Strings For Compound Bows: Cost And Quality

The cost of new strings for a compound bow varies depending on the type of bow, the quality of the strings, and the frequency of use. On average, it costs between $50 and $300 to restring a compound bow, with the strings themselves ranging from $50 to $200. Custom strings, designed to meet the demands of professional archers, offer better accuracy and performance but may invalidate your bow's warranty. Stock strings, on the other hand, are mass-produced and may not provide the same level of performance. While the cost of restringing may seem high, it is essential to maintain the performance and safety of your compound bow.

Cost of new strings for a compound bow

The cost of new strings for a compound bow can vary depending on several factors, including the type of bow, the quality of the strings, and the frequency of use.

Custom strings are designed to meet the demands of professional archers, offering better accuracy and performance. They also provide improved bow stability but can be more expensive and may invalidate your bow's warranty. Stock strings, on the other hand, are mass-produced and come pre-installed with your bow. Their quality can vary depending on the brand, and they may require constant tuning. For casual archers, stock strings may be sufficient, but competitive archers or hunters will likely want to invest in custom strings for improved performance.

The cost of a bow string can range from $50 to $200, with higher-quality strings tending to be more expensive. The number of strands in the string can also impact the cost, as a lower number of strands can deliver higher arrow speeds but may result in vibrations and tuning issues. Additionally, the type of material used for the string can affect the cost, with materials like 8190, Dyneema, 452X, and Ultra-Cam being popular choices for synthetic strings.

It is recommended to change your bow string and cables annually for target bows and every two years for hunting bows. If you shoot very frequently, you may need to change your strings every few weeks. Proper storage and maintenance of your bow can also extend the lifespan of your strings.

In addition to the cost of the string itself, you may also need to budget for the labour cost of having a professional install the new string, which can range from $20 to $50. However, attempting to restring your compound bow yourself may not be much cheaper, as you will still need to purchase the necessary tools, such as a bow press and hex keys, which can cost around $50 each.

Therefore, when considering the cost of new strings for a compound bow, it is important to take into account the type of string, the frequency of use, and whether you will be installing the string yourself or seeking professional assistance.

Where to buy new strings

There are several options for purchasing new strings for your compound bow. Firstly, you can opt for custom-made strings from companies like 60X Custom Strings and Winner's Choice Strings. These companies offer a wide range of options, including different colours and setups, and they tailor the strings to fit your specific bow model. They also provide warranties and ship directly to your location.

Another option is to purchase pre-made strings from archery supply stores, such as Lancaster Archery Supply. They offer a variety of strings and cables for compound bows, and you can either order custom-made ones or select from their inventory.

Additionally, you can explore online retailers like Amazon or Bass Pro Shops, which was recommended by Archers Hub for its portable bow press. These sites offer a convenient way to purchase bowstrings and related equipment, often with user reviews to help guide your decision.

Lastly, your local archery store is a great option for purchasing new strings and having them installed. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to safely restring your compound bow, typically charging around $20 to $50 for labour. This option ensures the work is done correctly and can save you the cost of buying specialised tools if you were considering a DIY approach.

Types of bow strings

There are two main types of bow strings: custom strings and stock bow strings. Custom strings are designed to meet the demanding preferences of professional archers, offering better accuracy and performance. They also provide improved bow stability. However, they can be more expensive and may invalidate your bow's warranty.

Stock bow strings, on the other hand, are mass-produced and come preinstalled with your bow. While they may be of good quality, especially from great brands, they may undermine accuracy and performance and require constant tuning. For casual archers, stock bow strings are sufficient, but competitive archers or hunters typically prefer custom strings for their bows.

When it comes to materials, modern bow strings are often made from synthetic materials, with some of the most popular and durable options being 8190 (ideal for hunters), Dyneema (a high-tech, affordable option), Ultra-Cam (for hot weather shooting), and 452X (a blend of Dyneema). These materials offer advantages such as strength, lightweight, and resistance to abrasion and water.

In terms of cost, a bow string will typically set you back between $50 and $200. The price varies based on factors such as your shooting frequency and the draw weight you intend to use. Additionally, the cost of tools required for a DIY restring can add up to $50-$100, and professional labour for restringing services can range from $20 to $50.

How often to replace strings

The bowstring is the most important component of a compound bow. It is responsible for transferring the bow's power to the arrow during firing. Therefore, it is essential to replace the strings regularly to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Several factors determine how often you should replace your compound bow strings. These include how often you shoot, your shooting environment, and how you store and maintain your bow.

If you are a regular shooter, it is recommended to replace your bowstrings once every one to two years. Target bows, which are typically used more frequently and exert more force on the strings, should be restrung annually. Hunting bows, on the other hand, can go for two to three years between string replacements.

Very frequent shooters, those who shoot 2,000 to 2,500 times, may need to replace their strings every few weeks. Proper bow storage and maintenance can also extend the life of your strings. Keeping your bow string waxed, storing it in a dedicated case, and avoiding direct sunlight and damp conditions can help prolong the life of your strings.

Additionally, it is important to inspect your strings for any signs of wear and tear. Visible signs of string wear include fuzzing, fraying, dryness, and brittleness. Inconsistent shot grouping, shot placement, or loss of poundage may also indicate that it's time to replace your strings.

By replacing your compound bow strings regularly and maintaining them properly, you can ensure optimal performance, accuracy, and safety.

How to replace strings

To replace the strings on a compound bow, you will need a new bowstring, which typically costs between $50 and $200. You can either replace the strings yourself or get them professionally replaced.

If you decide to replace the strings yourself, you will need some additional tools, such as a bow press and hex keys. A portable bow press is useful if you want to be able to restring your bow while out hunting and typically costs around $50. A full bow press can cost hundreds of dollars but is not usually necessary unless you plan on doing a lot of customisation work on your bow. You can also use Allen keys to loosen the bolts on the riser of the bow, which will reduce the tension and make it possible to change the string.

When replacing the strings, it is important to take photos of the cable routing before you start and to replace one string at a time. This will make it easier to remember how the cables were routed and ensure that you do not accidentally add or remove twists in the new strings.

If you decide to get your strings professionally replaced, it will typically cost between $20 and $50 for the labour, in addition to the cost of the new string. Taking your bow to a professional archery store is recommended, as they will have the correct tools and expertise to perform the work safely and correctly.

Frequently asked questions