Do I need new strings and cables? This is a question that we often get times, and usually, what I do is tell them to inspect their bows first. As for the cost of restringing a bow, this depends on a lot of factors.
For that reason, there isn’t a single answer to this question. This is because the cost will vary depending on the type of string you get, the condition of your bow, and also the shop you go for all your archery service.
In this article, I will offer a more detailed answer so that you can know exactly how much it will cost you to restring a compound bow.
When Do You Need To Change A Bow String?
The first thing you should look at is if there is any string wear o the string and cable. This may look like different things, including fraying or fuzz on your string.
You would also want to look at other areas like your actual cables and also the part of your string that doesn’t have any serving on it.
- Discoloration
Other things that you would want to look for is that if there is any string discoloration.
For example, if your string started off with black and green, and now it’s almost brown and light green, that’s definitely a good sign that you might need to replace your string.
- Serving Separation
Usually, you would find your serving in the area of your D loop, your cams, and your roller guard areas, which is the string that wraps around your string to protect it from any further wear and tear.
- Wax Buildup
Wax buildup is another that you would usually look for in a bow. Small wax buildup can be removed by a piece of leather or just by rubbing the string with your fingertips.
This may be another reason to replace your string. Usually, if there is a wax buildup and it doesn’t work in with your fingers or piece of leather, it means that there is some string wear, fray, and fuzz and that wax just can’t get soaked in anymore, that usually is a good sign to replace your string.
When Is A Good Time To Replace A String?
Usually, I would recommend replacing a string anywhere from three to four years old. However, this all varies depending on the shooter to shooter. So, if you shoot a lot very often, you might need to restring the compound bow sooner.
If you don’t shoot that much, you may be able to replace it a little bit later. If you are the type of person that shoots 50 to 100 arrows, three to five times a week, you are definitely going to have a lot of wear and tear.
On the other hand, if you are the type of guy that goes out, sights in the bow a couple of times before shooting shoots a couple of deer throughout the season, then you may not need to replace it so much.
If the season is in a few months out and you feel like you would want to replace a string, it’s a good idea to do it now. This allows plenty of time for timing, tuning, and sighting before you get ready for shooting.
I usually recommend replacing the strings and cable in the spring or early summer. This will give you plenty of time to tune your bow, maybe your rest, reset your bow in and practice before deer season.
This will also give you plenty of time for string stretch that can happen with any new stringing and cable set you get.
Cost Of Restringing A Compound Bow
Now, if you are sure of it and want to replace your string, you might want to consider the cost first. Here are the factors that will influence your bow restringing cost.
- String Cost
The more premium string you want, the more premium you would have to pay. Before you decide on one, make sure to look at the price and quality the string offers and compare it with other similar priced products.
Most of the time, manufacturers will usually make some compromises to keep a competitive price tag. A string is very sensitive, and no matter what you do, you don’t want to install a less durable string.
The price of string can start from $50 and go all the way up to $200, if not more. You should choose a string depending on the bow and your usage. There is no point in buying a string to use on a used bow.
If you shoot regularly, you might want to pay a little bit more to get a longer-lasting compound bowstring.
This will save you the trouble of restringing often. This also brings us to our next point, which is the restringing service.
- Service Cost
Now that you have chosen your desired string, it’s time to install it to your compound bow. If you don’t know how don’t try to do it on your own. Restringing takes a lot of work, and you will have to pay a good amount to a bow technician if you want to maintain the peak performance of your bow.
If you know a good bow technician, you can get it done much cheaper. It will cost you around $20 bucks if you are only restringing your bow. The service charge might add up if you want to do more like paper tuning, waxing, and all that.
If you are confident in yourself, you can try doing it on your own. But I would advise against that.
Maintaining A Compound Bow String
You usually want to wax your bow about every other week. It will also depend on how much you shoot. Other times that you would want to wax it if it’s been in the rain or the heat.
By waxing and keeping it waxed, you will make sure that you extend the life of your string just a little bit longer. Also, plan ahead.
And that’s all there is to it.
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