Bowstrings happen to be the last things most archers pay attention to. And this is some sad reality that comes with grave consequences. Bowstrings are not as peripheral as most consider them to be. They are as vital to your performance as that of the arrow or even the bow itself. But the question is, how do you select your bowstrings? And how do you know which ones to opt for? Having to answer these questions might become a bit of a challenge, but with some of these helpful guidelines it just might get easier for you.
The best kinds of bowstrings have four qualities you need to know about.
Modern bowstrings are made of different kinds of synthetic fibers, and knowing what they are can be to your advantage.
Whether your bowstring is of superior quality or not, it will fray at one point or another. But if you wax it frequently, you can delay the time in which your bowstring wears out and is completely out of use. I can’t emphasis more on just how important it is to wax your bowstring.
But what kind of wax should you use? I have a couple of pointers here, but if you have more, then please do feel free to share it with us.
Beeswax: If you are using a traditional bowstring, which is made out of plant fibers and animal material, then you should opt for beeswax.
Silicone based wax: Most modern bowstrings come pre-waxed, but no lubricant has ever lasted forever, right? So the second the string starts to feel dry, you have to give it a light coating. Silicone based waxes are ideal for modern bowstrings; it penetrates the material and lubricates the interior as well as the surface of the string.
Some of the most commonly used and perhaps the best kinds of synthetic waxes are Dalton High-Speed Bow Wax Conditioner and Bohning Silicone Wax.
Having troubles with your bowstring? Is the wax you’re using not as effective as you had expected it to be? Tell us more about it.
Martin Douglas
Author