Imagine drawing back a powerful longbow, the arrow nocked and ready. The only thing connecting you to that incredible force is a single strand: the bowstring. But what if that string isn’t the best choice for your bow? Choosing the wrong string can lead to a slow arrow, a noisy shot, or even damage to your precious longbow. It’s a frustrating problem for many archers, whether they are just starting out or have been shooting for years.
The world of longbow strings can seem confusing. There are so many different materials and types! How do you know which one will perform the best and last the longest? This is where we come in. In this post, we’ll break down the mystery of longbow strings. We’ll help you understand what makes a good string and what to look for when you’re shopping.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the perfect string for your longbow. You’ll learn about the different materials, what they do, and how to match them to your shooting style. Get ready to learn how to make your longbow sing!
Our Top 5 Longbow String Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longbow String Detailed Reviews
1. KESHES Dacron Bow String Replacement for Archery Recurve Traditional & Longbow Bows Bowstring – Sizes 12
Rating: 9.1/10
The KESHES Dacron Bow String Replacement is a fantastic upgrade for your recurve, traditional, or longbow. It’s designed for archers who want a tough string that still shoots straight. This bowstring comes in different sizes and strand counts, so you can find the perfect fit for your bow and your shooting style. Plus, it’s super easy to put on!
What We Like:
- Made with B-55 Dacron, which is known for being durable and lasting a long time.
- Offers a smooth launch and consistent power, helping you hit your targets every time.
- You can choose the right length and number of strands for your bow’s draw weight, ensuring a secure and effective fit.
- It’s an “endless loop” type, which means it’s already pre-looped, making it quick and simple to attach to your bow.
- Keshes offers a full refund if you’re not happy with the bowstring, showing they stand behind their product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recommendation for strand count is helpful, but some archers might prefer more detailed guidance for very specific bow weights.
- While the B-55 is sleek, some archers might miss the very specific feel of other string materials.
This KESHES bowstring is a reliable and user-friendly choice for archers of all levels. It’s built to last and easy to set up, making your archery experience more enjoyable.
2. Stone Mountain Bowstrings Flemish Twist B55 Longbow Traditional Bowstring Replacement Bowstrings for Longbow Style Archery Bows 16 Strands
Rating: 8.9/10
Reinvigorate your longbow with the Stone Mountain Bowstrings Flemish Twist B55 Longbow Traditional Bowstring Replacement. These strings are designed for traditional longbow archery, offering a classic feel and reliable performance. They are handcrafted in the USA, ensuring quality and attention to detail for archers who appreciate tradition.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted for precision and durability, giving you a classic traditional archery feel.
- Made from B55 Dacron material for a soft, smooth shot with less vibration and noise, perfect for beginners and restoring older bows.
- Double-served loop ends provide a consistent loop size for dependable shooting.
- Designed to fit modern and traditional recurve bows with specific loop sizes for a secure connection.
- Offers multiple strand options (12, 14, or 16) to match your draw weight and shooting preference, with 16 strands being the most versatile.
- Includes two brass nocks to help you find the perfect nocking point for accurate arrow placement and string protection.
- Proudly made in the Pacific Northwest, USA, guaranteeing quality craftsmanship.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recommended strand count for heavier draw weights (40+ lbs) is 16 strands, which might be the only option if you choose not to specify.
- While B55 is great for a soft shot, some advanced archers might prefer a faster, stiffer material for maximum arrow speed.
These bowstrings offer a fantastic blend of traditional craftsmanship and practical performance. They are a solid choice for archers looking to enhance their longbow experience.
3. Deerseeker Flemish D97 Bow String Handmade Twist Bowstring 16 Strands 54-70in Fast Flight for Traditional Longbow Recurve Bow Replacement Archery Accessories (Gray+Brown
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your archery experience with the Deerseeker Flemish D97 Bow String. This handmade twist bowstring is built for performance and durability, making it a fantastic choice for traditional longbow and recurve bow enthusiasts. Whether you’re hitting the range for some 3D target practice or heading out for a hunting trip, this string offers reliable performance.
