How often do you change your bow string?

[newjerseyhunter]

I had someone tell me that I should change my bow string after X number of shots because they are only made for so many shots. Furthermore, when the bow string finally "went bad" it would literally go from pin point accuracy to 5" spread in a few shots. Has anyone ever experienced this with their setup? I've been shooting a long time and while I wouldn't consider myself an expert I have never had a bow go instantly out of tune before no matter the age of the string. 

[Lunatic]

I am on my 6^th year with my vertical and 3 years on my crossbow. I will change it when I see evidence of stretching and when it affects my accuracy. Sometimes I think they tell you to change it every XXX shots to make more money on us.

[JerseyJaysTaxidermy]

I do every 3 years or so.. I don't shoot much and I don't wax the string until it's too late lol

 

Common recommendation is every other year, but it all depends on how much you shoot and how best up it gets from hunting.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[NJ Predator]

Never have

[mattg1500]

Just changed my creed string after 4yrs

[smoking gun]

every 2 years

[Haskell_Hunter]

Same string, 17 years.

[mazzgolf]

I have a buddy who had an old compound - from 90s I think? I don't even think it had a sight on it ("I just aim down the arrow"). Never practiced with it that I know of. I asked him if /when he changed his string, and he looked at me funny. "Never". He recently got a new bow. So I'm sure he's good for another 20 years.

[not on the rug]

every 2 years

Same here. Every other year. I might be able to get away with every 3rd year, but I never push it that far. Just had mine done a few weeks ago

[Matty]

When they get really really fuzzy or if I notice any badly frayed or broken strands or if they start having rotation or excess serving separation (usually signs of a broken strand).

 

I'm not a stickler like some guys. Very much the opposite, I usually get about 5-7 years out of them but wax them very regularly.

 

I build my own so they really don't cost much (all one color keeps it even cheaper)....So I could change them way more often, but see no need. A lot of care goes into each string or cable I build  so I trust them to last until they show signs of age and wear and tear.

[BenedictGomez]

Crossbow strings can go for several years, and many, many shots if properly cared for.  

[Zipper]

When I used to shoot every day, I changed it every year. I don't shoot as much as I used to so now every 3 years. I keep an eye on my string and check my bow often, because you can damage your bow in the woods in a variety of ways. When at my Pro Shop I have him double check my own accessment.

[Lunatic]

Same here. Every other year. I might be able to get away with every 3rd year, but I never push it that far. Just had mine done a few weeks ago

Just curious why do you think 3 years maybe the limit? Does something change in the way your bow shoots after 2?

[Lunatic]

Crossbow strings can go for several years, and many, many shots if properly cared for.

 

I don't find much of a reason to practice with my crossbow. I check to make sure it's sighted before the season starts and then I check about every week or so, discharging the arrow at the end of the hunt to make sure I am still dialed in. I am thinking 95% of the shots I take is discharging it at the end of the hunt

[Axiom]

I change my cross bow strings when they fray... that happens about every 1.5 years ...