Choosing bow string making supplies

Serving and string fiber let an experienced builder make a bow-specific string, but the strand count and material must suit the intended design.

The short answer

String-making material determines the build before the bow sees it

Fiber material and process

Fiber material affects how the string is built and served. Use the material named for the bow and the builder’s process rather than combining fibers by color.

Strand count and diameter

Strand count controls finished string diameter. That diameter must work with the nock fit, cam tracks, and serving plan on the bow.

Feet-per-pound planning

Feet-per-pound is a planning field for builders: it helps calculate how much material the specified strand count requires for a given build.

Serving and contact areas

Serving protects contact areas and holds accessories in place. A loose serving or visible damage deserves inspection before the bow is drawn.

What the listings actually show

The current catalog includes 92 string-making supplies from 3 brands. Nearly every listing states fiber material, strand count, and feet-per-pound.

Before you buy

A build only holds up if the builder knows the bow’s specs before cutting material.