When Should You Replace A Bow String

Updated August 15, 2022

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Knowing when to replace a bow string is essential to maintaining your compound bow or recurve. There are a couple of reasons why giving your bow the proper care is important.

Safety is the biggest reason for keeping up with your bow’s maintenance and you should replace bow strings regularly. If you don’t replace your bow string in time, then it can break when you’re using it. An unexpected break can damage your bow and injure you or others who are nearby.

Another argument for changing your bow string is that it will stretch over time. Some stretching is a normal part of breaking in your string. However, you don’t want it to stretch to the point of becoming less effective because it will negatively impact your hunting performance.

Here, we break down when to replace compound and recurve bow strings, how long they usually last, and indications that your string life may be coming to an end.

When To Replace A Compound Bow String

It’s usually best to replace your compound bow strings every two to three years, depending on how often you use them. However, you should replace them sooner if you notice any damage or visible wear.

A target bow will need more frequent string changing than a comparable hunting bow, simply because of of shooting lighter target arrows through the bow, compared to a heavier hunting arrow.

It’s important to inspect the string and cables that connect the cams on compound bows. If any of them show signs of wear and tear, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible.

Unless you’re a professional, don’t try to replace compound bow strings or cables yourself. Instead, bring your bow to a compound bow technician at an archery store.

When To Replace A Recurve Bow String

Recurve bow strings can usually last upwards of three years, depending on how often you use your bow. You may be able to go even longer with proper care and infrequent use.

I personally replace the factory strings on my recurve as soon as I purchase the bow. Most bow companies ship recurves with a dacron string and I prefer a Flemish Fast Flight.

If you notice any fraying or damage, you’ll need to replace your string sooner. When it’s time to do so, be sure to use a bow stringer. If you don’t have one, you should take it to a professional who specializes in stringing recurve bows.

RELATED: Best Recurve Bow Strings

How To Tell When To Replace A Bow String?

Ideally, you’ll replace your bow string before it gives out or breaks. A few visual cues indicate a string is nearing the end of its life. They include:

Severe fuzzing or fraying
Extreme stretching
A notable cut
Several knicks
Serving separation

Be sure to check your bow’s end loop connections, as well as strings coming out of the cam system, if you have a compound bow. In addition, check along the yoke for any fraying.

Beyond looking for these visual signs, also pay attention to how your bow is shooting. If your shot grouping or shot placement suddenly becomes inconsistent and you are using proper form, it’s a sign that you may need to replace your bow string.

How Long Do Bow Strings Last?

On average, a bow string will last about two years. However, that number can vary depending on several factors, including how often you use it, the climate where you use it, how you store it, how you care for it, and what materials it consists of. Let’s look at each factor in more detail:

Use

The way you use your string will have a significant impact on how long it lasts. If you only use your bow during hunting season, it will last longer than if you use it year-round or participate in archery tournaments.

Some recurve bows may come with a less than ideal bow string. For instance, the Southwest Archery Spyder comes with a dacron bow string, but it is much better suited to a FastFlight Bow string. In cases like this, you may want to replace the string right away.

Climate

The type of weather you hunt in will also make a difference in the life of your bow string. Hunting in extreme temperatures, high humidity, rain, or snow can wear out your strings more quickly.

Storage

Proper storage will help your bow strings last longer. Choose a cool, dry place to store your bow, and never store it outside its case for long periods.

Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and excessive light when storing your bow, and use a hard-sided bow case for protection.

RELATED: Best Arrow Rests

Bow String Material

The most common bow string material is dacron, and while dacron strings work well, there are better options, especially for hunting bows.

I prefer strings made out of spectra or dyneema. There are also strings available made from kevlar and vectran.

RELATED: Best Recurve Bow For Youth

Care

How you care for your bow strings makes a big difference, as well. If you want them to last longer, you should use a high-quality bowstring wax. The wax ensures the individual strings stick together and helps to protect them from any elements that may cause damage.

You should wax your strings any time they look dry or fuzzy. To do this, clean the bow string and then rub string wax into it with your fingers or a soft cloth. Try to avoid using too much wax: you just need to use enough to lubricate the string fibers.

Final Thoughts

With the proper care and storage, your bow strings can last a few years. However, it’s essential to put the work in to protect your investment in your equipment.

Changing your strings on a regular basis is an integral part of hunting. Not only will it keep you safe, but it will help ensure top hunting performance. It can also help you protect your bow and save money on repairing damages from snapped strings.

If you’re doing everything you can to maintain and inspect your bow, then you won’t need to worry as much about when to replace a bow string, however some bows, like the Samick Sage, come with a bow string that is less than ideal. In cases like this, you may want to replace the bow string right away.

When it comes time to string your bow, whether it’s a compound or recurve, consider having a professional do it. This will ensure it’s on correctly and help the bow string last to its fullest extent. You can usually find a qualified technician at your local archery or sporting goods store.