable Dacron bowstring, available in 12, 14, or 16 strands to fit various bows (48-70 inches). It comes with two brass nocking points for accurate arrow placement. The colorful string is waterproof and dustproof, and it’s designed for faster shots. Whether you’re hunting deer or practicing your archery skills, this set will improve your accuracy and performance.
What We Like:
- The bowstring is made of strong, colorful Dacron material. It’s designed for speed and accuracy.
- Two brass nocking points ensure consistent arrow placement.
- The endless loop design makes stringing your bow easier.
- It’s waterproof and dustproof, extending its lifespan.
- Multiple strand options (12, 14, 16) accommodate various bow weights.
- Deerseeker offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- The string absorbs vibrations for a smoother shot.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be clearer for determining the correct string length.
- More color options would be nice.
The Deerseeker Archery Bowstring Set is a great value for the price. Its durability, accuracy features, and customer service guarantee make it a solid choice for archers of all skill levels. We highly recommend it!
4. Custom Flemish Twist Bowstring
Rating: 8.8/10
Experience the ultimate in archery accuracy and performance with the Custom Flemish Twist Bowstring from Shatterproof Archery! This bowstring is completely customizable, letting you choose the exact length, color, and material to perfectly match your bow. Made in the USA by skilled artisans, this string offers superior smoothness, durability, and a quieter shot. Get ready to improve your archery game!
What We Like:
- Completely custom-made to your specifications. We make each string to order in just 1-2 business days!
- The Flemish twist design provides an incredibly smooth and quiet shooting experience.
- The bowstring comes pre-stretched to 120 lbs and pre-waxed for extra durability and longevity. It’s ready to shoot right out of the package!
- Handcrafted in the USA by a small business that prioritizes quality. You get a top-notch product.
- Clear instructions help you determine the correct length for your recurve or longbow. You can measure your old string or use your AMO length.
What Could Be Improved:
- More detailed instructional videos on measuring bowstrings could be helpful for some archers.
If you demand a high-quality, custom-made bowstring, the Shatterproof Archery Flemish Twist Bowstring is an excellent choice. Its superior craftsmanship and smooth shooting performance will elevate your archery experience.
5. 60X Custom Strings Black BCY Nock Point & Peep Tying Thread Jig Spool Bow String Material
Rating: 9.4/10
This 60X Custom Strings Black BCY Nock Point & Peep Tying Thread Jig Spool is a must-have for serious archers! It comes with a spool of high-quality black BCY string material, perfect for making your own custom bowstrings. The .020 approximate diameter makes it ideal for various applications. You can use this thread to create nock points and peep sights precisely. This gives you complete control over your bow’s setup.
What We Like:
- The black BCY string material is strong and durable.
- The .020 diameter works well for many bowstring projects.
- It’s easy to use, even for beginners.
- You get a generous amount of string material on the spool.
- Making your own custom bowstrings saves money.
- Precise nock points and peep sights improve accuracy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The spool could have a slightly better design for easier dispensing.
- More color options would be nice.
Overall, this BCY string material offers excellent value and performance. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to build custom bowstrings with precision and save money in the process.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Custom Bow Strings
Picking the right custom bow strings can make a huge difference in your archery performance. This guide helps you find the perfect fit for your bow and your shooting style.
Key Features to Look For
- Material: The string material greatly affects durability and performance. We’ll discuss materials in more detail below.
- Construction: Look for tightly twisted strands and consistent diameter throughout the string. Loose strands or uneven thickness can affect accuracy and durability.
- Serving: The serving is the protective wrapping at the ends of the string. It needs to be strong and securely applied to prevent fraying.
- Length and Brace Height: Your custom strings must be the correct length for your bow. The brace height (distance between the bowstring and the bow’s grip) is also crucial. Incorrect measurements cause poor performance or even damage your bow.
- Creep Resistance: Strings stretch over time. Low creep means the string will maintain its length and accuracy longer.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer believes in their product’s quality.
Important Materials
The most common materials for bowstrings are:
- Dacron: A classic, durable material. It’s relatively inexpensive but stretches more than other options.
- FastFlight: A high-performance material. It’s faster and stretches less than Dacron, but it’s also more expensive.
- BCY (Bowstring Cable and Yarn): BCY offers various types of material with different properties, offering a wide range of choices for different needs and budgets.
Your choice depends on your budget and the type of archery you do. Target archers might prefer the stability of FastFlight. Hunters might prioritize the durability of Dacron.
Factors Affecting Quality
Several things affect the quality of custom bowstrings:
- Material Quality: Higher-quality materials usually last longer and perform better.
- Construction Technique: Skilled string makers create more consistent and durable strings.
- Serving Material and Application: Strong, well-applied serving protects the string and extends its life.
- Proper Stretching and Breaking-in: New strings need to be properly stretched and broken in to achieve their optimal performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
Custom bowstrings improve your shooting experience in many ways. They offer:
- Improved Accuracy: Properly made custom strings deliver consistent arrow flight.
- Increased Speed: High-performance materials like FastFlight deliver faster arrow speeds.
- Enhanced Durability: Well-made strings last longer than factory strings.
- Personalized Fit: Custom strings are made to your exact specifications, ensuring a perfect fit for your bow.
Custom strings benefit various archers: target shooters, hunters, and even casual archers who want better performance and longer-lasting equipment.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I replace my bowstrings?
A: This depends on how often you shoot and the material used. Inspect your strings regularly. Replace them when you see fraying, excessive wear, or significant stretching.
Q: Can I install custom bowstrings myself?
A: It’s possible, but it’s best left to experienced archers or bow technicians. Improper installation can damage your bow.
Q: How do I measure my bow for custom strings?
A: You’ll need precise measurements of your bow’s axle-to-axle length and brace height. Consult a professional or use online resources to learn how.
Q: What is the difference between Dacron and FastFlight?
A: Dacron is durable and affordable but stretches more. FastFlight is faster and stretches less but is more expensive.
Q: What is serving, and why is it important?
A: Serving is the protective wrapping at the string ends. It prevents fraying and protects the string from damage.
Q: How do I break in new bowstrings?
A: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, this involves slowly drawing the bowstring several times to allow the material to stretch slightly.
Q: What is creep in bowstrings?
A: Creep is the gradual stretching of the bowstring over time. Low creep is desirable.
Q: How much do custom bowstrings cost?
A: The price varies depending on materials and complexity. Expect to pay more for high-performance materials and intricate designs.
Q: Where can I buy custom bowstrings?
A: Many online retailers and archery shops sell custom bowstrings. Choose reputable suppliers with good reviews.
Q: What warranty should I look for?
A: A good warranty should cover manufacturing defects. Look for a warranty that lasts at least a year.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.