If you shoot traditional archery long enough, you’ll eventually run into a problem with your bow string. The good news? Most Flemish twist bow string issues are either completely normal or easy to fix.
In this guide, we’ll break down seven common Flemish twist bow string problems, what causes them, and how to solve them so you can keep shooting confidently.
1. Tag Ends Sticking Out
One of the most common concerns with Flemish twist strings is seeing little fibers or “tag ends” sticking out of the string.
In most cases, this is completely normal.
Flemish twist strings are made by overlapping and twisting bundles together, then tapering the strands back into the string. Those small fibers are simply the ends of the strands used in the splice section.
Should You Trim Them?
You can trim and wax them down for a cleaner appearance, but interestingly, leaving them slightly fluffy can actually help quiet the shot.
Over time, many traditional archers discover that slightly fuzzy tag ends work similarly to mini string silencers.
When Should You Worry?
If the tag ends begin creeping within about an inch of the loop, that can indicate the splice is slipping and may eventually fail.
2. The Loop Is Slipping
A slipping loop is a more serious issue.
This usually happens for one of two reasons:
- The Flemish twist was not made tightly enough
- The tag ends have gotten too close to the loop, reducing friction holding the splice together
Can It Be Fixed?
Sometimes experienced string makers can retwist the string, but most of the time the best solution is replacing the string altogether.
If you’re regularly seeing loop slippage, it may also be worth checking:
- overall string quality
- string age
- and how aggressively the string is being twisted for brace height adjustments.
3. Broken Loops
The loops are the only part of the string constantly rubbing against the bow’s string grooves, so naturally they wear faster than other sections.
However, loops should not fail quickly.
If your loop breaks prematurely, possible causes include:
- sharp string grooves on the bow
- dirt or debris in the grooves
- improper bow storage
- excessive abrasion during use.
How To Prevent It
Inspect your limb tips regularly. If the string grooves feel sharp, carefully smooth them with:
- fine sandpaper
- or a small chainsaw file.
Alternative Option: Reinforced Loops
Some archers switch to:
- endless loop strings
- or reinforced Flemish strings
because the served loops add additional protection and durability.
4. The String Untwisted Itself
Sometimes what looks like a broken loop is actually the string untwisting itself.
This often happens while adjusting brace height.
If too many twists are removed, the center twists can oppose the loop twists. Once tension is applied, the loop begins unraveling.
How To Avoid It
A good rule of thumb:
- keep at least one twist every 3 inches of string length.
If the string begins looking too straight, stop removing twists immediately.
5. Dry Bow Strings
Dry strings wear out faster.
Without wax:
- fibers become brittle
- strands begin fraying
- overall lifespan decreases.
How Often Should You Wax a Bow String?
A solid guideline is:
- every 100–300 shots depending on use and conditions.
Important Tip
Avoid waxing the loops themselves.
Wax in the loops can trap dirt and debris against the fibers where the string contacts the bow.
Instead:
- wax the exposed string sections up to the serving.
6. Serving Separation or Wear
The serving is another high-friction area because it contacts the arrow nock during every shot.
Serving wear is commonly caused by:
- poor nock fit
- excessive shooting
- or normal long-term use.
The Good News
A worn serving does NOT mean the string is ruined.
Most strings can simply be re-served and continue shooting perfectly for thousands more shots.
7. The String Is Too Long or Too Short
One major advantage of Flemish twist strings is adjustability.
By adding or removing twists, you can fine-tune brace height and string length.
However…
If:
- you must add excessive twists
- or remove nearly all twists
then the string is likely the wrong size for your bow.
Again, remember:
- never go below roughly one twist every 3 inches.
Final Thoughts
Flemish twist strings are durable, adjustable, quiet, and traditional for a reason. Most issues archers encounter are either:
- completely normal
- easy maintenance items
- or preventable with a little knowledge.
Taking care of your bow string helps:
- improve performance
- extend string life
- and keep your bow shooting safely and quietly.
If you’re looking for custom traditional bow strings, replacement strings, or help diagnosing a string issue, check out Shatterproof Archery.