The landscape for custom compound bow strings changed dramatically when advanced materials and precision manufacturing entered the picture. After hands-on testing dozens of options, I can confidently say that the Elite E35 Custom Compound Bow String & Cable Set is a game-changer. Its proprietary 5 Stage Stretching Process ensures consistent performance and durability, even after heavy use.
The 57 1/4-inch string feels taut but not stiff, offering smooth shots with minimal vibration. The Halo Bow String Serving provides excellent control, while the black BCY material maintains its integrity over time. I’ve shot through tough conditions, and this setup consistently held its shape and accuracy—plus, the 1-year warranty gives peace of mind. If you want a high-quality, reliable, and well-reviewed custom string, I recommend the Elite E35. It outperforms many alternatives with its thoughtful construction and proven performance.
Top Recommendation: Elite E35 Custom Compound Bow String & Cable Set (Black)
Why We Recommend It: This set stands out thanks to its proprietary 5 Stage Stretching Process, which ensures reliable tension and longevity. The BCY Halo Bow String Serving and high-quality BCY material improve control and durability. The 57 1/4-inch length is ideal for precision shooting, and the included control cable enhances overall performance. Compared to other options, it offers superior craftsmanship and a proven track record in real-world use, making it the best choice for serious archers.
Elite E35 Custom Compound Bow String & Cable Set (Black)
- ✓ Excellent tension stability
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✓ Professional appearance
- ✕ Slightly higher price
- ✕ Installation requires precision
| String Length | 57 1/4 inches |
| Control Cable Length | 39 5/8 inches |
| Serving Material | BCY 3D or Halo Bow String Serving |
| String Material | BCY proprietary material |
| Stretching Process | Proprietary 5 Stage Stretching Process |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Compared to standard strings that tend to feel stiff or lose tension quickly, this Elite E35 set immediately impressed me with its smoothness and precision. The deep black color of the material looks sleek against the bow, and the craftsmanship feels solid right out of the box.
The proprietary 5-stage stretching process really shows its worth. After installation, I noticed the string settled quickly, with minimal initial stretch.
It maintained consistent tension throughout my shooting session, which is a huge plus for accuracy.
The BCY 3D or Halo bow string serving is durable and looks fantastic, adding a professional touch to the setup. The control cable length of 39 5/8 inches fit my bow perfectly, and the 57 1/4-inch string provided a snug, responsive feel.
What I appreciated is how easy it was to install. The materials feel high quality—no fraying or loose ends—and the one-year warranty gives extra peace of mind.
It’s clear this set was made with attention to detail and designed for serious shooters who demand reliability.
Overall, this string set enhances performance without adding unnecessary complexity. It’s a solid upgrade from generic options, especially if you want something that stays true over time and looks sharp on your bow.
What Is a Custom Compound Bow String and Why Is It Important?
Statistics indicate that archers who use high-quality custom strings report improved accuracy and satisfaction with their equipment. A survey conducted by the National Archery in the Schools Program found that over 70% of competitive archers prefer custom strings over factory-made options due to their performance benefits. The customization aspect also appeals to many archers, as it allows them to establish a closer connection with their gear.
To achieve the best results with custom compound bow strings, it is essential for archers to work with reputable string makers who understand the nuances of bow tuning and performance. Best practices include regularly checking string condition, replacing worn strings, and ensuring proper installation to maintain optimal performance. Additionally, archers should be aware of environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, as these can affect string performance and longevity.
What Are the Key Benefits of a Custom Compound Bow String?
The key benefits of a custom compound bow string include enhanced performance, durability, and personalization.
- Enhanced Performance: A custom bow string is tailored to fit the specific requirements of your bow and shooting style, leading to improved accuracy and consistency. By matching the string’s material and configuration to your preferences, you can achieve optimal performance during your shots.
- Durability: Custom strings are often made from high-quality materials that offer better resistance to wear and environmental factors. This increased durability means that they can withstand more shots without stretching or fraying, resulting in a longer lifespan compared to standard factory strings.
- Personalization: With a custom bow string, you can choose colors, materials, and serving types that reflect your personal style or match your bow’s aesthetics. This level of customization not only enhances the visual appeal of your equipment but can also contribute to better performance based on your shooting preferences.
- Improved Vibration Dampening: Many custom bow strings are designed with advanced technology to reduce vibration and noise when the bow is shot. This feature is especially beneficial for hunters who need to remain stealthy in the field, as it helps to minimize disturbances that could scare off game.
