The right bow string material affects durability, stretch, and overall accuracy. Below is a curated guide to five popular bow string materials, highlighting durability, suitability for different bow types, and practical usage notes. Use the quick reference table to compare options at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| BCY B55 Bowstring Material OD Green 1/4 lb. | BCY | Durable polyester with low stretch |
| AMEYXGS Archery 110m Bowstring Material Dacron | AMEYXGS | Strong, lightweight, versatile for multiple bow types |
| BCY BOWSTRING PRODUCTS B55 POLY STRING 1/4LB BLK | BCY | Low stretch, suitable for recurves |
| BCY B55 Bowstring Material Royal Blue 1/4 lb. | BCY | Similar durability, color option |
| BCY B55 Bowstring Material Medium Brown/Tan 1/4 lb. | Gold Tip | Durable polyester, recurves friendly |
BCY B55 Bowstring Material OD Green
Product overview: 100% polyester string material similar to Dacron, but with enhanced durability and lower stretch. Primarily used for recurve bows, it also works on older compounds, crossbows, and traditional bows lacking reinforced limb tips. This makes it a versatile option for many archers seeking reliable performance with minimal maintenance. The material’s durability helps reduce the frequency of restringing and surveying wear on the limb tips over time.
AMEYXGS Archery 110m Bowstring Material Dacron
Product overview: Made from high-strength polyethylene fibers with strong toughness and low ductility. Light and wear-resistant, this material is suitable for making recurve bow strings, longbow strings, and compound bow strings. Its balance of strength and lightness makes it a practical choice for archers prioritizing ease of construction and durability across bow types.
BCY BOWSTRING PRODUCTS B55 POLY STRING 1/4LB BLK
Product overview: A 100% polyester string with better durability and lower stretch than traditional materials. Primarily used for recurves, it is also compatible with older compound crossbows and traditional bows without reinforced limb tips. Recommended strand counts for recurves typically range from 12 to 16, with waxed feet-per-pound around 4,302. This makes it a dependable option for archers seeking a reliable, mid-range performance string.
BCY B55 Bowstring Material Royal Blue
Product overview: This royal blue variant uses 100% polyester and mirrors the durability and low stretch characteristics of Dacron-like strings. It is primarily used for recurves and remains compatible with older limbs lacking reinforced tips. Typical recommendations suggest 12-16 strands for recurves and around 4,300 feet per pound waxed, offering a consistent performance with a color option for personal preference or camo coordination.
BCY B55 Bowstring Material Dark Brown
Product overview: Dark brown variant of the BCY B55 line, featuring 100% polyester with low stretch and high durability. Primarily used for recurves, it also supports older compound crossbows and traditional bows without reinforced limb tips. The recommended strands are generally 12-16 for recurves, with similar waxed feet-per-pound coverage around 4,300, offering a reliable option for archers who want a color match to their bow or equipment.
Joyzan Bowstring Serving Thread
Product overview: This serving thread offers a high breaking strength of 34 pounds, suitable for tying peeps, protecting bowstrings, and repairing or reinforcing critical wear areas. It is versatile for compound, recurve, and takedown bows. The low-friction design helps reduce wear while maintaining secure serving under sustained use, contributing to consistent performance and longer string life when properly applied.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Material composition matters: Polyester-like materials (Dacron substitutes) provide low to moderate stretch and high durability, suitable for recurves and older bows. High-strength polyethylene fibers offer strength with lightness, ideal for long-term wear resistance. Consider your bow type, limb tip reinforcement status, and whether you prefer color options for visibility or aesthetic alignment.
Durability vs. stretch: If your goal is minimal stretch for improved accuracy, select a material marketed for low stretch and high stiffness. For beginners or budget-focused archers, traditional polyester-like strings offer dependable performance at a reasonable price, with easier maintenance.
Bow type compatibility: Recurve bows and older traditional setups often benefit from strings designed specifically for recurves without reinforced limb tips. Compound and crossbows may require material with slightly different handling characteristics; verify compatibility with your limb tips and mounting hardware.
Strand count and wax: For recurves, recommended strand counts typically range from 12 to 16. Waxed strings completed with the correct strand count provide improved waxed feet-per-pound values and better resistance to wear. Be prepared to adjust strand counts based on draw weight, bow speed, and personal tuning preferences.
Color and visibility: If you like color coordination or need higher visibility for field use, color variants (royal blue, dark brown, or OD green) can aid in quick identification and matching with your bow aesthetic.
Installation and maintenance: Use proper serving techniques and inspect regularly for wear at peep sites, nocks, and limb tips. A good serving thread, like the Joyzan option, can help reinforce critical areas and extend string life when used correctly. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for installation and maintenance to preserve performance.