Did you know that archery dates back to the Stone Age? That's right, archery originated in around 20,000 BC. And look how far we've come since then.
The way bows are crafted and the way bowstrings are made has changed dramatically. It's not like it used to be where you made your own bowstring, and if you broke it, you made one again.
You now have a ton of options to choose from. And perhaps the multiplicity of choice makes it harder.
So as an archer how do you choose the right replacement bowstring?
Stick around, and we'll walk you through it.
When Should You Replace a Bowstring?
Before we get into the considerations of picking a new bowstring, let's examine when and why you should get a replacement. Getting a replacement can be expensive, so you want to be sure you're doing it at the right time.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
- The bowstring is beginning to fray (meaning full strands are broken)
- Servings are showing a significant amount of wear and separation
- Your peep sight no longer aligns properly at full draw or aligns erratically
- If you shoot regularly, and it's been more than a year since you last changed your bowstrings
If you spot any of the above signs, it's time you get your bowstring replaced. A bowstring that's not in good shape is the quickest way to weaken your performance. It hurts your accuracy and wastes a lot of energy as well. More importantly, it could be a safety hazard.
This leads us to the next segment. How do you choose the right replacement for your needs?
However, if you're looking to get more accuracy and speed, getting one from a reputed seller or manufacturer is a better option.
The Material
First to consider, is the material. Here are some of the common materials used in the making of compound bowstrings:
- Vapor Twist Xtreme (VTX)
VTX is a proprietary blend of fibers, made specifically for Vapor Trail, Inc. that will provide the best in performance and is highly recommended. VTX was developed over 15 years ago, and was specifically designed to be more stable, especially in varying weather conditions. VTX has only been slightly modified over the years to accommodate the advancement in materials. This material has been responsible for the success of thousands of archers, whether on the range, or in the field.
- 452X
452X has become the industry standard. It is a blended material that continues to be a staple with many bow shops. 452X comes in a larger array of colors including speckled colors, and is more versatile in terms of strand count.
- Mercury
Mercury is a non-blended, 100% Dyneema material, using the highest grade fiber available. As a non-blended material it is generally faster, and is a smaller diameter material for a smoother, more concentric bowstring.
The Making
A compound bowstring comes in several parts including the main bowstring and cables to hold everything together.
On the plus side, if maintained properly they can last you up to 3 years.
These are customized bowstrings, made according to your needs and preferences. That means you can talk to the makers and discuss your bow style, the bowstring lengths needed for your bow, and other relevant specifications.
Finally, after taking all of the above into consideration you must think about the making of your bowstring. This includes getting your money's worth and the actual construction of the bowstring itself.
This is especially important if you're choosing to get a customized bowstring. The competency of the manufacturer will greatly determine the consistency of tension along your string and the quality of material used to create it.
Be sure to consult a reputed seller or manufacturer for your bowstring and ask them questions about their process.
Getting a Customized Replacement Bowstring
Now you know exactly what goes into choosing the right replacement bowstring. You've got to take into consideration the make and model of bow you're using, the material used, and the process of construction.
Still have questions? Still confused about what kind of bowstring you need? Don't worry! Just get in touch with us with your query and we'll be happy to help you create your own custom bowstring.