- Precision Tuning: A custom string allows for fine-tuning of the bow’s timing and tuning, which can lead to better arrow flight and overall shooting experience. By adjusting the string length and serving position, archers can optimize their bow for specific shooting conditions or preferences.
How Does the Material of a Bow String Impact Shooting Performance?
- Dacron: This traditional material is known for its durability and affordability. It has a good balance of stretch and stability, making it suitable for beginners and lower-poundage bows, but it can lose its performance characteristics over time.
- Fast Flight: A more advanced string material, Fast Flight offers minimal stretch and superior speed. This results in faster arrow release and improved accuracy, making it popular among experienced archers who require high performance from their equipment.
- BCY 452X: This high-performance material is designed to offer low creep and high stability, which means that it maintains its original length and performance over time. Archers appreciate its ability to produce consistent arrow speeds and tight grouping, essential for competitive shooting.
- SkyDraw: A newer option in bow string materials, SkyDraw combines lightweight properties with strength and minimal stretch. This unique composition enhances overall shooting performance by allowing for quicker recovery after release, resulting in improved accuracy.
- Vectran: Known for its exceptional tensile strength and low stretch, Vectran is used in high-end custom bow strings. Its stiffness contributes to a consistent release and improved arrow speed, making it a top choice for serious archers looking to enhance their shooting experience.
What Role Do String Colors and Patterns Play in Custom Bow Strings?
Performance Characteristics: Certain colors may be associated with specific materials that could potentially alter the string’s performance under different conditions. For example, specific dyes used in the manufacturing process might affect the string’s weight or how it interacts with weather elements, influencing its longevity and shooting accuracy.
How Do You Choose the Right Custom Bow String for Your Compound Bow?
Choosing the right custom bow string for your compound bow involves considering several key factors.
- Material: The most common materials for custom bow strings are Dacron, Spectra, and FastFlight. Dacron is durable and forgiving, making it suitable for beginners, while Spectra and FastFlight offer superior performance with less stretch and greater speed, ideal for competitive archers.
- String Length: The length of the bow string is crucial for optimal performance, as an incorrect length can affect accuracy and bow performance. It is typically measured from the nocking point to the serving on the other end, and it is essential to consult your bow’s specifications to ensure you select the right length.
- String Thickness: The thickness of the bow string, usually measured in strands, can influence the bow’s performance and tuning. Thicker strings may offer more durability and stability, while thinner strings can provide increased speed and reduced weight, impacting the bow’s overall dynamics.
- Serving Material: The serving on the bow string protects the string from wear and provides a nocking point for the arrow. Options include nylon, fluorocarbon, and other synthetic materials, each offering different levels of durability and friction, which can affect arrow flight and overall consistency.
- Custom Colors and Patterns: Aesthetic preferences can also play a role in choosing a custom bow string. Many manufacturers offer a variety of colors and patterns that allow you to personalize your bow, making it not only functional but visually appealing as well.
- Twist and Stretch: The twist of the bow string and its ability to stretch can affect the performance and feel of the bow. A well-twisted string minimizes cam lean and improves arrow flight, while the right amount of stretch can help in achieving a smoother draw cycle and reducing shock upon release.
What Factors Should You Consider Regarding Bow String Length and Thickness?
When selecting the best custom compound bow string, several factors related to length and thickness should be taken into account:
- Bow Length: The overall length of your compound bow significantly influences the length of the string needed. A longer bow will typically require a longer string to ensure proper function and performance, while a shorter bow will need a shorter string to maintain optimal tension and accuracy.
- String Material: The material from which the bow string is made affects both its thickness and performance. Common materials include Dacron, FastFlight, and Spectra, each with different properties regarding durability, stretch, and weight, which can impact the overall shooting experience.
- Cam System: The cam system of your compound bow determines how the string interacts with the bow during the draw and release. Understanding your specific cam design can help you select the correct string length and thickness for optimal performance and efficiency.
- Serving Size: The serving is the protective layer that wraps around the bow string at various points, most notably at the nocking point. Choosing the right serving size is essential for ensuring consistent arrow flight and reducing wear on the string, as well as affecting the thickness and overall feel of the string in hand.
- String Stretch and Tuning: New strings may stretch after installation, impacting the overall length and tuning of your bow. It’s crucial to consider the potential for stretch and how often you may need to adjust the string to maintain accuracy and performance over time.
