Need Top-Notch Archery Services. Discover the Best Places to Get Your Bow Restrung Near You

Need Top-Notch Archery Services. Discover the Best Places to Get Your Bow Restrung Near You

Why Proper Bow Stringing and Maintenance Matters

For archers, a properly strung and maintained bow is crucial for accuracy, performance, and safety. An improperly strung or maintained bow can cause erratic arrow flight, reduced power, unexpected breakage, and even injury. Understanding proper stringing techniques and upkeep helps ensure your equipment performs at its peak. This allows you to get the most out of your shooting sessions and extend your bow’s lifespan. Here’s an overview of why proper bow stringing and maintenance is so important for archers.

Achieving Correct Brace Height

One of the key reasons to properly restring your bow is to maintain the correct brace height. Brace height refers to the distance between the deepest part of the grip and the bowstring at rest. Each bow has an optimal brace height range specified by the manufacturer, usually between 6 to 8 inches for recurve bows and 7 to 9 inches for compound bows. Stringing the bow incorrectly can lead to an improper brace height. If the brace height is too low, the bow can be stressful to shoot, have excessive vibration, and be noisy. If the brace height is too high, you’ll get decreased power and slower arrow speeds. By restringing periodically and double-checking the brace height, you can avoid these issues.

Ensuring Proper Serving Placement

Another function of routine restringing is to guarantee the serving remains in the correct position. The serving is the wrapped material at the loop ends of the bowstring that protects the loops from wear. If the serving slides up or down the string, it can interfere with the bow’s performance. For example, if the serving slides down, the contact point with the cam or tab changes, which affects the tuning of the bow. Or if the serving slides up, it can lead to excessive wear and cause the loop to fail. Regular restringing makes it easy to reposition the serving as needed.

Reducing String Wear and Damage

No matter how durable, all bowstrings eventually show signs of wear after repeated shots. Shooting causes the individual strands that make up the bowstring to slowly fatigue and fray over time. Regular restringing allows you to proactively replace the string before this wear leads to breakage or reduced performance. Catching and replacing a worn string helps you avoid frustrating equipment failures. It also reduces the risk of a dry-fired bow if the string happens to snap unexpectedly. Routine string maintenance extends the life of both your string and your bow.

Maintaining Proper Timing and Synchronization

For compound bows, keeping the string and cabling system in proper synchronization is critical for optimal arrow flight and accuracy. Over time, the string and cables will stretch at differing rates. This “creep” throws off the tuning and timing of the bow. Changing the string and cables together at recommended intervals helps keep everything working in concert. On older bows without cable slides, you may also need to reposition the cable nocks periodically to maintain synchronicity between the string and cables. Doing routine string and cable maintenance ensures your compound bow retains its precision and efficiency.

Improving Consistency and Groupings

Keeping your bow in top condition through stringing and maintenance pays dividends in the form of improved consistency. Shooting a bow with worn strings and cables, improper brace height, and out-of-tune cams or wheels leads to inconsistency and poor arrow groupings. As small changes accumulate in the system, your shots stray further from your intended point of impact. Restringing and tuning eliminates variables and helps you achieve tight, consistent groupings session after session. It’s worth the investment of time and money for the boost in precision.

Inspecting the Bow For Damage

When you restring a bow, it’s a perfect time to thoroughly inspect the rest of the bow for any issues. You can check for signs of damage or warping in the limbs, cracks or dents in the riser, broken cables, frayed serving, loose components, and more. Catching and addressing problems early prevents more extensive damage down the road.

It’s also wise to confirm all screws and limb bolts are properly tightened. Doing a full inspection along with restringing lets you proactively address maintenance items for reliable equipment.

Preventing Injury

Neglecting string maintenance can also become an active safety concern in some cases. As strings wear and fray, they can snap, causing the bow to dry fire. Dry firing a bow can damage the limbs and cable system and cause pieces to break off, posing a risk of injury. Severely worn strings also cause erratic arrow flight that makes the arrows more likely to completely miss the target or glance off in unintended directions.

By changing the string regularly, you remove the risk of unsafe dry fires. Your arrows will release cleanly and fly true to the target point every time. Keeping your equipment in top shape makes the sport safer and more enjoyable.

Boosting Your Confidence

Proper bow maintenance gives you confidence in your equipment so you can focus on the shot process. Shooting a bow that’s correctly strung with fresh strings and cables gives you peace of mind that nothing will go wrong. You can have full trust that the arrow will fire smoothly and hit your intended mark without interference from poor equipment.

Your mindset and confidence directly influence your execution and accuracy. Proper bow maintenance minimizes distractions so you can focus on your form, mental game, and improving.

