Many spearos make up their own bands. Not all "tie" them. Sometimes, I use SS rings but have gotten lazy and mostly just tie them. I use 19 X 1, 3/32 SS cable bridles (wishbones) and make them myself. The procedure has been described on Deeper Blue and Spearboard (search peskydor). The cable is cut, bent and each end is inserted into a mould filled with hot solder. For guns with fins I use string wishbones. These are 2.8 mm spectraspeed. Just tie knot on each end and insert into rubber. Normal length for a cable or string bridle is 5-6 inches. There is a trend to use very short string bridles.
The correct stretch ratio is 3.5 and there is a formula for calculating it. Practically, I would suggest you use rubber tension consistent with your needs and abilities. For a Biller 48, either 9/16 X 3 X 21 or 5/8 X 2 X 22 are normal loads when using soft rubber.
There are many different rubber compounds. The black coated amber bands sold by Biller are the softest. The toughest rubber known is "mean green". Then, there is "Mori" rubber. This is black and also has "high modulus" (tough to pull).
Riffe sells a compound similar to Mori in amber and black.
Extra bands are needed when making long trips or expeditions. Other extra equipment may be needed. Otherwise, if your bands are in good shape there is usually no need to take extras on day trips. If your gun is left in a very hot automobile the bands may break the first time stretched.
I do not recommend use of amber rubber under certain circumstances. The amber rubber seems to glow when stretched and is quite noticeable to game fish. However, most types of amber seem to be very durable if kept out of the sun.
To answer your question as to why and what bridles: Strings are cheap and easy to make up and do well with arrows equipped with fins. The strings may break when inserted into slots. For slots, the home made cable bridle is best and will last approximately 5 years of average to heavy use. Wire bridles, IMO are obsolete, junk. There are other wishbones made in Europe such as the "articulated" wishbone. I recommend you stay with other, proven types and that you may consider making your own.
Before making or tying a bridle, look up the knot called " constrictor". This is used to constrict the band and secure the bridle inside the band. Learn to tie it. Do so and follow up with several wraps of nylon whipping twine and finish with a square knot. If experiencing difficulty inserting the knot into the band try greasing the knot or obtaining an
insertion tool.
Pesky
