The bowstring is a crucial component of a bow. The bowstring connects the two ends of the bow’s limbs and stores potential energy when the archer draws the string back. Upon release, this energy is transferred to the arrow, propelling it towards the target.
Bowstrings have evolved over time, with different materials and construction methods affecting the performance and efficiency of the bow.
Materials for Bowstrings
In the past, bowstrings were crafted using natural resources such as sinew, silk, hemp, or linen. Sinew, taken from animal tendons, was a popular choice due to its high tensile strength and elasticity.
In more recent times, synthetic materials have become the standard for bowstrings, as they offer increased durability, resistance to weather conditions, and consistency in performance.
Common synthetic materials employed for bowstrings comprise:
- Dacron: A type of polyester, Dacron is a popular choice for traditional bows, such as recurves and longbows. It has low stretch, is abrasion-resistant, and provides a smooth release.
- Fast Flight: This high-performance material is made from a blend of Spectra and Vectran fibers. It offers minimal stretch and is significantly faster than Dacron, resulting in a higher arrow speed. However, it is not suitable for all bows, as the increased stress can damage some limb tips.
- BCY-X: A high-performance blend of Spectra and Vectran fibers, BCY-X offers exceptional durability, minimal creep, and excellent arrow speed. It is suitable for most compound and recurve bows.
- 8190: Made from 100% SK90 Dyneema, this bowstring material provides superior strength, minimal creep, and high arrow speeds. It is suitable for high-performance compound and recurve bows.
Bowstring Construction
There are various methods for constructing a bowstring, with the most common being the continuous loop and the Flemish twist.
- Continuous Loop: In this method, the bowstring is created using a single, continuous strand of material. The strands are twisted together and then served, which involves wrapping a serving thread around the strands to protect and hold them together. The continuous loop method produces a strong, consistent bowstring.
- Flemish Twist: The Flemish twist involves intertwining multiple bundles of bowstring material to create a single, tapered string. This method results in a more visually appealing bowstring, and many archers claim it is quieter and provides a smoother release. However, it is less consistent than the continuous loop method and may require more frequent maintenance.
Bowstring Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, bowstrings require regular maintenance. This includes waxing the string to protect it from moisture, abrasion, and UV damage.
Checking the string regularly for indications of wear or damage and replacing it when necessary is also essential. A damaged bowstring can lead to poor accuracy and even cause injury if it snaps during use.
Bowstring Serving
Serving is the process of wrapping a separate thread, usually made from materials like nylon, polyester, or monofilament, around the bowstring to protect it from wear and tear.
The serving is especially important at the nocking point, where the arrow is attached to the string, and at the loops where the string attaches to the bow’s limbs.
A well-served bowstring can significantly increase the string’s lifespan and maintain consistent performance.