Taking the time to correctly restring and tune your bow pays dividends across many aspects of archery. Your equipment will last longer, perform optimally, and provide the consistency needed to hone your skills. Don’t cut corners when it comes to stringing and maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and your bow will adeptly launch thousands of accurate shots downrange.

Warning Signs Your Bowstring Needs Replacing

No bowstring lasts forever, even if well maintained. Over time and repeated use, bowstrings show signs of wear and damage indicating it’s time for replacement. Watch for these warning signs to know when to proactively restring your bow before running into equipment issues:

Fraying Strands

Fraying strands are the most obvious visual indicator a bowstring is wearing out. Look closely at the string, especially near the end loops. If you notice multiple broken strands or fuzzy areas, the string is failing. Fraying happens as the individual fibers that make up the string fatigue and break from the repeated stress of drawing and releasing the bow. Excessive broken strands compromise strength and lead to unpredictable performance. Replace the string before these frays turn into full breaks.

Discoloration

String materials can also discolor and turn muted with age and dirt buildup. While not affecting performance directly, this dingy look signals the fibers are breaking down. Older plastic-based strings are prone to UV damage from sunlight that causes yellowing. Natural materials like Fastflight and linen discolor from skin oils, dirt and regular use. While somewhat normal, extreme discoloration usually means the string is due for retirement.

Inconsistent Arrow Flight

As a string starts deteriorating, you may notice arrows flying erratically. Fraying strands introduce inconsistencies in the draw, launch and oscillation of the arrow, causing it to veer off course. Strange flight patterns like fishtailing, porpoising or sudden deviations emerge. If your arrow impact points become less predictable for no clear reason, the worn string may be the culprit.

Reduced Arrow Speed

Stretching and deformities in an older string sap arrow speed. As the string loses elasticity and shape, it doesn’t propel arrows with the same velocity as intended. You’ll notice slower-than-normal arrow speed on the chronograph. The reduced power indicates the string is not transferring energy efficiently into the arrow for top performance.

Peep Rotation

On compound bows, peep sight rotation is another telltale sign of string issues. As the string stretches and wears unevenly, the peep gets misaligned and doesn’t orient automatically with the sight pins on each draw. You’ll have to manually realign it each shot. Stretching also impacts the cam synchronization, further throwing off arrow flight. Don’t ignore a rotating peep, as it usually means the string needs replacing.

Serving Damage

Check the end servings closely for wear and separation. These wraps protect the string loops from abrasion where the bow contacts the string. If the serving is very loose, slipping or heavily worn, it needs replacing along with the string. Severely damaged servings can lead to premature string failure.

Abrasion Markings

Repeated abrasion where the arrow nocks against the string creates surface wear and grooved markings on the fibers. This abrasion captures dirt and accelerates fraying. Deep grooves, flattened areas, or peeling on the serving signal replacement time. Surface abrasion degrades performance and indicates the string is breaking down internally.

Reduced Brace Height

If your brace height creeps lower over time without explanation, the stretched string may be the reason. As the material relaxes and deforms, string length increases and lowers brace height. If it drops significantly below your bow’s optimal brace height range, the elongated string is reducing efficiency. Restringing restores proper brace height.

Loose Strands

Strands coming loose from the bowstring serving ends are like pulled threads from a worn shirt – the surrounding material is breaking down. These loose strands poke out well before serve separation, meaning replacement is imminent. Trim off loose strands as you find them to prevent unraveling acceleration.

Mildew Odors

In hot or humid weather, fast-flight and natural fiber strings can develop mildew if not stored properly. The funky smell means moisture is trapped inside the fibers, degrading the string’s composition and performance. Any mildew odors mean it’s unsafe to shoot and time to replace.

Storage Wear

Improper long-term storage also damages strings over time. Kinks, bends and shape deformation from bending around pegs lead to internal broken fibers. Strings left strung on bows long-term stretch and fatigue more rapidly. Replace any string showing storage wear.

Catching these indicators at the first signs avoids unsafe equipment failures. It also prevents gradual performance declines impacting your accuracy. For consistent shots and long bow life, restring proactively when you notice these warning signs. Investing in fresh strings and cables periodically is the best way to keep your bow shooting like new.

Dangers of Continuing to Shoot a Worn Bowstring

It can be tempting to eke out a few more shots from a bowstring that’s showing some fraying and age. But shooting an overly worn string is risky. It can fail catastrophically, damaging your bow and posing serious safety hazards. Here are the dangers of continuing to shoot a string that needs replacing:

Uncontrolled Launch

As the bowstring breaks down internally, its ability to contain the stored energy of a drawn bow is compromised. Strands break, fibers shear apart, and stretch deforms the string shape. This increases the chances of an uncontrolled release upon firing. The string can slip from the cam prematurely or snap back violently when worn too far. This dangerous launch jeopardizes accuracy and equipment safety.

