ive used both and i like the ultra knock better. been using them since 96 never had a string break or wear dispite rumors. it uses 4 hold screws instead of 2. in my own experience i have found no difference between a string loop and a metal loop hitting my targets out to 35 yards. i just like how the arrow knock locks into the metal loops better and there is also no replacing a metal loop after a year or so of use. there cheap enough so try both out. either way i think you will like using a loop.
Metal loops...[:'(] They weaken the string, causing it to break prematurely. When you draw the bow, the string has to take a hard bend around the metal, instead of a soft bend like it would around a rope loop. That hard bend is what does the damage. Just like bending a paper clip back and forth, it will eventually break. The string will almost always break right at the top edge of the metal loop, and since the damage is under the serving, you don't get any warning that the string needs to be changed until... KAPOW!
Metal loops usually gall and raise burrs on the jaws on releases. On low brace height bows, the weight can make the string travel far enough forward that it will peen the arrow rest.
I tried one and really liked the idea but it took away 4 FPS and I found it to be very loud compared to a rope loop. Also have heard of them flying off.
I've tried the metal horseshoes and prefer the string. The metal is heavier, much most costly, and harder to make small adjustments because it clamps a flat spot on the string.
Here's Bob Ragsdale's reasons to use a string loop:
"Eliminates arrow-falloff at full draw.
- Makes nocking point location less critical.
- No need to re-nock after a let-down.
- No serving wear from release aid contact.
- Assures easy one-handloading
- Releases can remain attached and ready to go.
- Eliminates gaps in serving from up pressure on nocking point.
- Controls peep sight rotation.
- Eliminates nock warping due to pinch at full draw.
- Allows release aids to be at an angle rather than only level.
- Makes shorter length bows easier to work with.
- Extends maximum available sight range area.
- Prevents arrow from sliding down the string during the shot.
- Prevents release aid rope slap with high cheek anchor.
- Improves shoulder alignment.
- Loop length can modify draw length of bow.
- Eliminates chin slap from inward swinging release aid ropes.
- Can be used with all non-rope release aids.
- Reduces string vibration noise."
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Never trust a bow under 40 (inches).
Tried them years ago and quickly took it off my string. Do you really want a aluminum loop with four screws holding back your bow string? That's four more screws to vibrate themselves loose and fail at the worst possible time.
Use a string loop for all the reasons BTM posted.
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"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency........... Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."
i can only speak of real life experience with the metal ones. i had to re comment again because i have used the metal ones for many years while some people didnt like them and used them for a week or a day and thats it. i have one on my bow as well as my 2 brothers so i know its not just my own conclusion . ive been shooting my jennings for the last 5 seasons shooting the same one and on my mcpherson bow for a couple years before that. i replaced my string on my jennings last year due to wear in other places on the string but not from the ultra knock. on the contrary i have seen hunters who have to change there string loops every season and read stories of string loops coming apart. probably tied on wrong but who knows how many failed just because of age, wear , or material where i didnt have to. the string i replaced was a bit flat where the ultra knock was but no wear or fraying at all. i dont see 4 fps a big deal but i havent shot mine through a chrono to verify although i have one.people are so passionate about there gear once they have a set up they like so i say try both. i never had the screws come loose as the screws are treated with blue loc tite. you can get a pack of string loop material for 5$ but an ultra knock is like 12$ . both are dirt cheap at wally world when the season is over.
Well, if we're gonna be recommenting, then I'll do it too. I've been very active in competitive archery for the past 25 years. I've hung out a LOT at the various bow shops around town, trying to drum up support for the clubs and tournaments. I've seen the strings break on the practice range. I've watched guys turning in incomplete scorecards and leaving with broken strings. I've been at the shops watching them getting new strings put on. When those strings broke under the center serving, every one of them was wearing a metal loop and they were all broken at the top edge.
I'm sure there are the lucky few who've never had a problem with a metal loop. I've seen enough of the others that I won't ever use one and will strongly recommend against using them.
On the other hand, I have yet to see a properly tied string loop break or come undone. You can see the wear on a loop and know when to replace it. So if a loop breaks, it's plain numbskull negligence on the part of the shooter. They do need to be replaced from time to time, certainly, but they last a lot longer and are easier to use if you wax them heavily once every couple of weeks. Just a bit of maintenance and TLC, and you'll never have a problem with a string loop.
When I bought a new bow 1 1/2 yrs ago, I had the shop take the Ultra-Nok from my old bow and put it on my new Hoyt. He said are you sure you want this thing and not a string loop? About 6 months later my son and I were outside shooting. As I was drawing the bow, this metal loop broke and I jacked myself in the mouth. After many expletives and the start of a fatlip I took the 2 halves off and tied on a string loop. My son looked at his MagnaTek and said "Uh, Dad let's take mine off too and can you show me how to tie on a string loop." I was using a TruBall caliper style release which showed no wear on the nok where it broke or on the release.
At least with a string loop you can see if it needs to be replaced. Those of you that use the metal loop, I intend no product bashing just telling what happened to me. TerryE
T.R.U. NOK
thats what im tryin to say...
