String stretch?

[LostArra]

Old guy recurve hunter, relatively new to compounds.

How much string stretch can you expect on a compound and how fast does it occur, number of shots? I'm sure it has to do with the quality of the string construction and weight of the bow but with modern string materials it seems that strings could last a while..

How often do most guys get strings replaced?

 

[jmez]

Every 2-3 years. I replace them because of fraying and general wear, not stretch. Reality is most of the modern strings stretch very little, if at all, after the initial break in period. Including factory stings.

 

[wabowman]

I replace them once a year but I also do a lot of shooting. I would have them checked at a pro shop yearly when you have your pre season tuning check done.

 

[MattB]

Creep, not stretch (permanent elongation versus temporary elongation).

I replace cabling every 2-4 years.

 

[Gumbo]

I replace at least every year, sometimes twice, but I shoot an enormous number of arrows. Generally I try to replace them a couple months before hunting season so I can be sure have time to get my bow perfectly tuned but yet still have them in good condition. Then I try to hobble them through the off season as long as I can. It also helps to be able to replace center serving which can get worn out far faster than the actual string material or other serving. Of course some bows really chew through serving at high friction areas faster than others, and again it helps save some money if you can do some simple repairs (a string building jig is a big help in this but some repairs and center serving can be done on the bow). I agree with jmez, in my experience it isn't stretch that kills them, it is just fraying and wear and tear.

 

[Spence14]

I noticed about a 3-4 lb difference and around 10 FPS after one season of my stock Mathews strings. I do a moderate amount of shooting but nothing crazy.

 

[Lawnboi]

I replace once a year.

If you don’t already have an extra, not a bad idea to get it replaced even if your string is in alright shape. Always good to have a broken in string ready come hunting season in case something happens.