Dry Fires

The most dangerous scenario is a dry fire if the string snaps on release. Without an arrow to absorb the energy, all the force transfers directly into the bow limbs. The abrupt stimulus frequently cracks or breaks the limbs and can also damage cables, cams, and axles. Dry fires render the bow unsafe to shoot until extensive repairs.

Damaged Bow Parts

The excessive vibration and oscillation of a deteriorated string also takes a toll on other bow components. The string directly contacts the serving, making separation more likely. The erratic movement strains cables, which may stretch or detach from cam grooves. It also stresses axles, bearings, and limbs through fatigue over time.

Injuries

Bowstring failures also introduce a physical hazard to the archer. A bow under the high loads of firing can break apart and send dangerous fragments flying as the limbs delaminate or axles snap. The bowstring itself can whip back toward the shooter in unpredictable ways when it breaks. Prevent injuries by avoiding compromised strings.

Inaccurate Shots

As the string fibers deteriorate, the arrow no longer launches as intended. Individual broken strands affect how the string releases, propels and guides the arrow downrange. Shots will show unexplained deviations as the arrow’s flight path varies under the inconsistent forces.

Peep Sight Instability

For compound archers, the peep sight orientation will become inconsistent as the string stretches and relaxes unevenly with damage. Having to realign your peep constantly is distracting and makes accurate aiming difficult. Older strings also throw off cam synch for less precision.

Premature String Replacement

Continuing to shoot a damaged string shortens the usable life of the next string you install. The burrs, grooves and peeling serving from the failing string rapidly wear down new materials. You get far fewer shots before the new string shows the same signs of degradation. Plan ahead to maximize string life.

Lost Efficiency

You’ll notice a pronounced drop in arrow speed and kinetic energy as the string deteriorates. Your shots deliver less power and you sacrifice the velocity needed for a clean, accurate flight. Older strings lose their zip andsnap. Don’t put up with lackluster performance when a fresh string makes a huge difference.

Inability to Tune

Trying to fine tune and dial in your bow’s adjustments is pointless with a bad string. No matter what you tweak on the rest, sights, plunger, or nock height, the inconsistent oscillations and vibrations from the string dominate. Only a fresh string allows for meaningful tuning.

Degraded Materials

On material like Fastflight, dirt works into the fibers over time, weakening the molecular structure. This material breakdown causes unexpected snap failures. Other materials degrade from UV light exposure. Don’t trust aged strings as their composition changes.

Lost Confidence

Worrying about possible equipment failures is hugely distracting. You lose your rhythm, focus less on form, and hesitate more. Your confidence in the shot sequence declines along with your accuracy. Never compromise peace of mind with damaged equipment.

Saving a few extra shots by stretching a worn string’s lifespan isn’t worth the substantial risks involved. Your safety, bow’s health, accuracy, and confidence all suffer. At the first signs of damage, retire strings and cables so you can keep shooting with trust in your gear.

Finding a Reputable Bow Shop or Pro Nearby

Getting your bow correctly strung and maintained takes skill and experience. Rather than risking DIY frustrations, find a qualified pro in your area. Use these tips to locate and vet quality bow shops or individual technicians nearby:

Search Local Listings

Your first stop is searching online listings for terms like “archery pro shop” or “bow technician near me.” Online maps and directories will display options in your vicinity. Focus on shops dedicated to archery rather than large sporting goods stores for the best expertise. Cross-reference multiple listing sites to compile possibilities.

Check Archery Organization Sites

Many archery associations like USA Archery, NASP, and state-level groups maintain member databases you can search by location. Their certified coaches and shops agree to quality standards and training for membership, giving credibility. Search their rosters to find vetted technicians nearby.

Visit Pro Shop Finder Sites

Resources like BowProShops.com allow you to geographically find and filter professional archery shops with certified technicians. These specialty sites vet the listings for experience levels and manufacturer training on brands like Hoyt, Mathews, PSE and others. They’re a fast way to identify qualified options.

Ask at Your Archery Range

Local archery ranges, clubs or shooting lanes often have a pro shop right on-site, or can recommend nearby retailers used by members. These technicians work on the equipment shot at that venue daily, making them familiar options. Inquire at your usual shooting spot first.

Check Out Specialty Forums

Archery forums like ArcheryTalk have regional subforums where you can ask community members for reputable pro shops or technicians in your precise area. People will chime in with firsthand recommendations based on service quality.

