BCY B55 String Material Review

Putting the BCY B55 String Material to Work

For decades, archers have relied on tried-and-true materials for their bowstrings, and the quest for the perfect blend of durability and performance is a constant pursuit. The BCY B55 String Material, manufactured by BCY, offers a compelling option for traditional archery enthusiasts and those with older equipment. It’s described as a 100 percent polyester material, akin to Dacron but with enhanced durability and remarkably low stretch. This material is primarily recommended for recurve bows, but its utility extends to older compound bows with teardrop string attachments and traditional bows that lack reinforced limb tips.

My journey to this particular string material wasn’t a sudden whim, but rather a practical necessity. I was working on restoring a vintage recurve bow, a beautiful piece that deserved a string built to its era but with modern reliability. The original string was frayed and frankly unsafe to shoot, and I needed a material that wouldn’t aggressively alter the draw weight or timing of the bow, which can happen with overly high-performance, low-stretch modern materials. Finding a string material that could handle the demands of consistent use without causing undue stress on the older limbs was paramount.

My initial impression upon handling the BCY B55 was positive. It feels robust and has a slightly waxy texture, typical of good quality polyester string materials. The strands are consistent, and there’s a reassuring density to the bundle, suggesting it’s well-constructed. I considered other common Dacron alternatives, but the promise of “better durability” and “very low stretch” specifically for traditional applications made the BCY B55 stand out. The initial feeling was one of quiet confidence – this seemed like a material that would do its job without fuss.

Real-World Testing: Putting BCY B55 String Material to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for the BCY B55 string material was my workshop and the quiet backyard range I’ve set up for tuning and practice. I prepared the string for a classic recurve bow, meticulously serving the ends and building the loop. The process of serving the string was straightforward; the material accepts wax well and holds serving thread securely.

During the initial test shots, the performance was exactly what I’d hoped for. The draw cycle felt smooth, and the release was crisp, without the slight “slap” that can sometimes accompany strings with excessive stretch. I noticed no significant change in draw weight after the initial stretching period, which was a relief for an older bow. The BCY B55 String Material handled repeated shots throughout a warm afternoon without any noticeable degradation in performance.

The ease of use was exceptional. If you’ve ever served a bowstring before, working with this material is second nature. There was no unusual stiffness or brittleness that made it difficult to handle, nor did it feel excessively “sticky.” My only surprise was how quickly it settled in; typically, a new string needs a bit more time to fully break in, but this material seemed eager to perform right out of the gate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, shooting several dozen arrows daily, the BCY B55 has held up admirably. The bow is used for target practice and occasional informal plinking, meaning it’s subjected to varied conditions, from humid mornings to dry, sunny afternoons. Despite this, the string shows no signs of fraying or unusual wear at the nocks or limb tips.

Durability is clearly a strong suit of this string material. I haven’t observed any loss of performance, such as a significant increase in stretch or a decrease in arrow speed. The material remains supple and hasn’t developed any stiffness that would negatively impact its flight. Its resilience to the elements encountered during outdoor shooting has been impressive.

Maintenance has been minimal, as is typical for polyester-based strings. A light reapplication of bowstring wax every few dozen shots keeps it in optimal condition. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. Compared to some of the cheaper, off-brand polyester strings I’ve used in the past, which often become fuzzy or develop weak spots prematurely, the BCY B55 feels like a superior product. It’s a noticeable step up from basic Dacron in terms of longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of BCY B55 String Material

Specifications

The BCY B55 String Material is constructed from 100 percent polyester. This composition is key to its performance characteristics. It is designed with very low stretch, significantly less than standard Dacron, which is crucial for maintaining bow performance and reducing limb stress. The material is described as having better durability than its predecessors or similar polyester offerings. While the product doesn’t specify a diameter, it’s generally comparable to other high-quality bowstring materials, typically around .018 to .020 inches for individual strands.

