Changing string on compound bows

[Chipperman]

Got my old compound bow from my Dad's at Xmas.
Do you need to change the string periodically? I looked at it for any cracking or weak areas, but it looks fine. It's the original string, and the bow is about 18 years old. It's been collecting dust in my old bedroom for the past 12 years.

 

[5ptdeerhunter]

I have never changed the string on my bow. But I have only had it two years. I do wax it every other time I shoot. Just to be on the safe side and not have the string break when you go to pull it back I would just replace it.

I had a friend whose string broke. It shot fine for him for about a month. Then a week before archery season started he took it out of the case pulled it back and the string broke.

 

[Archer]

An 18 year old compound is a scary proposition. there's a lot of energy stored in those limbs, and the rigging predates the modern systems using Spectra fiber buss cables. Since both the cast mag riser and the steel cables can degrade over time (more than 400# tensile load at all times in the rigging on a 50# compound) the prudent thing to do would be to take the bow to a competent pro shop- Hall's Arrow in Manchester is the best in your state- for a thorough examination.

If you feel the need to ignore my advice, at least please wear some safety glasses when you try to shoot it.

 

[Chipperman]

Thanks for the advice. How much should I expect to pay for a new string installation?

 

[Bruz]

If you feel the need to ignore my advice, at least please wear some safety glasses when you try to shoot it.

And a cup! Oouch! Definantly have a compound that old checked out, and absolutly changs the string. Can you amagine being lined up on a 10 pointer, pull back, and twang! As you are falling out of the tree your going to be real mad you did not invest 20 bucks for a new string. Saw quite a few for sale on Ebay. 18 years old huh...did you know that cams are not made out of wood anymore and the arrows don't have real feathers anymore? Sorry, could not resist. The museum may give you enough for it to buy a new one though. (Sorry, there I go again).

 

[Chipperman]

Geez, is 18 really that old for a compound bow?

I guess I'm too used to firearms, where anything after WWII is considered "NEW".



Is this something I can easily do myself? I don't have any plans to use the bow soon, but I may want to do it sometime this Spring.

 

[Bruz]

I am not an expert on bows, just giving you a hard time. I just got through shopping for a new compound, and its amazing how much they have improved just over the last three years. Rifles have perdy much stayed the same, most of mine are 40 something years old and I think are even better than the new ones!