Look for Experience Longevity

When evaluating potential bow technicians, look for experience longevity in the archery industry. Experts who have served area archers for many years demonstrate their capabilities and trustworthiness. Newer shops can be perfectly skilled but lack the track record.

Ask About Brand Certifications

For compound bow work, ask if technicians hold current manufacturer certifications for major brands. Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, PSE and others provide training on correctly working on their latest models and technologies. Certified pros are authorized for warranty work too.

Inquire About Custom String Expertise

If shopping for a custom bowstring, ask about the technician’s experience with materials and building methods. Custom strings require exacting construction and measurements for optimal fit and performance. Verify their expertise in this specialty area.

Consider Specialized Services

Some technicians offer specialized services like competition bow setup, bare shaft tuning, spine and grain matching, or advanced draw length and sight adjustment fitting. Seek out these experts if you need precision services.

Ask Around the Local Archery Community

Speaking to fellow archers in your area yields firsthand reviews of which shops provide excellent service and technical ability for various needs. Their real experiences identify who to trust or avoid. Ask at the range or clubs.

Look for Awards and Recognition

Top technicians often gain regional or national notoriety and awards for their expertise. This peer recognition signifies exceptional knowledge and craftsmanship. It demonstrates masters of the trade to strongly consider.

Research Customer Reviews

Online customer reviews offer transparency into service experiences at various shops. Look for consistently glowing feedback on expertise, pricing, and customer service. Beware of any glaring red flags in poor reviews as well.

Taking time to find a truly qualified technician ensures your bow gets the best care and service. Don’t settle for mediocrity or inexperience that puts your equipment at risk. Quality maintenance maximizes both performance and longevity.

Questions to Ask About Their Bowstringing Services

So you’ve decided it’s time to get your bow restrung. Maybe the serving is starting to separate or the strands are looking a little frayed. Or perhaps you just want to give your trusty bow some much needed TLC before the start of hunting season.

Whatever the reason, finding a reliable bow shop to handle the stringing and tuning can be key. Not all string jobs are created equal. You want someone with expertise who will get your ax singing like new again. Before dropping off your bow, here are some savvy questions to ask first.

How Long Have You Been Stringing Bows?

Experience matters when it comes to the intricate process of restringing bows. It’s both an art and a science. Any shop you use should have technicians well-versed in setting up modern compound bows as well as traditional recurves and longbows. Ask how long they’ve been stringing and tuning bows specifically. You want confidence they know what they’re doing.

What Type of Bowstrings Do You Use?

Not all bowstrings are built the same. High quality materials and construction are essential for consistency and accuracy. Ask what brand and type of string they use. Most shops use name brand strings from trusted manufacturers like BCY. Some also build custom strings in house. See what options they offer and if one is right for your bow.

Do You Serve The String Loops?

A quality string job should always include reinforced servings on the loop ends. This protects the loops from wear. Unserved loops can quickly fray and lead to string failure. Make sure they serve the loops on both compound and recurve strings. It protects your investment.

Do You Perform A Full Tune And Set-Up?

A new bowstring often means re-tuning your ax. Changing the string length and tensions alters draw weight, idler lean, cam rotation, and more. Ask if tuning and set-up are included with the restringing. At minimum, the bow should be test fired through a paper test and adjusted to get arrow flight back on track.

What Is Your Turnaround Time?

Inquire up front how long the restring will take. Most quality shops can restring and tune a bow in 1-3 days. If the wait time is excessive, keep looking. You want your bow back in reliable shooting condition ASAP. Though it’s worth the wait for expert service.

Do You Have Any Customer References?

Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for customer references you can contact about their experience. Shops that do good work and stand behind it should have happy customers willing to vouch. If they hesitate to provide references, that’s a red flag.

What Is Your Pricing?

Prices vary so ask up front what they charge for restrings. Expect to pay anywhere from $50-$150+ depending on where you live and whether it includes a tune. Remember that quality restringing pays off in the long run over DIY attempts. But it helps to compare shop rates.

Do You Offer Warranties On Labor?

Pro shops should guarantee their labor and stringing work. Most offer warranties for a period of time in case issues pop up shortly after the restring. This gives confidence in their service. Be wary of any shop unwilling to back up their work.

Can I Watch You Restring My Bow?

The more transparency the better. Many reputable bow shops will let you observe in person while they restring your bow. This allows you to see first-hand the care and technique used by the technician on your specific bow. Look for this openness.

Do You Specialize In Any Bow Types?