The 100 percent polyester composition translates directly into a string that holds its shape and tune exceptionally well. The very low stretch characteristic means that once the string is properly served and served in, it will remain consistent shot after shot, preserving the bow’s timing and arrow launch consistency. This durability ensures a longer lifespan for the string, meaning fewer replacements and less hassle for the archer.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a bowstring material is to transfer energy efficiently from the archer to the arrow, and the BCY B55 excels at this for its intended applications. Its ability to maintain minimal stretch during the draw and release cycle allows for a clean and consistent arrow launch. This directly contributes to better accuracy, especially for traditional archery where nuanced adjustments can make a significant difference.

The strength of this material lies in its balance: it offers performance akin to more modern, low-stretch materials but with a forgiving nature suitable for older bows. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is that it’s not designed for the extreme speed demands of modern high-poundage compound bows. For its intended use on recurves and older compounds, however, it performs exceptionally well. It meets and often exceeds expectations for traditional archery needs, offering reliability that is paramount.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of BCY B55 is focused on practical performance rather than aesthetic flair, which is typical for bowstring materials. The polyester fibers are tightly woven, giving it a dense and sturdy feel. This construction contributes to its better durability and resistance to abrasion.

The “ergonomics” of string material aren’t about grip, but about how it feels to work with and how it interacts with the bow. The material is smooth enough to run cleanly through fingers during serving and shooting, but has enough texture to hold wax and serve threads effectively. There’s no complex learning curve; its familiarity to standard polyester string materials makes it easy for any experienced string maker to use. The consistent diameter and weave mean it integrates seamlessly into the bow’s mechanics.

Durability & Maintenance

For its intended use on recurve and traditional bows, the BCY B55 String Material is built for a good lifespan. Polyester strings, especially those with enhanced durability like this, can last for thousands of shots. It’s not a disposable item; it’s designed to be a long-term component for your bow.

Maintenance is remarkably straightforward. A good quality bowstring wax applied periodically is the main requirement to keep the fibers protected and the string performing optimally. Cleaning is as simple as a quick wipe-down. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points with this material. However, as with any string, constant exposure to excessive moisture without drying and waxing can eventually degrade its integrity, but this is true for all natural and synthetic string materials.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a raw string material, BCY B55 String Material itself doesn’t come with accessories. The “accessories” are the tools and materials used to create a finished bowstring: serving thread, bowstring wax, and string-making jigs. The material’s key aspect is its compatibility with standard bowstring construction techniques.

It’s designed to work seamlessly with standard serving materials, whether nylon or other synthetics. Bowyers and string makers can customize the serving color, thickness, and the loop style to suit their specific bow or aesthetic preferences. This material’s inherent properties allow it to be used with various serving lengths and thicknesses, providing flexibility for bow tuning.

Pros and Cons of BCY B55 String Material

Who Should Buy BCY B55 String Material?

This string material is an excellent choice for archers who shoot traditional recurve bows and older compound bows that lack reinforced limb tips. It’s also perfect for anyone restoring vintage archery equipment who wants a historically appropriate yet reliable string material. If you are a bowyer or an experienced archer who makes their own strings, this material provides a fantastic foundation for creating a durable and high-performing string.

Individuals who should probably skip this material are those who shoot modern, high-performance compound bows. These bows typically require specialized, ultra-low-stretch materials that can handle significantly higher draw weights and speeds. Also, if you are looking for a pre-made, ready-to-shoot string, then purchasing a finished BCY B55 String Material bowstring from a reputable maker would be a more suitable option than buying the raw material.

For those using this material, a good quality bowstring wax is a must-have accessory. Additionally, having reliable serving thread and a good string-making jig will make the process of building your own string much smoother and more accurate. Understanding proper serving techniques and string-building best practices will also greatly enhance the final product.

Conclusion on BCY B55 String Material

The BCY B55 String Material stands out as a superior polyester option for traditional archery. Its blend of enhanced durability and remarkably low stretch makes it an ideal choice for recurve and older compound bows, offering a reliable and consistent shooting experience. The price point of $10.99 for a spool of this quality material represents excellent value, especially considering its longevity and performance benefits.

I would absolutely recommend this string material to anyone looking to build a string for their traditional or vintage bow. It strikes a perfect balance between old-school reliability and modern material advancements. If you’re invested in traditional archery and value a well-performing, durable string that respects the mechanics of your equipment, the BCY B55 is a fantastic choice that won’t disappoint.