I have recently started making my own strings,both flemish and endless loop.The endless loop strings seem to be much easier to make consistant than the flemish strings and both take about the same amount of time to make. What is everyones preference between the two and why? Just curious as to what style most people use and why. Opinions Please
I prefer flemish, and not just for looks. I've had too many endless loop strings break under the end loop servings. On flemish, the string is right there in front of your eye, so you can keep a lookout for fraying. Also, a 16 strand endless loop only has 8 strands in each loop. A flemish has all 16 strands running thru the loops so, theoretically anyway, it's stronger. I've never broken a flemish string.
Endless is lighter and gives a little more speed, but that's not enough advantage to overcome it's disadvantages, IMO.
I make my own Flemish loop strings too. In my experience, they are quieter to shoot than endless loop. The served ends of the 'loop strings really slap the bow limbs.
I prefer endless. I can make them more consistant. With two color strands and different color servings they look plenty cool. Flemish requires lots of wax which sticks to the bow limbs and makes noise on the draw. I have never seen an endless string break in the loop where some say they are weaker. I have had a flemish break, but it wasn't in the loop either. I like flemish a lot, I just prefer endless.
Actually I order my string material "lightly waxed" and add very little, if any, wax to it when making a flemish string. Some wax does make it easier to work with, but it's not a "have to". I don't like all that wax getting on the bow either. I've seen both types break, but the only time I saw a flemish completly break was at the loop, and it was made from PENN 66. The bow had a rough spot in the string groove and PENN 66 had practially no resistance to abrasion--it was taken off the market quite a while back.
Chad
Long Bows Rule!
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I'd second the Champion Flemish strings. Replaced all the strings on the bows I bought with them. Work out really nice. Troy I don't have your knack for strings so I have to buy mine.
Endless loop or flemish strings ?
