Bow String Maintenance: How to Inspect Your Bow | 60X

Whether you're a seasoned archer or a novice enthusiast, regular bow string care and maintenance are crucial for both safety and optimal performance. Your bow string is a critical component of your archery equipment. Understanding how to check its condition can prevent accidents and enhance your overall shooting experience. In this guide, I’ll take you through step-by-step instructions on how to effectively inspect your bow string.

Visual Inspection

Begin your examination with a thorough visual inspection of the entire bow string. Look for any visible cuts, nicks, or abrasions on the string. Even small imperfections can compromise its strength. 

To determine if bow string maintenance is required, inspect the serving and string carefully for any signs of fraying or unraveling. If you notice loose fibers, that’s an indication of wear. Examine the serving, the wrapped thread around the string. If it's separating or showing signs of wear, it may need attention.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for fuzzing on both your bow string and cables. While light fuzzing is normal and isn’t a cause for concern, severe fuzzing indicates that a replacement is necessary. The hot spots to watch for are the section where the cables run through the cable slide and under the center serving where the bow string may come into contact with your arm.

If you notice broken strands, bow string maintenance won’t cut it—you’ll need a replacement. In addition to the areas mentioned above, look for broken strands beneath the center serving (where the arrow nocks). It can be easy to overlook this aspect of bow string care because that section is hidden by the serving, but it’s very important because broken strands can quickly lead to bow damage at best and severe injury at worst.

Physical Inspection

Next, run your fingers along the bow string to feel for abnormalities, like flat or squashed string sections. A healthy bow string should maintain its round shape. 

You can also determine if you need bow string maintenance or a replacement by checking for consistency in tension along the string. Irregularities might suggest unequal stretching. Check the length of your string and compare it to factory specs. If it's longer than specs, this indicates it has stretched and it might be time to replace the string. 

Measuring the brace height, the distance between the bow string and the bow grip, and comparing it to specs can also indicate that the string is worn out. Changes in brace height can affect the flight of the arrow and the overall performance of the bow.

Listen for Strange Sounds

When drawing your bow, listen for any unusual sounds. You may need bow string maintenance if you hear clicking, popping, or snapping noises, as they may indicate problems with the bow string or cables. 

Evaluate center serving and nocking points for wear. These areas receive a lot of stress during shooting and can affect arrow nocking and release. 

If you use a peep sight, ensure it’s aligned correctly. Any misalignment can impact your accuracy. Although a little peep twist is normal and may not always signify a need for bow string care, a severe peep twist can be an indication that the string is worn or stretched.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you're unsure about the condition of your bow string, or if you find any concerning issues that signify a need for bow string maintenance, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional bow technician. They can provide expert advice, make necessary adjustments, or recommend a replacement if needed.

Shop Custom-Built Bow Strings Now

Regularly checking your bow string is an essential aspect of responsible archery. A well-maintained string not only ensures your safety but also contributes to consistent and accurate shooting. By following these steps and addressing any issues promptly, you can prolong the life of your bow string and enjoy a more satisfying archery experience.

Regular bow string inspection is crucial, but it’s best not to wait until a problem arises. The most effective bow string maintenance is simply replacing bow strings before problems arise in the first place. We’re proud to offer custom bow strings built by a world champion, Brad Patsy. 

Whether you need compound bow strings, a recurve bow string, or crossbow strings, you can depend on 60X Custom Bow Strings for the highest quality and attention to detail. We even offer a huge variety of custom bow string colors so you can give your setup a personalized style.

For more information about bow string care, check our bow string blog. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Order the industry’s best bow strings at 60X.