Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Dante_F on March 14, 2019, 12:28:16 pm
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Question, can i use paracord for a bow string i have heard mixed opinions but a bow string isnt supposed to stretch right. the good paracord is cheap and desnt stretch so i think it can be used. but id like some opinions/experinces to be put in on this matter, Thanks
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I’ve used it kinda big, give it a try. I now use a plastic bailing twine for free strings. Good luck! Ed
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You can buy a spool of bow string material just about as cheap and have a better result. There are many bow strings worth of material in a spool.
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You can buy a spool of bow string material just about as cheap and have a better result. There are many bow strings worth of material in a spool.
^^^ this
Any hunting weight bow will make paracord behave like a rubber band, Dacron is cheap still has some stretch but not nearly as bad as Paracord. Fast flight/dyna flight are better but also more exspensive,
buy Dacron to learn on and once you know how to twist a string buy the better stuff then.
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No...
Del
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No...
Del
My thoughts exactly. Unless you were in some survival situation.
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I use it for a tiller string early in the process but it does stretch too much for a bow string.
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ok so that's definitely a big no-no so where exactly do i get these non stretchy bow strings?
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If you are asking that question the fishing line aisle at your local sports store is likely your quickest option. Spiderwire braid is great stuff.
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ok ill give it a try
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Or you could ask on Trading Post if anyone has and string material to trade. I just sent 2 spools of B-50 to a member because someone gave it to me and I already had plenty.
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thanks guys i may go check the trade forum
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If you do get the paracord don't get the thickest and remember it will stretch
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I’ve made a lot of strings from braided fishing line. Ten to twelve strands of 65# test braided works fine. You still want to wax it thoroughly to keep it together.
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If you are going to get into this stuff you might as well do it right. Buy a 1/4# spool of B-50 bow string material, watch the string making videos on youtube, make a string jig and start making bow strings. You will need a spool of serving and a serving tool as well as some string wax.
Ebay has good prices on B-50 bowstring material with free shipping.
A string made out of paracord will rob you of a good part of your bows performance as will a string made from too many strands of any other material. I use 12 strands of B-50 for bows up to 60#.
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He wants non stretch though. Spiderwire is just a quicker solution to that for most and works just as well as "proper" FF type material.
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The only problem is fishing line costs way more than bow string. If making them is in his future, then buying an 1/8# spool of bow string is the best solution.
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The only problem is fishing line costs way more than bow string. If making them is in his future, then buying an 1/8# spool of bow string is the best solution.
I agree. I bought two spools of D-97 one blue one red. I love it. I've made a lot of bow strings and still have a lot of line on my spools. I picked mine up at Primitive Archery Meet. I'm sure you can get it from some of the traditional Archery suppliers.
Bjrogg
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A $20 spool of Fireline/Power Pro will yield 2-3 strings, max. A $20 spool of D97 will yield at least double that.
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Sure. It's just the relative convenience with fishing line. Many guys may not be really getting into it to the point that they need enough for a bunch of strings. Finding a supplier and paying shipping etc. can be a hassle.
A ten dollar string isn't likely to be a bank breaker.
I usually top up my fishing reel and make a string out of the excess.
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I might have a couple spools of D97 that I would trade. I'm not sure of the colors. They might be girly like pink and purple. I can check and get back to you if you are interested.
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I think he wants something that stretches less than paracord, sounds like he isn't up to speed on string material. Beginners should invest as little as possible in their first attempts as one is going to make a few failure strings before they get the hang of it. Better to fail with B-50 while learning string making than something that costs 3 times as much.