Choosing a reliable aftermarket bow string can improve velocity, accuracy, and overall shooting comfort. This guide spotlights five top options from trusted brands, designed for recurves, longbows, and traditional bows. We compare material types, construction, and recommended strand counts to help you match a string to your draw weight and style. In addition to strings, you’ll find a high-quality bowstring serving thread as a practical maintenance accessory. The table below lists the five picks with essential specs to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | AMO Length | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEERACE Traditional Recurve Bow String | DEERACE | 62″ (Actual 58″) | Finger savers included |
| DEERACE D97 Flemish Bow String | DEERACE | 62″ Bow Length | Endless loop; D97 construction |
| BCY B55 Poly Bowstring | BCY | 1/4 lb spool | Low stretch; durable polyester |
| Stone Mountain Flemish D97 Bowstrings | Stone Mountain Bowstrings | 58″ (62″ AMO) | Handcrafted D97 material |
| SOPOGER Bow String Serving Thread | SOPOGER | 131 yd / 120 m | Durable serving thread |
DEERACE Recurve Bow String And Finger Savers
DEERACE’s traditional recurve bow string uses a Breakthrough B-55 style construction designed for recurves, longbows, and traditional bows. The string’s design helps dampen vibration, delivering a steadier shot as you draw. The set includes silicone finger guards—one-finger and two-finger sizes—for comfort during extended sessions. The AMO length is 62″, with an actual length of 58″. For draw weights up to 65 lbs, the recommended strand count is 16, balancing power and smoothness. A mounting pin is included for easy installation on most traditional bows.
- Material: Dacron-like B-55 construction for vibration dampening
- Length: 62″ AMO; 58″ actual
- Finger savers: 1-finger and 2-finger guards included
- Installation: mounting pin included
- Strands by weight: 12 for up to 40 lbs; 14 for up to 50 lbs; 16 for up to 66 lbs
DEERACE D97 Flemish Bow String
This Flemish Fast Flight string from DEERACE uses the D97 material, a step up in performance for archery enthusiasts seeking quicker arrow speed and reliable durability. It’s designed for recurve, longbows, and traditional bows, with an endless loop construction that includes a loop, under loop serving area, and a center serving area. For AMO length of 62″, the actual string length is about 4″ shorter. The string’s strand count should be chosen based on draw weight, with fewer strands giving a smoother feel and more strands delivering more power. It features waterproof and dustproof characteristics, and can be waxed for longevity.
- Material: D97 (Dynaflight) construction for speed and durability
- Length note: actual length ~4″ shorter than AMO
- Loop design: Endless loop with distinct upper/lower loops
- Weatherization: Waterproof and dustproof; wax protection recommended
BCY B55 Poly Bowstring
BCY B55 is a 100% polyester bowstring comparable to Dacron but designed for enhanced durability and lower stretch. It’s primarily used for recurves, and is also compatible with older crossbows and traditional bows without reinforced limb tips. Recommended strand counts range from 12 to 16 for recurves, giving shooters flexibility based on draw weight. Waxed to maximize longevity, the B55 string provides a reliable balance of velocity and control, especially for veteran archers who require steady performance over time.
- Material: 100% polyester; low stretch
- Primary use: Recurve bows; compatible with older crossbows
- Strand range: 12–16 for recurves
- Durability: Waxed for longer lifespan
Stone Mountain Flemish D97 Bowstrings
Stone Mountain Bowstrings offers a Flemish twist D97 bowstring tailored for recurve bows and traditional archery. The D97 material provides faster performance, greater durability, and improved long-term reliability when compared with B55 options. The string is designed for recurve bows with a top loop of 1 3/4″ and a bottom loop of 1 1/4″ to ensure a secure and precise fit. Each string is handcrafted for precision and reliability, and the 16-strand construction supports a confident draw and steady string tracking across many shots.
- Material: D97 for speed and durability
- Construction: Flemish twist; 16 strands
- Fit: Top loop 1 3/4″; bottom loop 1 1/4″
- Craftsmanship: Handcrafted for precision
SOPOGER Archery Bow String Serving Thread
SOPOGER’s archery serving thread is a high-quality nylon/polyethylene material, offering light weight with strong tensile strength and impact resistance. It performs well when installing peep sights and tying in nocks, and can be used to repair a separated serving or to protect bowstrings. Suitable for compound and recurve bows, the thread comes in a long 131-yard spool, giving archers ample material for multiple projects. The color option shown is black, designed to blend discreetly with most strings.
- Material: Polyethylene-based nylon serving thread
- Length: 131 yards / 120 meters
- Use cases: Peep sights, nocks, repairs, protection
- Compatibility: Works on compound and recurve bows
Buying Guide
When selecting aftermarket bow strings, consider these factors to ensure compatibility and value across shooting contexts:
- Bow type and limb design: Recurve, longbow, and traditional bows each respond differently to string material and strand counts. D97 strings often offer faster performance for traditional layouts, while Dacron-like B-55 strings deliver smoothness and durability for classic setups.
- AMO length vs actual length: The AMO length is the bow’s standard measurement, but the actual string length can be shorter (often by about 4 inches). Verify fit for your bow to avoid string slip or excessive brace height changes.
- Material choice and performance: Polyester/Dacron-like strings provide durable, steady performance with moderate speed. D97 variants tend to optimize speed and stiffness, while BCY B55 offers low stretch for recurves that demand precision.
- Strand count and draw weight: The recommended strand count should align with your draw weight. More strands typically increase power but can affect smoothness and shot cycle; fewer strands yield a softer feel. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for your bow.
- Maintenance and weather resistance: Some strings are designed to be more water- and dust-resistant, and waxing is often recommended to prolong life. Consider strings that fit your local climate and maintenance preferences.
- Accessories and ease of installation: Strings that include mounting pins or come in adjustable, end-loop configurations can simplify installation on traditional setups. A bowstring serving thread is a valuable companion for maintenance and quick repairs.
- Brand reputation and warranty: Choose brands with established performance reviews and responsive customer service. With archery gear, reliable warranties can help protect against manufacturing irregularities over time.
Across these five options, you can mix and match primary strings with maintenance accessories to tailor your setup to drawing weight, hunting or target practice needs, and local conditions. Always perform a careful fit test on your bow and practice shots at low draw weights before committing to a higher-strung configuration.