RE: String questions
Flemish is a type of string, not material. You can make a flemish string out of any of the string materials. Generally you have two types--endless and flemish. I prefer flemish--they are generally quieter, stronger in the loops, and (most importantly) better looking <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Endless are usually a little faster, easier to make, and more consistent from one string to the next, even from different stringmakers.
Fast Flight, Dynaflight, 450+, etc. all fall under the "high performance" category. They have less stretch and creep, therefore they place more of your bows energy behind the arrow. This results in better speed and less handshock. They are also much more durable than dacron. My favorite among these is Dynaflight '97, but I also like 450+. These materials may be noiser though, without silencers.
On the string length, it just depends on the bow design and shooter preferance. I learned the hard way that AMO standards do not always apply. Usually, recurves will get a string that is approx. 4" shorter than the AMO, longbows 3" shorter. However, I have made strings for bows that were less than 2" shorter than the AMO, and I once owned an old Herters that got a string 6" shorter than the AMO(this was written on the bow). I always ask for the actual string length now.
Chad
Long Bows Rule!