What Are Bowstrings Made Of? (Modern and Traditional)

A bowstring is typically crafted from a combination of materials designed to provide strength, flexibility, and durability.

Traditional bowstrings are crafted using natural materials such as vegetable fibers (e.g., hemp, flax, bamboo ribbon), animal fibers (e.g., silk, hide, sinew), or a combination of these. These strings have historical significance and are often favored by archers who appreciate the traditional aesthetics and feel of their bows.

Modern bowstrings are made from advanced materials like Dacron, Fastflight, or other high-performance synthetic fibers. These strings are popular among compound bow and recurve bow enthusiasts for their reliability and efficiency. To assemble the bowstring, the synthetic fibers are twisted together to create strands.

Crossbow strings are specially designed for crossbows, which require shorter and more robust strings due to their unique design and mechanics. These strings are built to withstand the high stress generated by crossbows.

In this article, I will provide details about all these materials and why are they used for bowstring.

What Are Traditional Bowstrings Made Of?

In the past, bowstrings were made from things like animal parts or plant fibers, which worked but weren’t as strong and reliable as today’s synthetic materials

1. Bowstring Materials: Vegetable Fibers

I’ll provide a detailed overview of each of the traditional bowstring materials, including their properties, pros, and cons.

1. Cane, Reed, and Bamboo Ribbon

Cane, reed, and bamboo ribbons are lightweight and have inherent flexibility, which makes them suitable for crafting bowstrings. They are typically twisted together to create a strong, yet pliable cordage.

Pros

1. Natural Flexibility: These materials exhibit a natural elasticity, which contributes to a smooth draw and release when shooting, enhancing accuracy.
2. Lightweight: Cane, reed, and bamboo-based strings are lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the bow and aiding in maneuverability.
3. Traditional Aesthetic: They provide a traditional look and feel, which appeals to archers who value authenticity.

Cons

1. Durability: While these materials offer reasonable durability, they may not be as long-lasting as some synthetic alternatives.
2. Environmental Sensitivity: Cane, reed, and bamboo can be affected by environmental factors, such as humidity and moisture, potentially impacting string performance.

2. Bark

Certain tree barks, like that of the slippery elm, can be processed into strong and flexible fibers suitable for bowstring construction.

Pros

1. Natural Origin: Bark-based strings align with traditional archery practices and offer a connection to nature.
2. Flexibility: These strings are known for their flexibility, contributing to a smooth draw and consistent shot release.
3. Traditional Appeal: Bark strings are favored by those who appreciate the historical and cultural significance of using natural materials.

Cons

1. Availability: Sourcing suitable bark fibers may be challenging, limiting the accessibility of this material.
2. Maintenance: Bark strings may require more frequent maintenance to preserve their performance, especially in humid or wet conditions.

3. Flax

Flax fibers, historically used for linen production, are durable and possess natural strength, making them suitable for bowstring construction.

Pros

1. Strength and Durability: Flax bowstrings are known for their durability and ability to withstand the stress of repeated drawing and releasing.
2. Natural Feel: They offer a smooth, natural feel during shooting, contributing to consistent performance.
3. Historical Significance: Flax-based strings have a historical connection to traditional archery.

Cons

1. Stretch: Flax strings may have a bit more stretch compared to modern synthetic materials, potentially affecting shot consistency.
2. Maintenance: Flax strings may require occasional waxing to maintain their condition and performance.

4. Hemp

Hemp fibers are extracted from the hemp plant, “cannabis sativa”. They are known for their strength and flexibility, making them suitable for crafting durable bowstrings.

Pros

1. Strength and Flexibility: Hemp bowstrings offer a balanced combination of strength and flexibility, contributing to consistent and accurate shooting.
2. Environmental Friendliness: Hemp is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material choice.

Cons

1. Initial Stretch: Hemp strings may exhibit initial stretch when first used, requiring some breaking in to achieve optimal performance.
2. Maintenance: Periodic maintenance, such as waxing, may be necessary to prolong the lifespan of hemp bowstrings.

2. Bowstring Materials: Animal Fibers

1. Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms and is known for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. It is exceptionally fine and smooth.

Pros

1. Strength and Smoothness: Silk bowstrings are incredibly strong for their size and offer a remarkably smooth release, which can enhance accuracy.
2. Low Stretch: Silk exhibits minimal stretch, maintaining consistent arrow speed and shot consistency.
3. Lightweight: Silk is extremely lightweight, contributing to overall bow maneuverability.

Cons

1. Cost: Silk is relatively expensive compared to other bowstring materials, making it less accessible to many archers.
2. Durability: While strong, silk may require more maintenance and care to prevent wear and tear over time.

