Strings and things...

[Tow Bow]

Just wondering when a bow string should be replaced. Also wondering about waxing.

After a week of going through really thick stuff, my string is looking a bit sorry. I was told by one person not to over wax it because it will get gummed up and slow down. I used to wax it until you could not see individual strings. I have a shoulder sling but prefer not to use it while moving. Obviously using it would be the best protection but it is slow and loud to deploy.





Another question I have is about safety harnesses. What is commonly used? I imagine climbers harnesses would be lightest?

[BlackBear74]

That string definitely needs wax. Wax acts as a lubricant for the string's individual strands and protects the individual strands as they are rubbing against each other on the shot. That's why you rub it in, so it penetrates the string. The wax shouldn't be stuck on the outside coating the string. This will prevent the 'gumming' up. If your shooting lots, every other session the string should be waxed. It's hard to tell from your pictures, but it looks like your string is just fuzzed. When strands are broken/wore through then your string should be replaced.

[Bearen09]

There is no such thing as to much wax.. Keep putting it on and it will last a long time. I shoot my DXT with the same factory string on it from 2005... Taken many animals with it and it is still is awesome shape..

[HoytAlpha35]

Originally Posted by BlackBear74

That string definitely needs wax. Wax acts as a lubricant for the string's individual strands and protects the individual strands as they are rubbing against each other on the shot. That's why you rub it in, so it penetrates the string. The wax shouldn't be stuck on the outside coating the string. This will prevent the 'gumming' up. If your shooting lots, every other session the string should be waxed. It's hard to tell from your pictures, but it looks like your string is just fuzzed. When strands are broken/wore through then your string should be replaced.

Yup!

As far as replacement standard recommendation is every two to three years depending on the care of the string and how much it was shot. Hunters that don't shoot much during the year can get more longevity out of there string set for sure. I'm also not a fan of just changing a string, best to do the whole set then your bow will be back in spec.

With regards to waxing just use a small amount regularly and ONLY use your fingers. Heat and friction are really bad for dyneema materials and lead to the premature break down. Also, don't wax your servings. The wax collects dust and dirt which gets into the cam grooves.

[Tow Bow]

What do you mean by only using your fingers? I thought the proper way is to work it into the string with your fingers, creating heat through friction...

Actually yesterday, I left it in the sun before and later for a little extra heat to get some good penetration.

[HoytAlpha35]

Originally Posted by Tow Bow

What do you mean by only using your fingers? I thought the proper way is to work it into the string with your fingers, creating heat through friction...

Actually yesterday, I left it in the sun before and later for a little extra heat to get some good penetration.

Yes you are using fingers to create a little heat and friction on the string material, but you don't want it to be excessive. With your fingers they will only be able to take so much heat until it obviously hurts. What I was trying to steer you away from was using leather or a blow dryer to heat up the string in order to melt the wax in.