Best Archery Recurve Bow Strings
The bow string is a critical part of any archer’s experience. The string on a recurve bow is crucial to a smooth shoot with good speed and power, and no matter the design, it should fit well to the bow without fraying or wearing.
What are recurve bow strings?
The bow string is looped at each tip of the recurve bow and used to launch an arrow. Bow strings aren’t a single strand, rather they are a bundle of strings that twist tightly together. The structure provides a balance of stretch and power, with the materials and number of strands impacting the energy stored behind the arrow. Older bow strings were once made of primarily linen, cowhide, and plant materials, but most modern strings are made of synthetic materials like polyester.
Bow String Types
The two main string types that can be used with a recurve bow are simple strings and reverse twist strings. Simple bow strings are a simple bundle of fibers twisted together. It’s the earliest type of string, with a relatively short lifespan. Reverse twist strings such as the Flemish twist are similar to two simple strings twisted together in opposite directions. They have more durability than simple strings.
Bow String Sizes
The unit for bowstring length is often described as the AMO, which stands for Archery Manufacturer Organization. If a bow string is described as a 68-inch AMO, it is designed for a 68-inch longbow, and the actual string length will be 64 to 65 inches long. The bow string should be around 3 to 5 inches shorter than the actual bow length. Recurve bows, in particular, usually have a string 4 inches shorter than the AMO or bow length. The string should be taut but not overly so, as it can damage the bow and bow string if it is too tight.
What are the best recurve bow strings?
- KESHES Dacron Bow String
- Legend Recurve Bow String
- Deerseeker Dacron Bow String
- Southland Archery Supply Flemish Fast Flight Bowstring
- Flemish Fast Flight Plus Replacement Recurve Bowstring
- Huntingdoor Bow String
- EOUS Bow String
- LWANO Red Bow String
- OREAD Dacron Bow String Replacement for Traditional and Recurve Bow
- Longbowmaker B-55 Dacron Bow String
1. KESHES Dacron Bow String
Specifications:
- Price: $11.99-$14.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- String Size: AMO 48”-AMO 58”
- Brand: KESHES
The KESHES Dacron Bow String is popular for a reason. It’s a great all-around option for any bow and archer, with easy installation, great power and speed, and silent shooting. The B-55 comes well-waxed and glossy to protect from fraying, making it ideal for those who want to shoot on a regular basis. It also tunes easily and does not stretch after prolonged use.
2. Legend Recurve Bow String
Specifications:
- Price: $14.95
- Rating: 4.5/5
- String Size: AMO 48”-AMO 66”
- Brand: Legend
The Legend Recurve Bow String has a great reputation with professionals and amateurs alike. The shooting is well powered yet silent, with minimal vibration thanks to the B-55 Dacron design. It shoots smoothly and accurately, with durability to provide high performance throughout long outings and prolonged periods of time. This endurance makes it especially well suited for archers who shoot daily and extensively. Legend’s Recurve Bow String comes with an option of 12, 14, or 16 strands to accommodate a wide range of draw weight preferences.
3. Deerseeker Dacron Bow String
Specifications:
- Price: $10.90-$13.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- String Size: AMO 48”-AMO 70”
- Brand: Deerseeker
This Deerseeker bow string is an excellent choice for a standard Dacron string. It has good power and absorbs vibrations well from the bow, making it silent and effective. The Deerseeker Dacron Bow String is a solid, average-thickness thread that will suit any bow and easily fit a nock if desired. It comes with brass nocks and in options of 12, 14, or 16 strands to suit different draw weight preferences.
4. Southland Archery Supply Flemish Fast Flight Bowstring
Specifications:
- Price: $22.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- String Size: AMO 44”-AMO 66”
- Brand: Southland Archery Supply
The Southland Archery Supply Flemish Fast Flight Bowstring is an excellent option for those who want a high-performance Flemish twist string. It comes with a black and brown twist and is best suited for modern recurve bows. Some archers find that it stretches over time, but it can be readjusted with a metal nock point installed.