2. Hide

Hide bowstrings are typically crafted from the skins of animals, such as deer or buffalo. The hide is processed into thin strips and braided to create a strong cordage.

Pros

1. Natural Origin: Hide strings have a strong connection to traditional archery practices and a natural look and feel.
2. Durability: Hide strings are known for their durability and resistance to moisture, making them suitable for various environmental conditions.
3. Strength: They offer considerable strength and can handle the stress of drawing and releasing a bow.

Cons

1. Weight: Hide strings can be heavier compared to some other materials, potentially affecting the bow’s overall weight and balance.
2. Stiffness: Depending on the hide used, these strings may have a slight stiffness that requires breaking in for optimal performance.

3. Sinew

Sinew is the tough, fibrous tissue found in the tendons of animals, particularly large game animals like deer and bison. It has been used for centuries to create strong and resilient bowstrings.

Pros

1. Strength: Sinew is exceptionally strong and has a high tensile strength, making it capable of withstanding the stress of drawing and releasing a bow.
2. Lightweight: Sinew strings are relatively lightweight, aiding in bow maneuverability.

Cons

1. Stretch: Sinew strings may exhibit some initial stretch and require periodic maintenance.
2. Availability: Sourcing sinew can be challenging, as it relies on obtaining the tendons from specific animals.

What Are Modern Bowstrings Made Of?

1. Steel

Modern steel bowstrings are typically constructed using stainless steel wire strands. These strands are twisted together to form a strong and durable bowstring.

Pros

1. Strength: Steel bowstrings are incredibly strong and can handle high tension, making them suitable for powerful compound bows and crossbows.
2. Low Stretch: They exhibit minimal stretch, ensuring consistent arrow speed and shot precision.
3. Durability: Steel strings are highly resistant to wear and environmental factors, offering long-lasting performance.

Cons

1. Weight: Steel strings can be relatively heavy compared to other materials, potentially affecting the overall weight and balance of the bow.
2. Noise: They may produce more noise upon release, which can be a concern for hunters or archers aiming for stealth.

2. Dacron

Dacron bowstrings are made from synthetic polyester fibers that are twisted together to create a strong and flexible cordage. Dacron has been used in bowstring construction for many years. It is favored for its durability and relatively low cost. Dacron strings are often used in traditional bows.

Pros

1. Versatility: Dacron strings are versatile and suitable for a wide range of bows, including traditional and compound bows.
2. Affordability: They are relatively cost-effective compared to some other modern materials.
3. Shock Absorption: Dacron strings offer good shock absorption, reducing hand shock and vibration upon release.

Cons

1. Stretch: Dacron strings may exhibit some stretch over time, which can affect shot consistency.
2. Weight: While not excessively heavy, Dacron strings are heavier than some high-performance alternatives.

3. Fastflight

Fastflight is a modern, high-performance bowstring material made from a blend of synthetic fibers like Dyneema, Spectra, or Vectran. These materials are tightly woven together to create a strong and low-stretch string.

Pros

1. High Performance: Fastflight strings are known for their excellent performance, providing high arrow speed and accuracy.
2. Low Stretch: They are known for their low-stretch properties.
3. Durability: Fastflight strings are durable and resistant to wear and environmental factors.

Cons

• Compatibility: Due to their high performance, Fastflight strings may not be suitable for all bows, as they can exert high stress on older or less durable models.
• Cost: They tend to be more expensive than some other modern bowstring materials.

Factors Considered When Choosing Bowstring Material

Bowstrings have special properties, as they perform most of the energy-transferring work in the bow. They are also the part of the bow that the archer uses the most. So to maintain the quality and properties of the string, materials are selected based on the following:

1. Strength and Durability 

The most critical factors in selecting bowstring materials is their strength and durability. Manufacturers look for materials that can withstand the stress of repeatedly being drawn and released by the bow. The material must be strong enough to handle this without breaking or stretching excessively.

2. Stretch Resistance 

Bowstrings need to have minimal stretch to maintain their length. Materials that exhibit low stretch properties are preferred because they help maintain the usability of the string and hence the bow’s performance over time.

3. Weight

Manufacturers consider the weight of the material to achieve a balance between speed and stability. Lighter materials can increase arrow speed, while heavier ones can provide better stability.

4. Flexibility 

Bowstrings must be flexible enough to allow for smooth drawing and releasing of the bowstring, ensuring a consistent shot. At the same time, they need to return to their original state quickly to maintain their shape.

Types Of Bowstrings For Different Bows

Now let’s discuss, what types of bowstrings we use in different types of bows.

1. Compound Bowstrings

Compound bowstrings are specifically designed for compound bows, which are known for their unique pulley or cam systems. These bowstrings have distinctive features that set them apart.

