The string is the only part of your recurve bow that touches every shot — and material choice changes how the bow feels, sounds, and performs. Dacron B-55 is the forgiving standard for traditional and wooden bows: stretchy, quiet, and easy on limb tips. Flemish Twist D97 splits the difference — hand-twisted construction, less creep than Dacron, and fast enough for competitive barebow shooting. Fast Flight strings are the speed choice, with minimal stretch and maximum energy transfer for archers who have confirmed their bow can handle the increased limb tip stress. This guide breaks down the best options in each material so you can match your string to your bow and how you shoot.

Dacron

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Legend Recurve Bow String B-55 Dacron

Dacron

Best Dacron string for traditional and wooden bows

The most popular B-55 Dacron bowstring on Amazon. Available in 12, 14, and 16 strands for AMO lengths 48-66 inches. Endless loop design installs quickly onto any recurve or traditional bow. Absorbs vibration on release, making it safe for wooden bows and traditional recurves that can't handle high-performance strings.

Pros

  • 12/14/16 strand options for all draw weights
  • Endless loop — installs without tools
  • Safe for wooden and traditional bows

Cons

  • AMO range tops out at 66 inches
  • Slower arrow speed than D97 or Fast Flight
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KESHES Dacron Bow String B-55

Dacron

Best value Dacron string with wide size range

KESHES B-55 Dacron in 12, 14, and 16 strands with AMO lengths from 44 to 70 inches — one of the widest size ranges available. Includes 2 brass nocks for consistent arrow placement. Slightly less stretch than B-50 for more consistent shot-to-shot power while retaining the quiet, forgiving feel of Dacron.

Pros

  • AMO range 44-70 inches — fits most bows
  • Includes 2 brass nocks
  • Less creep than B-50 for consistent power

Cons

  • Not suitable for bows requiring Fast Flight
  • Slightly slower than D97 strings
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Flemish Twist

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Deerseeker Flemish D97 Bow String

Flemish Twist

Best Flemish Twist string for barebow competition

Hand-twisted D97 Flemish bowstring in 16 strands for draw weights up to 80 lbs. Available in AMO lengths 54-70 inches. D97 fiber delivers less stretch than Dacron for faster arrow flight with enough vibration absorption to protect modern recurve limbs. Brace height is adjustable by adding or removing twists.

Pros

  • Hand-twisted for adjustable brace height
  • D97 fiber — less stretch than Dacron
  • Supports up to 80 lb draw weight

Cons

  • Not suitable for wooden or older traditional bows
  • Fewer size options than Dacron strings
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LWANO D97 Flemish Twist Bow String

Flemish Twist

Best budget Flemish Twist D97 string

Handmade D97 Flemish Twist bowstring in 16 strands covering AMO lengths 54-70 inches. Pre-waxed during production for immediate use and longer string life. D97 fiber construction provides quick arrow flight with minimal noise — a reliable upgrade from standard Dacron for barebow archers on modern ILF rigs.

Pros

  • Pre-waxed for immediate use
  • Low stretch D97 fiber construction
  • Quiet on release for a fast-flight string

Cons

  • Narrower length range than Dacron options
  • Not compatible with wooden bow limbs
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Fast Flight

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SAS Flemish Fast Flight Bowstring Made in USA

Fast Flight

Best Fast Flight string for speed-focused archers

SAS Flemish Fast Flight replacement string in 18 strands, made in the USA from BCY-grade material. Available in AMO sizes 48-70 inches. Minimal stretch maximizes energy transfer for the highest arrow velocity of any recurve string type. Requires a bow with reinforced limb tips rated for Fast Flight — check your bow's specifications before use.

Pros

  • Minimal stretch for maximum arrow speed
  • 18-strand construction for durability
  • Made in USA

Cons

  • Only compatible with Fast Flight-rated bows
  • More noise on release than Dacron
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Farmington Archery Flemish BCY DynaFlight 97 Made in USA

Fast Flight

Best premium Fast Flight string

Farmington Archery's BCY DynaFlight 97 Flemish string in 18 strands, hand-made in the USA. Available in AMO sizes 54-70 inches. DynaFlight 97 is the benchmark performance material for recurve competition strings — extremely low stretch, long service life, and consistent brace height retention over thousands of shots.