5. Flemish Fast Flight Plus Replacement Recurve Bowstring
Specifications:
- Price: $17.99-$26.95
- Rating: 4.7/5
- String Size: 44”-62” (Actual Length)
- Brand: Trad Gear
The Flemish Fast Flight Plus Recurve Bowstring has a striking, high-performance Flemish twist design made of black and white strings braided together. The braided structure gives it more durability and power than a simple string, but it also means archers should not use it for an older bow or a longbow. It is meant specifically for modern recurve bows, as it will strain and damage a bow without reinforced tips to store more energy behind a draw.
6. Huntingdoor Bow String
Specifications:
- Price: $7.99-$11.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- String Size: 54”-62” (Actual Length)
- Brand: Huntingdoor
The Huntingdoor Bow String offers great speed behind the arrow, as well as muted vibrations for a silent shot. The only setback is that it tends to fray for some archers after prolonged use, making it a bit less ideal for archers who shoot daily. Still, it is a reliable and versatile string that will fit any bow.
7. EOUS Bow String
Specifications:
- Price: $14.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- String Size: AMO 60” - AMO 62”
- Brand: EOUS
The EOUS Bow String is a reliable option made of solid black Dacron. It comes with silicon finger savers that cushion the archer’s fingers from the bow while shooting if desired. This bow string is on the thicker side whether you order the 12, 14, or 16 strand string, making it comfortable but not the best choice for archers who want a nock.
8. LWANO Red Bow String Set
Specifications:
- Price: $9.90
- Rating: 4.5/5
- String Size: AMO 50” - AMO 70”
- Brand: LWANO
The LWANO Red Bow String is unique because of its copper belt, which archers can use as a nock for the arrow. The string is primarily black, with red loops at each end. The loops are on the larger side and best suited for thicker bow limbs as opposed to slender designs. Some customers do find that the strings run on the short side by about an inch, so it might be wise to order one size up.
9. OREAD Dacron Bow String Replacement for Traditional and Recurve Bow
Specifications:
- Price: $9.90-$11.25
- Rating: 4.4/5
- String Size: AMO 56” - AMO 70”
- Brand: OREAD
The OREAD Dacron Bow String is a dependable, versatile replacement string for any model of recurve bow. The solid black Dacron material (polyester) is durable yet forgiving on the bow limbs, making it popular with vintage bows in particular. It comes ready for immediate installation. The AMO sizes are made for bows 56 to 70 inches long.
10. Longbowmaker B-55 Dacron Bow String
Specifications:
- Price: $10.99-$13.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- String Size: AMO 48” - AMO 72”
- Brand: Longbowmaker
The Longbowmaker B-55 Dacron bow string performs well and features a striking design of white and black intertwined strands. It’s handmade and comes pre-waxed, allowing archers to install it immediately with some built-in protection against fraying. While the body of the string is good, some archers have found that the loops attaching it to the bow snap or come undone after significant use.
FAQ
How can I prevent my bow string from breaking?
Applying wax to your bow string every two or three weeks is the best way to maximize its lifespan. Storing your bow properly, away from heat and moisture, will also help maintain the integrity of your string. However, bow strings naturally wear over time and with frequent use, so eventually they will need to be replaced. It is important to check your bow string before shooting for visible damage, fraying, or a fuzzy look. These may be signs that it is time to replace your string.
How can I tell if my bow string is too tight or loose?
When stringing a bow, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether the string is too loose or too tight. First, you must be sure that the string is the correct length to fit on your bow perfectly. Most bows will have this length available to you in a manual or through a quick online search. Over time, the string will start to loosen, in which case it is time for a new string to be attached. You will be able to tell when you have reached this point when an accurate shot is difficult to achieve.
Can you leave a recurve bow strung?
Yes, you can keep a recurve bow strung between uses, depending on how frequently you use it. In fact, the act of unstringing and stringing your bow can actually pose a higher chance of your string snapping in the event of an accident during the stringing process. If you plan on storing your bow for an extended period, it is best to remove the string. However, short breaks between archery sessions do not require you to repeatedly unstring and restring your bow.