The Best After Market Compound Bow Strings

When Holless Wilbur Allen altered the ends on a recurve bow in the early 1960s, and added pulleys (cams) to the new ends, he created the compound bow and revolutionized archery. Choosing the best after-market bow strings for your compound bow depends on the bow's intended use, size, weight and cam setup. String material and the number of strands make different string types better than others for specific bows and uses. A number of different string types are available, giving you a wide selection when choosing the best strings for your compound bow.

  1. Bow Cams

    • According to Dick's Sporting Goods, the three cam types found on compound bows are: soft cams, aggressive cams and single cams. Both aggressive and soft cams are two-cam systems. Soft cams pull back more smoothly, improving aim but decreasing the shot's energy. Aggressive cams are suggested for hunting, as they provide a high-energy shot, increasing penetration. Single cams are quieter, a plus when hunting. Also, single cams limit string stretching, as well as eliminating the need for the synchronization necessary in two-cam systems.

    Compound Bow Construction

    • The two types of compound bows are standard and split bows. Standard bows are constructed in one piece, and are the traditional bow type. The newer, split bow construction consists of a two-piece design. Split bows are lighter and quieter than traditional one-piece bows. Also, the materials used in construction factor into the best string choice for your bow. Wood laminate bows are available, however, many compound bows are manufactured of carbon or fiberglass, which are more flexible, lighter and stronger than laminate bows.

    Bowstring Materials

    • Bow string technology has increased over the years, and the materials used has improved tremendously. According to PB Custom strings, Dacron was the industry standard in the 1990s, but new materials, such as high modulus polyethylene, or HMPE, have increased bow string strength and stretch resistance. Fast Flight strings use HMPE technology, and bows capable of using HMPE bow strings are advertised as Fast-Flight compatible. HMPE bow strings are sometimes blended with other materials, under different brand names, and designed for multiple uses.

    Choosing the Best Strings

    • When choosing the best bow strings, do so with the bow in mind. Consider stretch-resistant bow strings for dual-cam bows, but use Dacron strings for bows over 10 years old. Newer, high-performance strings can damage, and even break, older bows. Australia's Moorabbin Archery Club recommends the following strings for bows of different weight: for 20 to 25-pound bows, eight-strand Dacron and 14-strand Fast Flight; for 25 to 35-pound bows, 10-strand Dacron and 16-strand Fast Flight; for 35 to 45-pound bows, 12-strand Dacron and 18-pound Fast Flight; and for 45 to 55-pound bows, 14-strand Dacron and 20-strand Fast Flight Strings.