How to get the perfect bowstring length
The beauty of flemish twist bowstrings is that you can twist them tighter or looser to adjust the length. This works up to an inch or two, but first, you got to get in the ballpark with the string length. Five things affect string length:
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Size of the second loop
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Type of Material (stretch)
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The length of the string (stretch again)
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Where you start the second loop
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Amount of twist (two ways)
After creating your first loop you will measure from the end of the first loop to a set point to start the second loop. This set point is very important because it will determine the length of the string. To choose the correct point to start the second loop you need to know 1) the size of the loop you are making 2) the type of material you are using and 3) the overall length of string you want.
1. Size of loop
We make our bottom loop (about 1.25" long) first and our top loop second (1.75" long). This is important because the top loop is usually about 1/4" - 1/2" longer than the bottom loop. This 1/4"-1/2" is going to add to the overall length of the string. If you are making your second loop your top loop, the following is for you. If your second loop is the bottom loop then subtract about 1/4" - 1/2" from these measurements.
If you are making a string for a horse bow that has larger loops click below for different measurements.
I am making a string for a horse bow
2. Type of material (stretch)
Different types of material stretch different amounts. With material stretching more, you will need to shorten the string to compensate for the stretch. The following chart shows the length to start your second loop if you are making the top loop second.
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B55 or B50
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D97
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652 Spectra
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1.5" less than desired length
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1.25" less than desired length
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1" less than desired length
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For example, if I was making a B55 60" string, I will pinch the two bundles and start the second loop flemish at 58.5"
3. Length of string (stretch again)
I know it is weird to say that the length of the string affects the length of the string but it does due to stretch. If a B55 stretches 1.5" at a 60" string it is going to stretch 2" for a 70" string and 1.25" for a 50" string. The chart below will give a ballpark of where to start the second loop based on string length as long as your second loop is the top loop
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String Length
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B55
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D97
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652 Spectra
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50"
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1.25" less than desired length
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1" less than desired length
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3/4" less than desired length
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60"
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1.5" less than desired length
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1.25" less than desired length
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1" less than desired length
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70"
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2" less than desired length
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1.5" less than desired length
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1.25" less than desired length
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4. Where you start the second loop
Now that we know that we are making the top loop second, that we are using B55 material and let's assume that we are making a 56" string. All we have to do is take 56" minus about 1.5". 54.5" is where we will start the second loop. Don't worry about being exactly precise for two reasons. 1) the next step will show how you can adjust the length after the string is made 2) flemish twist strings can be taken apart and put back together as many times as you want as long as you don't serve the string yet. If you are going for 56" and it comes out at 55.5" after you stretch it, then just take it apart and try again by adding about 3/4" (not 1/2" because the bowstring is already stretched out).
5. Amount of twist (two ways)
A flemish twist has 2 types of twist, the actual flemish on the loops and splices (fade-outs) and the general twist throughout the string. The more twist the shorter the string.
A. The Flemish
If your string is too long you can continue the flemish twist past the splices (where the tag ends pop out). You will want to do this equally on both sides or you could mess up your back twist. You will also want to do this before your serve your bowstring.
B. General twist
If your bowstring is too long you can twist it up a whole bunch to make it shorter or untwist it to make it longer. You can do this by putting one loop on the bow and twisting the opposite side of the string. This is a great way to adjust string length (and therefore brace height) after the string is done and it is the beauty of the flemish twist.
After the string is made and before you serve it, stretch it out for 5-10 minutes (on your bow or another way) and test the length to be sure it is correct. If the length is not correct, you can take the second loop apart and try again.
Enjoy making your bowstring! If you need wax or bowstring material check it out below and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out at contact@shatterproofarchery.com
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