Why?

[Robert Honaker]

Why wax a string? I see no need  in it. I have shot unwaxed strings for years and no problems.

I do have a problem with waxed strings. They stick to my bow limb and when I draw I hear a cracking sound, very audble to game, and wax attracts dirt and grime.

I just don't see the use in it.

Seems a properly waxed string will somewhat dampen the shock of the shot, making the bow quieter.  At least that is what I have come to understand over the years...

Maybe there is a parallel here in why we cannot shoot FF strings on an older bow...

I don't know this from personal experience because I have always kept my string waxed-up.  Just like I don't know how a dull broadhead will affect my chances of dragging that big'un out of the woods because I keep 'em scary sharp.

Good question tho....

[JamesV]

I shoot b50 and it comes pre waxed. When I make up a string I wax it before putting on the bow and burnish into the string with a piece of leather, then just shoot, never wax again. Seems to do just fine and I shoot a lot.

James..................

[lpcjon2]

IMHO it makes it more resistant to having small particles compromise the integrity of the string material inside the twist,protects the string from water damage,helps the string keep it's color,makes it supple(just wanted to use that word). You may shoot un-waxed strings for a while and think you have no problem until the day you draw and it breaks,then it's a problem.Preventive maintenance never hurt anything.

[BEN]

Wax reduces the friction of the multiple, twisted strands rubbing against each other as you draw and as the string snaps forward at the shot......dry string = increased friction/ wear.

Plus, a thorn, briar, etc that catches your string may cause more wear/tear on a dry string vs. waxed........      

[cyred4d]

I've found the taking a piece of wax paper and using it to rub the wax into my string goes a long ways towards making it not stick to the grooves in a recurve and helps eliminate that cracking sound.

[Night Wing]

In a nutshell, it prolongs the life of the bowstring. Like someone else said, preventive maintenance. I've been waxing my bows for the last 47 years.

[Cool Arrow]

I don't was my strings as oft as I probably should, but if I become too negligent I notice that the string becomes fuzzy. I'm sure that ain't good.
  Larry

[vermonster13]

With B50 a good reason to wax is that a wet B50 string loses 10% of it's strength.

[GMMAT]

Someone can surely check this....but, I'd be willing to bet you'll lose 10fps, after applying a coat of wax to a dry string.

Do I care about the loss of the fps?  Directly?  No.  Indirectly?  Sure.  That amount of weight added to your string will affect tune.

I put a new string on, once a year (and I shoot and hunt as much as many).  It's waxed when I put it on there.....and it never gets it, again.

This practice costs me $16/yr.

[lpcjon2]

How much do you think wax weighs? more than a silencer or a nock point.? if so I loose 30fps just setting up a string...LOL

[GMMAT]

I don't wax my string...so it doesn't really matter how much it slows it.  

Do you use silencers and nock points that run the length of your string?  Just curious.  Actually....no I'm not.

Good luck.

[bigbadjon]

Oh now I need to get a chronograph for my house. I won't be able to sleep with this nagging curiosity.

[GMMAT]

See, I don't really care whether you wax your string or not.  I really don't.  But, don't ridicule us who choose not to.  That's all I'm asking.

I think, if you're ONLY looking at the extra weight to form your opinion that the string won't be slowed....you're negating something else....increased mass.  IMO, that's what's going to slow your bow string.

If your opinion differs from mine....rock on!

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

..I use pure bees wax on my selfbow strings...because I like the smell !

[ChrisM]

I wax my string except the area that touches the limb.  It is how Bob Lee recomends it infact he suggest removing the wax on that area on a new string.

[FerretWYO]

I dont very often wax mine. Only if they get really wet I touch them up.

[Covey]

Wrap a little yarn around the ends of your string and you won't have any sticking. Works for me, plus makes your bow more quiet! Jason