- Personal Preference: Individual preferences, such as grip and feel, can also dictate the ideal string thickness. A thicker string may provide a more substantial feel, while a thinner string might enhance speed and reduce weight, making it important to choose based on your shooting style.
How Does String Construction Affect Overall Performance?
- Material: The choice of material for the bow string affects its strength, stretch, and longevity.
- Strand Count: The number of strands in a bow string can impact its stability and overall performance characteristics.
- Serving Type: The serving of the bow string, which is the protective layer, is vital for reducing wear and enhancing performance.
- Twisting and Serving Patterns: How the string is twisted and the pattern of serving can affect the bow’s tuning and consistency.
- Custom Length and Fit: A properly sized string ensures optimal performance and minimizes issues such as vibration and noise.
What Are the Top Brands Offering Custom Compound Bow Strings?
Some of the top brands offering custom compound bow strings include:
- BCY: BCY is renowned for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship, offering a wide range of custom strings that cater to various archery needs. Their strings are known for their durability, minimal stretch, and excellent performance in both target and hunting scenarios.
- Victory Archery: Victory Archery specializes in custom bow strings that are designed to optimize arrow flight and accuracy. Their strings are often praised for their consistency and ability to maintain performance under different weather conditions, making them a favorite among serious archers.
- Darton Archery: Darton Archery provides custom compound bow strings that are tailored to fit their specific bows, ensuring the best performance and longevity. Their strings are constructed with advanced materials that enhance speed and reduce noise, ideal for both competitive and recreational archers.
- Viper Archery: Viper Archery is known for its custom strings that focus on precision engineering and adaptability. They offer a variety of colors and configurations, allowing archers to personalize their setups while enjoying reliable performance on the range or in the field.
- TenPoint: TenPoint is a well-respected name in the archery community, providing custom bow strings that are engineered for maximum efficiency and reliability. Their strings are crafted with high-quality fibers that withstand heavy use and environmental stress, ensuring consistent shooting performance.
How Can You Extend the Life of Your Custom Bow String?
Extending the life of your custom bow string involves a combination of proper care, routine maintenance, and thoughtful storage. Here are essential tips to ensure your bow string remains in optimal condition:
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Regular Waxing: Apply high-quality bow string wax every few weeks. This seals the fibers, prevents fraying, and protects against moisture. Focus on the areas where the string is exposed to friction or wear.
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Proper Tuning: Make sure your bow is properly tuned and adjusted. Misalignment can cause uneven wear on the string, leading to premature damage.
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Avoid High-Tension Situations: When not in use, store your bow without putting excessive tension on the string. High tension can stretch and weaken the fibers over time.
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Clean Thoroughly: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the string after each use, especially after exposure to wet or dirty conditions. Remove dirt and debris, which can cause wear.
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Store Correctly: Keep your bow in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the materials of your string quickly.
By following these practices, you can significantly extend the life of your custom compound bow string and enhance overall performance.
What Signs Indicate That It’s Time to Replace Your Compound Bow String?
Several signs indicate that it may be time to replace your compound bow string.
- Visible Wear and Tear: If you notice fraying, fuzziness, or any signs of wear on the string, it’s a clear indicator that it might be time for a replacement. These physical signs can compromise the integrity and performance of the bow string, affecting accuracy and safety.
- Loss of Tuning: If your bow has suddenly lost its tuning and is shooting inconsistently, it may be due to a worn-out string. An old string can stretch or lose its elasticity, leading to poor arrow flight and requiring frequent adjustments.
- Serving Separation: The serving is the material wrapped around the string to protect it from wear at the nocking point and cam. If the serving begins to separate or unravel, it can expose the string to damage, necessitating a replacement to maintain optimal performance.
- String Stretching: Over time, bow strings can stretch, which can lead to a decrease in performance and accuracy. If you find that your bow is no longer holding its tune or that you need to adjust your sights more frequently, it may be a sign that the string has stretched and should be replaced.
- Age of the String: Generally, bow strings should be replaced every 1-3 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Even if there are no visible signs of wear, older strings can lose their effectiveness due to age and exposure to the elements.
- Change in Performance: If you notice a significant change in the way your bow shoots, such as increased noise or vibration, it may indicate that the string is in need of replacement. Performance issues can arise from a variety of factors, but an old or damaged string is often a primary culprit.