Let’s Dive into October Mountain Flemish String
The October Mountain Flemish String promises a blend of traditional archery craftsmanship and modern materials. Manufactured by October Mountain Products, it’s designed to provide archers with a reliable and durable string for their traditional bows. The string features a nylon center serving and includes a string Twist-Keeper.
My recurve bow had been sitting idle for far too long. The old string was frayed and unreliable, making it impossible to practice accurately. I needed a durable, dependable string that could handle consistent use. The October Mountain Flemish String, with its promise of quality Dacron and a traditional twist, seemed like the perfect solution.
The first impression was positive. The string felt robust, the serving was neatly done, and the included Twist-Keeper was a nice touch. It looked and felt like a quality product.
Compared to mass-produced endless loop strings, the October Mountain Flemish String offered a more traditional aesthetic and, potentially, greater adjustability. I also considered a custom-made string, but the October Mountain option offered a good balance of price and expected quality. Ultimately, the promise of a reliable Flemish twist construction swayed my decision.
I was excited to get it on my bow and start shooting. There was a sense of anticipation, hoping this string would breathe new life into my traditional archery experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Flemish String to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the October Mountain Flemish String at my local archery range. It was a sunny afternoon, perfect for slinging arrows. I installed the string on my 62″ recurve bow and immediately noticed how nicely it sat in the string grooves.
The initial shots felt smooth and consistent. There was no noticeable stretching or slipping. The Dacron material seemed to perform well even after repeated draws.
The string’s performance in dry conditions was excellent, however, I did not experience any other weather conditions at that time. No issues arose during that first session, only smooth drawing and accurate arrow flights.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few months of regular use, the October Mountain Flemish String has held up remarkably well. I’ve shot hundreds of arrows with it. The serving shows minimal wear.
The string material itself still feels strong and resilient. Regular waxing has kept it pliable and protected against the elements. Maintaining this string is simple. A quick application of string wax every few shooting sessions is all it takes.
Compared to my previous endless loop string, the October Mountain Flemish String offers a more consistent feel and better adjustability. I can easily tweak the brace height by adjusting the number of twists in the string. It outperforms my previous experience.
Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Flemish String
Specifications
The October Mountain Flemish String boasts the following specifications:
- Material: Quality Dacron. The Dacron material provides a balance of durability and stretch.
- Construction: Flemish Twist. This traditional construction method creates a strong and reliable string.
- Serving: Nylon Center Serving. The nylon serving protects the string in the critical area where the arrow nock sits.
- Inclusion: String Twist-Keeper. This helps to maintain the string’s twist and brace height.
- Sizing: Measured by AMO bow length. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of traditional bows.
- Actual Length: Approximately 4″ shorter than the listed AMO length. This is standard for Flemish strings.
These specifications are essential because they directly impact the string’s performance, durability, and compatibility. The Dacron ensures a smooth and forgiving shot, while the Flemish twist provides strength and adjustability.
Performance & Functionality
The October Mountain Flemish String performs its job admirably. It delivers smooth and consistent shots with minimal stretch. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to a worn-out string.
The string’s strength lies in its durability and adjustability. Its weakness is it’s not made of a higher performance material like Fast Flight. It meets expectations for a Dacron string at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The October Mountain Flemish String’s construction is simple, yet effective. The Dacron material feels comfortable to draw. The quality of the build feels like a well made string.
The string is user-friendly. The installation is straightforward. Adjusting the brace height is easy.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the October Mountain Flemish String should last a long time. I anticipate getting at least a year or two of regular use out of it. Regular waxing is key to prolonging its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The October Mountain Flemish String comes with a string Twist-Keeper. This is a simple but useful accessory for maintaining proper brace height. The string itself doesn’t offer customization options like different serving colors.
The string is compatible with any traditional bow that matches its AMO length. You can also use various string silencers to reduce noise. Different types of string wax can also be used to improve the strings longevity.
Pros and Cons of October Mountain Flemish String
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $19.99, it’s an excellent value for a quality Flemish string.
- Durable Construction: The Dacron material and Flemish twist create a robust string.
- Easy Adjustability: The Flemish twist allows for easy brace height adjustments.
- Smooth Shooting: The Dacron provides a forgiving and comfortable draw.
- Includes Twist-Keeper: A small but handy accessory for maintaining string twist.
Cons
- Dacron Material: While durable, Dacron is not as high-performance as newer materials like Fast Flight.
- Limited Customization: No options for different serving colors or materials.
Who Should Buy October Mountain Flemish String?
Perfect for: Traditional archers looking for a reliable and affordable string. Also, great for beginners learning to maintain their equipment.
Who should skip this product? Experienced archers seeking maximum performance from high-end string materials.
Must-have accessories or modifications? String wax is essential for maintaining the string’s condition. String silencers can also improve the shooting experience.
Conclusion on October Mountain Flemish String
The October Mountain Flemish String is a solid choice for traditional archers seeking a reliable and affordable replacement string. While it doesn’t offer the cutting-edge performance of high-end materials, its Dacron construction provides durability, smooth shooting, and easy adjustability. The price is justified, especially for beginners or those on a budget.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable Flemish string without breaking the bank. It’s a well-made product that delivers on its promises.
If you’re looking to breathe new life into your traditional bow, the October Mountain Flemish String is a great place to start. Give it a try and experience the difference a quality string can make!