Pros

  • BCY DynaFlight 97 — industry benchmark material
  • Hand-made Flemish construction in USA
  • 18 strands — rated for up to 70 lb draw weight

Cons

  • Requires Fast Flight-compatible limb tips
  • Premium price compared to imported options
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Buying Guide

Choosing the right recurve bowstring starts with two questions: what material are your bow's limb tips made from, and what do you prioritize — smoothness, speed, or versatility? Dacron B-55 is the safe, universal choice. The material's built-in stretch absorbs shock on release, which protects limb tips and makes it the only appropriate string for older wooden bows and many traditional recurves not rated for high-performance strings. Dacron is also the quietest option and the most forgiving to shoot — a consistent choice for hunters and archers who prioritize feel over raw speed. The tradeoff is approximately 5-10 fps slower arrow velocity compared to Fast Flight. Flemish Twist strings use D97 fiber — a high-performance polyethylene that stretches less than Dacron while still absorbing enough vibration to work safely on most modern recurve bows. The hand-twisted construction allows the archer to adjust brace height by adding or removing twists, which is useful for tuning. D97 strings are the popular middle ground for barebow competition: faster than Dacron, less demanding on limbs than Fast Flight, and durable enough for high-volume practice. Fast Flight strings (BCY 652 or similar) deliver maximum arrow speed with minimal stretch. Tournament archers and hunters who need flat trajectory at longer distances choose Fast Flight for its energy transfer efficiency. The critical caveat: Fast Flight is only safe on bows with reinforced limb tips specifically rated for high-performance strings. Using Fast Flight on a standard wooden or older traditional bow can crack or delaminate the limb tips. Always check your bow manufacturer's specifications before switching to Fast Flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Dacron and Fast Flight bow strings?

Dacron (B-50 or B-55) stretches approximately 2-3%, which absorbs shock on release and protects limb tips. It's quieter and more forgiving but slower — typically 5-10 fps slower than Fast Flight. Fast Flight (BCY 652) has minimal stretch, transferring more energy to the arrow for higher velocity. The tradeoff is increased limb tip stress. Fast Flight should only be used on bows with reinforced tips rated for high-performance strings.

What is a Flemish Twist bow string?

A Flemish Twist string is a construction method where multiple bundles of fiber are hand-twisted together rather than looped continuously. This creates a string with served end loops and a distinctive twisted appearance. Flemish Twist strings can be made from Dacron or D97 fiber. The main practical advantage is adjustability — you can change the brace height by adding or removing twists. Most Flemish Twist strings on the market use D97 fiber, making them a fast-flight-class option compatible with modern recurve bows.

How do I know what length bowstring I need?

Look for the AMO length stamped on your bow, usually on the riser or lower limb. The AMO length is the bow's length, not the string length. For recurve bows, the actual string length is 4 inches shorter than the AMO length. For longbows, the actual string length is 3 inches shorter. So a 62-inch AMO recurve bow takes a 58-inch actual string. When in doubt, measure from string groove to string groove along the bow with it unstrung.

How many strands do I need for my recurve bow string?

Strand count depends on draw weight. For bows up to 40 lbs, 12 strands is standard. For 40-50 lbs, use 14 strands. For 50-66 lbs, use 16 strands. Higher strand counts add durability and are better suited for heavier draw weights, while fewer strands produce a slightly smoother, quieter shot. For most barebow archers shooting 35-45 lb recurves, 14 strands is the right balance.

How often should I replace my recurve bow string?

Replace your string when you see fraying in the serving or main strands, consistent peep rotation, or a noticeable drop in brace height that can't be corrected by twisting. For high-volume shooters (500+ arrows per week), that may be every 3-6 months. For recreational archers, a quality string can last 1-2 years with regular waxing. Always inspect the string before each session and apply string wax every 200-300 shots to extend life.