Time to get a new string?

[Dipsnort]

How does one know when it's time to replace a bowstring?  I use wax periodically and mine still appears to be in good shape (no fraying) but I believe my arrows have lost some speed and I'm wondering if the string is stretched or ??  Tips, please.

[BULLBLASTER]

if the string has only stretched, you just need to put the bow back in spec. usually i wait until strands start to break before i replace strings. when they look real bad.

[Todd_ID]

if the string has only stretched, you just need to put the bow back in spec. usually i wait until strands start to break before i replace strings. when they look real bad.

Me too.  I get a couple or three years of shooting 50 shots a day out of mine.  By "back in spec" he means to take the string and cables off the bow and measure them under tension and twist to match the bow's spec's; this isn't as complex as it sounds since a 2x4 and a turnbuckle will work for the tension part.  A bow press is generally needed for the "take it off" part.

[Dipsnort]

By "back in spec" he means to take the string and cables off the bow and measure them under tension and twist to match the bow's spec's

Thanks for the clarification.  I'll take my bow to the shop and let them handle this procedure because they have the proper tools and I don't.  I have the original string that came with the bow and I notice that the strands are quite straight (no twist).  Is that normal?

[gutsnthegrass]

I noticed my bow shooting like crap.  Thought maybe it was just me at first but then I noticed the my cord for my fall away rest was a bit twisted around the cable it was attatched to.  New strings made all the difference and it's shooting like new again.

[dreamingbig]

...I have the original string that came with the bow and I notice that the strands are quite straight (no twist).  Is that normal?
[/quote]

It would be hard to say without seeing it... most have a fair amount of twist to them.

[Crunchy]

You should be able to check specs without taking the string and cable(s) off the bow by measuring axel to axel, brace height, and cam timing.  At least that should get you close.

[boneaddict]

mine broke two weeks ago, thats how I knew......

[mossback91]

mine broke two weeks ago, thats how I knew......

Ouch

[boneaddict]

I was actually pretty lucky.  The bow was sitting on my table and all of a sudden TWANG.  Thank GOD one of the kids wasn't sitting there eating or coloring.    I had another one on my compound break a couple years ago.  It scared the living crap out of me, let alone almost "cut me in half"  .  I talked to the guy at Grizzly and he said that you should just replace them yearly as there is no way to tell.  It was like a week before my moose hunt so I was scrambling.  They got it ready for me though.

[dreamingbig]

I just ordered new strings and cables last week for my Trykon even though the string still appears in good shape.  The current string/cables are 2+ years old.  I wanted to change them out before the season just in case.

[Ray]

I don't have a compound but on my longbows I will replace them when I see general wear and tear or every other year. Had one break on me this year. No big deal. I always have an extra. Good thing I learned from a bow maker how to twist up strings. Not a pro but get the job done for myself. Save me some cash in the process as well as get the bow turned back on it's feet real fast. Would not like to see an 85 lb bow with a string break at the dinner table. Ouch.

[Dipsnort]

mine broke two weeks ago, thats how I knew......

Holy crap, that's scary in so many ways!  There must have been some indication of wear?

[rose-n-arrows]

You guys are pretty brave.  I've seen some pretty scary strings out there, but that's not an area where I'm willing to chance it.  Think of the stress on them-even at rest they're under tension.  A new set of strings is a lot cheaper than a visit to the ER to have a cam removed from your forehead.