Bowstring Cables: Types, Materials & Bow Fit

Bowstring cables are essential components of bows, providing the tension and support that store energy in the limbs and release it to launch arrows effectively. The term covers both the main string and — on compound bows — the secondary cables that connect and control the cams.

Composition of Bowstring Cables

Modern bowstring cables are made from high-strength synthetic fibers rather than natural materials, offering greater durability, lower weight, and resistance to UV light and abrasion. The most common materials are:

• Dacron – A polyester fiber prized for its stretch tolerance. Because Dacron elongates slightly on each shot, it is easier on limb tips and string grooves, making it the preferred choice for traditional bows and any bow made before 1990. See how Dacron compares in our recurve bow string guide.
• FastFlight / Spectra / Dyneema – These Ultra High Modulus Polyethylene (UHMPE) fibers offer very little creep or stretch and higher arrow speeds, making them well suited to high-performance compound and recurve bows. Spectra and Dyneema are technically the same class of fiber with minor differences in how the strands are spun.
• Vectran – A liquid-crystal polymer related to Kevlar, Vectran is often blended with UHMPE fibers to reduce the creep that UHMPE alone exhibits under sustained tension. Lightweight and low-diameter, it is a practical option for high-speed bows.
• BCY X – A blended material combining Vectran and Dyneema, offering a balance of speed, accuracy, and creep resistance suited to both target archery and bow hunting.

Types of Bowstring Cables by Bow

Compound Bow Cables

A compound bow's rigging system includes the main string plus one or more buss cables and control cables that connect the cams and enable let-off. FastFlight or Spectra bow cables are common in high-performance compound setups because their low stretch maintains consistent cam timing. String and cable lengths for a specific compound bow are normally listed on the limb sticker.

Recurve Bow Cables

Recurve bows use a single bowstring rather than a multi-cable system. Dacron, Spectra, or BCY X are all appropriate depending on bow age and draw weight. Our recurve bow string overview covers strand counts and length standards in more detail.

Traditional Bow Cables

Longbows and other traditional bows benefit from Dacron archery bow string construction because the slight elongation reduces stress on wooden or fiberglass limb tips. Bow backing materials work alongside the string to protect limbs under repeated flexing.

Crossbow String Cables

Crossbows demand bowstring cables rated for exceptionally high tensions and short power strokes. FastFlight or Spectra cables are the standard choice here. For a broader look at crossbow anatomy, see our crossbow anatomy and types guide.