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Why Choose a D50 or D55 String?

Shooting D-55 strings offers several advantages, primarily related to bow performance and shooting feel. B55 and Dacron (D50) are identical except for their diameter. So as far as performance goes they are basically the same. D-55 strings are known for their smooth draw, quiet operation, and potential for increased accuracy, especially with bows that may require more “give” on the string. 

Here’s a more detailed look at why archers might choose D-55 strings:

1. Smooth Draw and Feel: D-55 strings offer a smoother draw than stiffer strings like D-97 or Fast-Flight, leading to a more comfortable shooting experience and potentially a more consistent release. 

2. Quiet Operation: While not as quiet as dedicated string silencers, D-55 strings tend to be quieter than other string materials, which can be beneficial in certain shooting environments.
3. Potential for Increased Accuracy: The smoother draw and lower stretch of D-55 strings can sometimes lead to more consistent and accurate shots, especially for archers who find that a softer string better suits their bow and shooting style.
4. Compatibility with Certain Bows: D-55 strings are particularly well-suited for recurve bows and traditional bows without reinforced limb tips, as well as some older compound bows.
5. Durability: While D-55 strings are not as durable as modern materials like Spectra, they are still a durable option and offer good longevity. 

In essence, D-55 strings provide a balance between performance, smoothness, and quietness, making them a popular choice for archers who prioritize feel and consistency, especially in traditional or recurve archery. 

The B-55 bow string is the most forgiving string, and if your top priority is quietness and smoothness, then this is the string for you. 

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
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How To Tie On Cat Whiskers

Cat Whiskers are a great option for silencing your bowstring. While many prefer the traditional look and performance of beaver hide silencers (“beaver balls”), others prefer the more modern looking “cat whiskers” for their ease of installation and overall effectiveness.

This video by vnhill1981 provides a very simple and easy to follow method for installing cat whiskers on your bow.

*The video shows silencers being installed on a compound bow, however the method and approach is identical for recurves and longbows, and vnhilll1981 does a great job explaining each step along the way . Enjoy!

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Barebow Center Serving

There are some special considerations when it comes to your barebow bowstring. This video by coach Elton Wong addresses these considerations and gives you with the basic knowledge you need when purchasing a new string for your set up.

String Twiddler provides a “Barebow” center serving option to keep your center serving World Archery competition compliant. When ordering your custom string, choose this option to have it served with BCY Powergrip. We will serve 4.5″ below center to 7.5″ above, ensuring you have plenty of serving past your line of sight.

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Install Beaver Ball Silencers Yourself

“Beaver Ball” silencers are stips of beaver pelt wound into a ball and secured to your bowstring, above and below your center serving. This helps deaden the vibrations of the bow, and reduce the sound your bow makes when shot. Traditional bow hunters rely on this type of bow silencer.

String Twiddler Strings will install all-natural beaver silencers as an option when ordering a traditional bowstring, or alternatively they are available for purchase uninstalled sop you can install them yourself. This video from our good friend Tarl at Gunshy Archery walks you through the installation process …

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How to measure your bowstring

There is some confusion when referring to the length of a bowstring. Length can be ascertained in two ways; Actual and AMO.

AMO length refers to the length of a bow as standardized by the Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization (AMO). The AMO is an industry trade organization that sets standards for archery equipment, including the measurement of bow length.

But because bows (riser and limbs) are essentially curved and the string is straight, the two are not the same length. Typically a recurve string is 4″ shorter than the bow, and a longbow string is around 3″ shorter than the bow.

So for example, a 66″ recurve bow requires a 66″ AMO string, but the ACTUAL length of the string will be 62″ (4″ less). Similarly, a 72″ longbow requires a 72″ AMO string, but that means the ACTUAL length is 69″ (3″ less).

When ordering a custom bowstring it is very important to understand the difference between AMO and ACTUAL length.

If you are replacing an existing string, it is recommended that you hook it onto a nail, draw the string as tight as possible, and using a measuring tape measure from end to end (including the end loops). This is your ACTUAL length.

Here is an AMO chart showing the AMO and string length for both RECURVE and LONGBOW. Note that recurve string length is typically 4″ less than a bow’s AMO length, and longbow string length is typically 3″ less than the longbow’s AMO length. However not all bows are consistent with AMO and therefore it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you use the “nail and tape measure” method to measure your string’s ACTUAL length.

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String Material Explanation from an Olympian

Trying to make sense of the different bowstring materials and how they relate to different styles of shooting can be very confusing. A trusted source of archery knowledge is two-time Olympic medal winner Jake Kaminski.

In this informative video Jake Kaminiski gives a concise breakdown of the string materials used with modern recurve bows.

Comparison

  • BCY Spectra 652 = Brownell Fast Flight
  • BCY B55 = Brownell B50

Please note that modern materials are not meant to be used on vintage bows of any bow without reinforced limbs. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that Dacron strings such as B50 or B55 be used exclusively on these types of bows to prevent bow failure.