What We Like:
- Made from top-quality D97 fibers, known for being long-lasting and tough.
- Hand-twisted construction means less stretching and more durability.
- Supports fast arrow flight and absorbs vibrations for a smoother shot.
- Perfect for both traditional longbow and recurve bow shooting, including hunting.
- 16 strands provide a good thickness for the center serving, ensuring proper arrow nocking.
- Available in different lengths and colors (Browngrey, Redlack) to fit your bow and style.
- Deerseeker offers excellent customer service and a free guarantee for any quality issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- The actual string length needs to be carefully considered based on your bow type (longbow or recurve) and AMO size to ensure a proper fit.
This Deerseeker bowstring delivers on its promise of quality and performance for traditional archers. It’s a solid investment for anyone looking to enhance their shooting accuracy and enjoy their archery pursuits.
4. LWANO D97 Flemish Twist Bow String – Handmade Fast Flight Bow String Replacement Bowstring for Traditional Longbow Recurve Bow (Black+Brown
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your traditional archery gear with the LWANO D97 Flemish Twist Bow String. This handmade Fast Flight string is built for performance, offering a reliable replacement for your longbow or recurve bow. Its durable construction and smooth shooting make it a great choice for archers of all levels.
What We Like:
- This bowstring is made with Dyna Flight 97 material. It is very strong and lasts a long time. It doesn’t stretch much and makes less noise when you shoot. This is a proven string that experts trust. It works well for traditional bows, longbows, and recurve bows.
- The AMO length helps you pick the right size. The actual string is 3 inches shorter than the AMO length. Using fewer strands gives a smoother shot. More strands give you more power and let the arrow fly farther.
- The D97 string is made by hand. The ends are loops that fit easily onto your bow. The string is already waxed to help it last longer.
- This string helps you shoot more accurately. It also makes your shots more consistent. It reduces shaking and noise when you shoot. This gives you a better archery experience. It is perfect for outdoor fun and hunting.
- LWANO offers great customer service. If there’s a problem with quality, they will take care of it. You can contact them if you have any issues. They offer free repairs and replacements.
What Could Be Improved:
- The actual string length is 3 inches shorter than the listed AMO length. While this is standard, it’s important for users to understand this difference to select the correct string.
- The description mentions that fewer strings offer a smoother shot and more strings offer more power and distance. While generally true, the optimal number of strands can vary depending on the specific bow and archer’s preference.
The LWANO D97 Flemish Twist Bow String is a solid choice for archers seeking a dependable and high-performing string. Its quality construction and thoughtful design will enhance your archery sessions.
5. KESHES Dacron Bow String Replacement for Archery Recurve Traditional & Longbow Bows Bowstring – Sizes 12
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your archery game with the KESHES Dacron Bow String Replacement. This bowstring is made for recurve, traditional, and longbows. It comes in various sizes to fit your bow perfectly. You get two brass nocks included for easy setup.
What We Like:
- Made with B-55 Dacron for extra stretch and long-lasting use.
- It keeps the same power as B-50 strings but lasts longer.
- You can choose the right number of strands for your bow’s draw weight.
- 12 strands are good for bows up to 40 lbs, 14 for up to 50 lbs, and 16 for up to 66 lbs.
- The endless loop design makes it super easy to put on your bow.
- It gives you a snug fit every time, saving you time.
- Keshes offers a full refund if you’re not happy with the string.
What Could Be Improved:
- AMO length vs. actual string length might confuse some beginners.
- More detailed guides on strand selection for specific bow models could be helpful.
The KESHES Dacron Bow String is a reliable choice for archers seeking durability and consistent performance. Its easy installation and strong build make it a great addition to your archery gear.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Longbow String
Picking the right string for your longbow is super important. It’s like choosing the right shoelaces for your favorite sneakers – they have to fit well and work hard! A good string helps your bow shoot straight and last a long time. Let’s break down what makes a great longbow string.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a longbow string, keep these things in mind:
- Length: This is the most crucial part. Your string needs to be the exact right length for your bow. Too short, and it won’t brace properly. Too long, and it won’t reach the nocks. Always measure your bow or check its specifications for the correct string length.
