FF isn't always quieter--some folks seem to have a problem getting it quiet--but usually with proper tuning and silencer placement it can be made just as quiet as any string--some folks get it quieter.

How hard it is on the limb tips is debateable. With a light arrow that doesn't absorb as much energy, it could be, since there is very little stretch/elasticity to absorb the left-over energy, so the bow has to absorb it. I couldn't say if deer antler is strong enough or not. Another thing to take note of is the string grooves have to be cut at the proper angle. The only bows I have seen damaged by FF were two older bows that had the tips literally sawn off by the string. I am pretty sure the loops were not padded, and the string grooves definately were not cut for it (bows were made well before FF came out).

Dynaflight '97 and Fast Flight are both made of Dyneema. Dyna '97 is made of Dyneema 75, original FF was made of Dyneema 65. The 75 is a higher grade. Formula 8125 is the same material as Dyna '97, but is the same diameter as original FF (smaller than Dyna '97). I've made a few strings with the 8125 (42 so far, I think) but I haven't shot it. I don't think there will be much if any difference in the performance between the two--I'll make a string for myself eventually and see what happens.

Chad

I did extensively question the bowyer that is building my bow about the strength and longevity of the bone reinforced tips. Deer antler (bone) reinforced limb tips is an option provided by the bowyer making my bow. He uses the material on his personal bows and has installed bone on many purchased bows.

He stated that he has never had any negative results yet, but qualified his statement by saying that he would not guarantee that a failure could never happen, especially knowing that some shooters, when trying to squeeze out one more pound of energy or 5 more fps, will often exceed the limitation of what energy the bow and/or accessories can withstand. I will go "ditto" on the exceeding limitations.

To give an example a type of damage a FF string can do if all things are not right; he (bowyer) purposely tested a FF on the limbs of another high-quality set of limbs made by a popular custom bowyer that did not have reinforced tips for FF. After several shots, the FF string cut into the tips of both limbs and vertically ripped the limbs as though the string was a thin saw blade.

I have inspected FF installed on reinforced tips. I will agree with LBR's observations.

Best make sure the string loops are wrapped well and that there are no edges or stress points working any part of the string.

I definitely respect the "stick" knowledge of ArtP and LBR but I have to admit, when I have dry-pulled a few recurves with FF installed, and fired a FF recurve a few times, I was a bit unnerved.