Strings

[Submarinokotbw]

How do you know when your string is ready to be retired? D97 or Fast Flight type strings. How often should they be replaced? Ive had mine on for 2 years and i dont want them to break...  :confused:

[gringol]

If you see any frays/fuzzy spots, it's time.  Keep it waxed.

[ddauler]

Hard to say but the only place I have ever had one break is under serving near nock point so always inspect that area when time to replace the serving.

[bowless]

A new one would be a small investment for peace of mind. Just keep the old one for a backup.

[Orion]

I replace most of my strings annually whether they need it or not, sooner than that if I notice undue wear.

[Jim Picarelli]

Originally posted by Orion:
I replace most of my strings annually whether they need it or not, sooner than that if I notice undue wear.

I do the same thing. On my hunting bows, I'll make new strings for them about a month before the season opens and use the old ones for back-ups

[Dick4bows]

I just bring a compact string jig and B-50 spools along with me.  It all fits in a tackle box.  Always prepared

[Flying Dutchman]

I change them annualy. I don't take any risks for that small amount of money.

[bigbadjon]

If it isn't damaged I'd just keep shooting and keep a shot in spare. Personally I've stopped waxing my strings. The wax just makes dirt and such stick to it and actually reduces its life.

[Sirius Black]

If you feel uncomfortable about it, go ahead and change it. Trust your gut.

[Dan Adair]

Originally posted by bigbadjon:
If it isn't damaged I'd just keep shooting and keep a shot in spare. Personally I've stopped waxing my strings. The wax just makes dirt and such stick to it and actually reduces its life.

I'm glad I'm not the only one with this theory.  It also adds weight to the string, and slows your bow down a couple FPS, which is just one more variable you have to control.

Also, once they get hard and waxy, they make your bow noisier.

I usuually reserve a string 3-4 times, and they it gets thin under the serving where I shoot it.  That worries me, and that's when they get replaced.  I usually get about a year and a half out of a good string, and I shoot a LOT.

[The Whittler]

BW bows recommends once a year or 10,000 shots. Not sure about the number of shots.

[LC]

What ever BW says has to be gospile! Seriously they do know alot about bows and such but seems like every thing trad comes back to what BW says!

IMHO when you start seeing "fuss" on your string it's breaking down. period. All the waxing in the world isn't going to make it come back together and be stronger. How much longer you can go, well that's the million dollar question. How much have you twisted the string to make it the right length? How much have you shot it? If you have twisted and twisted to make it the right brace height, VS actual length then you have done two things. You've made it worthless and  you've made it weak. When you twist a string too much it never twists past the loop section regardles endless or flemish. You've made a weak point in the string at the end of the twists! I'm also of the opinion string wax just adds weight and possibly adds to the weakness of a string. I don't add grease where it can catch dust and make the grease a sandpaper,same with string wax.

I guess after making my own strings for years now I just can't imagine anyone not making their own. There are instructions on here for making jigs and strings that anyone can follow.It was one of the first things I learned to do, then fletching, then making arrows and finally my own bows. If you don't have the time then just buy a new string cause theirs several great string makers as sponsors here. Strings are one of the cheapest things in trad so just replace them if like someone said your gut tells you too.

[Burnsie]

I guess I'm pressing my luck, still shooting the original B50 string that came on my Fox High Sierra in 2001.  Been to Idaho and back and all over the place. The string was originally gold and black, now its just black.  I think its time to retire that baby.