1. High Tensile Materials: Compound bowstrings are typically crafted from modern synthetic materials like Fastflight or BCY 452X. These materials are chosen for their high tensile strength and low stretch properties, enabling the compound bow’s efficient energy transfer.

2. Pre-stretched: Manufacturers pre-stretch compound bowstrings during the manufacturing process to reduce initial stretch.

3. Cam-Specific: Compound bowstrings are often custom-made to fit the unique cam systems of specific bow models.

4. String Accessories: Accessories like string dampeners, peep sights, and string loops are commonly used with compound bowstrings to enhance shooting comfort and accuracy.

2. Recurve Bowstrings

Recurve bowstrings are designed for traditional and Olympic-style recurve bows, which lack the complex mechanical systems of compound bows. These strings emphasize simplicity.

1. Natural or Synthetic Materials: Recurve bowstrings can be crafted from various materials, including traditional options like Dacron or modern high-performance materials like Fastflight. The choice depends on the archer’s preference and the type of bow.

2. String Length: The length of a recurve bowstring is crucial, as it directly affects the bow’s draw length and performance. Archers often measure and customize their recurve strings to match their bow and shooting style accurately.

Types of Bowstring Forms

After the materials are selected for the bowstring, they are crafted into different forms. Let’s discuss some of the popular forms that bowstrings come in.

1. Endless Loop Strings

Endless loop strings are modern bowstrings used primarily with compound bows. When you look at an endless loop string, it appears as a single continuous loop without any visible knots or twists. It has a clean and sleek appearance, which is suitable for modern compound bows.

To make an endless loop string, manufacturers use high-strength synthetic materials like Fastflight or BCY 452X. They carefully construct these materials into a single loop without any breaks, creating a seamless string. This loop is designed to fit perfectly with the specific cam system of a compound bow.

2. Flemish Twist Strings

Flemish twist strings are known for their traditional and timeless look, often seen on longbows and recurve bows. They have a distinct twisted appearance, making them unique. A Flemish twist string looks like a series of twisted strands, almost like a braid. It has a classic and rustic appearance that appeals to archers who appreciate traditional archery equipment. The twists and knots are a part of its charm and function.

Making a Flemish twist string involves twisting together multiple strands of bowstring material, which can be either natural, like Dacron, or synthetic, such as Fastflight. These strands are meticulously twisted and braided into a pattern that forms the string. The result is a bowstring with visible twists and knots, giving it its characteristic appearance.

3. Single Cam Strings

Single-cam strings are specifically designed for single-cam compound bows. These bows have a unique cam system on one end and a straight idler wheel on the other.

Crafting a single cam string involves using high-performance synthetic materials. These strings are precisely tailored to fit the cam system of a single-cam compound bow. They are made to be strong and low-stretch, ensuring optimal efficiency and accuracy.

When you examine a single cam string, it appears similar to an endless loop string, with a smooth and continuous look. However, it’s custom-made to match the specific single-cam bow model it’s intended for. The focus is on precision and performance.

What To Look For In A Bowstring?

Selecting the right bowstring is a choice every archer has to make at some point, whether they don’t link the string or their old string snapped or worn. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

1. Material: Choose a bowstring material that suits your bow type and shooting style. Options include synthetic materials like Fastflight, Dacron, or high-performance blends.

2. Length: Ensure the bowstring is the correct length for your bow, as it directly impacts draw length, vibration, and energy transfer..

3. Strand Count: The number of strands in the bowstring affects its strength and durability. Match the strand count to your bow’s specifications.

4. Serving: Look for a well-served bowstring with protective servings around the loops and center serving to prevent wear and enhance nocking points.

Maintaining Your Bow String

Taking care of your bowstring is crucial for its longevity and ability to perform better. Follow these essential maintenance tips:

Wax Regularly: Apply bowstring wax to your string’s strands and servings. This prevents fraying, reduces wear, and maintains flexibility.

Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your bowstring for signs of wear, including loose strands, serving separation, or damaged servings. Replace or repair as needed.

Avoid Overexposure: Protect your bowstring from excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures, as these can weaken the material.

Use String Silencers: String silencers help reduce noise and vibration while protecting the string. Consider using them for a more comfortable shooting experience.

Maintain Nocking Points: Ensure that your nocking points are properly set and well-maintained to prevent excessive wear on the serving.

Conclusion

These were the main types of bowstring materials. Use the bowstring material and its form according to your bow type and its model. If you want to know more about these materials and how they are extracted, check out this article from Archeryhistorian. Regularly maintain your bowstring and restring the bow after a few years.