- Strength: The string has to be strong enough to handle the pull of your bow. A string that’s too weak might break, which is dangerous. Look for strings made for the draw weight of your longbow.
- Durability: You want a string that will last. A durable string can handle many shots without fraying or breaking. This means you won’t have to replace it as often.
- Smoothness: A smooth string helps the arrow slide off cleanly. This leads to more accurate shots. It also feels better when you’re shooting.
- Number of Strands: This refers to how many individual threads are twisted together to make the string. More strands usually mean a stronger string, but it can also make it thicker. The right number depends on your bow’s draw weight.
Important Materials
The stuff a string is made of really matters. Different materials offer different benefits:
- Dacron (B-50/B-55): This is a very common and popular material. It’s known for being soft, forgiving, and a bit stretchy. This stretchiness is good for older or more traditional longbows. It’s also quite affordable.
- Fast Flight/Dynaflight: These are modern, high-performance materials. They are much less stretchy than Dacron. This means they transfer energy faster, making your arrow fly quicker. However, they can be harder on older bows because of the lack of stretch.
- Fast Flight Plus (FFP): This is an even stronger and faster version of Fast Flight. It’s designed for very high-performance bows.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A string’s quality can be affected by how it’s made and what it’s made from.
- Quality of the Material: Even within Dacron, some brands are better than others. The same goes for modern materials. High-quality threads make a better string.
- Construction: How the strands are twisted together matters. A well-made string has consistent twists and is evenly tensioned. This helps it perform better and last longer.
- Waxing: Most strings come pre-waxed. This wax protects the strands from moisture and wear. Regularly waxing your string helps keep it in good shape. A dry string will wear out faster.
- Poor Craftsmanship: If a string has loose strands or uneven twists, its quality suffers. This can lead to breakage or poor shooting.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your longbow will influence the best string for you.
- Beginners: If you’re just starting out, a Dacron string is a great choice. It’s forgiving, less expensive, and works well with most beginner longbows. It makes learning easier.
- Experienced Archers: If you’re looking for more speed and accuracy, a Fast Flight or Dynaflight string might be better. These strings help you shoot faster and flatter.
- Traditional Archers: Many archers who love the classic feel of traditional longbows prefer Dacron. It matches the feel of older bows.
- Bow Maintenance: A good string reduces wear and tear on your bow. A string that’s too harsh can damage the limbs of older bows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Longbow Strings
Q: How do I know what length string to buy?
A: Always check your bow’s specifications for the correct string length. If you can’t find it, you can measure your old string or your bow when it’s unstrung.
Q: Is Dacron a good material for my longbow string?
A: Yes, Dacron is a very popular and reliable material. It’s forgiving and works well with most longbows, especially older ones.
Q: What’s the difference between Fast Flight and Dacron?
A: Fast Flight strings are made of stronger, less stretchy material. They make arrows fly faster. Dacron is softer and has more stretch, which is gentler on bows.
Q: How often should I wax my longbow string?
A: You should wax your string every few times you shoot, or whenever it looks dry. This protects it.
Q: My new string feels a little loose. Is that normal?
A: Yes, new strings often stretch a bit when they are first used. This is called “serving creep.” You might need to adjust the string length after a few shots.
Q: Can I use a string that’s too long for my bow?
A: No, you should never use a string that is too long. It won’t brace properly and could damage your bow or cause an accident.
Q: What does “draw weight” mean for a string?
A: The draw weight of your bow tells you how much force it takes to pull the string back. Your string needs to be strong enough to handle that force.
Q: Does the color of the string matter?
A: The color of the string is mostly for looks. It doesn’t affect how the string performs.
Q: How can I tell if my string is worn out?
A: Look for frayed strands, fuzzy areas, or a string that feels rough. If you see these, it’s time for a new string.
Q: Can I make my own longbow string?
A: Yes, experienced archers can make their own strings. However, it requires special tools and knowledge to do it safely and correctly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.