While most quality shops can handle all bow types, some specialize in certain brands or styles. For example, a shop may focus on Mathews, Hoyt target bows, or traditional bows. Finding one tailored to your kind of gear ensures the highest level of expertise.

Asking the right questions up front makes it easier to find a bow shop you can trust. You want an experienced pro shop that takes pride in their work and stands behind it. Spending time to get your bow properly restrung and tuned pays dividends when you hit the range or woods. Following these tips helps get your equipment back in top shooting condition.

Type of Bowstrings They Offer (BRANDS)

Getting your bow restrung by a professional shop is wise to keep it shooting properly. But not all bowstrings are created equal. The quality of the string itself makes a big difference in performance and longevity. That’s why it’s important to ask pro shops what brand of bowstrings they use before dropping off your bow.

The string is the heart of any bow. It needs to be constructed from top-tier materials that are durable and consistent. Here are some of the major bowstring brands to look for when inquiring about restring services.

BCY Bowstrings

BCY is one of the most trusted names in bowstrings and archery fibers. They offer a wide variety of compounds and blends to suit different bow setups. Options like BCY-X, 8125G, and 452X are very popular for compound bows. Their B-55 string material works great on recurves. Quality shops frequently use BCY brand strings.

Brownell Bowstrings

Brownell is another leader known for making high performance bowstrings. Their UltraCam HD compound strings keep peep rotation and creep to a minimum. Products like their FF string material and Nitro bowstring wax give consistency. Ask shops specifically if they utilize Brownell brand strings.

Stone Mountain Bowstrings

Stone Mountain handcrafts custom bowstrings that are 100% made in the USA. They let you choose custom colors and materials tailored exactly for your bow model. Their SHOT strings help stabilize peep sights. See if a pro shop offers their Stone Mountain brand strings.

America’s Best Bowstrings

As their name implies, America’s Best uses top grade US materials to hand make each bowstring. Choices like their VTX variegated threads and Spiderwire blended compounds offer blazing speed. It’s a go-to brand for many bow technicians.

Vapor Trail Archery Strings

Known for their LimbDriver brand string suppressors, Vapor Trail also crafts VTX v-polymers bowstrings built for speed and stability. Their patented Gecko wax coating helps prevent peep rotation or creep. Quality pro shops may offer their Vapor Trail brand.

60X Custom Strings

60X lives up to their name with obsessive attention to detail on each handmade bowstring. Options like their XS2, Spectra, and Dyneema materials allow you to pick the perfect match for your bow specs and shooting style.

Hogwire Bowstrings

Specializing in recurve and longbow strings, Hogwire uses premium B50 Dacron and DynaFLIGHT 97 on their custom strings. A traditional bow pro shop may recommend their Hogwire recurve strings.

JBK Bowstrings

Using top grade BCY Dyneema, JBK Bowstrings offers striker cam compounds along with solid, split harness, and endless loop offerings. Their quality control ensures each string is built to exacting standards.

These are just a few of the major players when it comes to bowstring brands. There are also smaller specialty string makers producing excellent products too. The key is sticking with a professional string company. If a shop says they make their own no-name strings, that may be a red flag. Brand name strings represent years of research and development. Don’t settle for anything less when restringing your bow.

Ask up front exactly what brand and type of string a pro shop uses. That gives insight into the quality and care you can expect. Your bow deserves first-rate craftsmanship and materials. Making sure you get a top brand bowstring helps ensure that.

Custom String Options for Your Bow

When it comes to archery, having a properly strung bow is crucial for accuracy, performance, and safety. Factory bowstrings may get you by for a while, but eventually you’ll want to upgrade to a custom string. Custom bowstrings provide a number of advantages over factory strings, allowing you to fine-tune your setup for maximum efficiency. But with so many materials, colors, and options to choose from, selecting the right custom string can seem overwhelming. Here’s an in-depth look at the different custom string choices available and how to pick the perfect one for your bow and shooting style.

Bowstring Materials

The most important factor in choosing a custom bowstring is the material it’s constructed from. There are several common materials used for modern bowstrings, each with their own characteristics:

• BCY-X: A proprietary blended material from Brownell that combines vectors of Dyneema and Vectran. Smooth, stable, and durable.
• Dyneema: An ultralight polyethylene fiber known for its strength and stability. Makes lightweight, snap-resistant strings.
• Vectran: A liquid crystal polymer fiber that is extremely smooth and stable. Used for strings that have a crisp, clean release.
• Dacron: An economical polyester material that is easy to work with. Best suited for traditional bows with lower draw weights.

The material you choose depends on the type of bow you shoot and your specific needs. For example, high-performance compound bows typically use advanced materials like BCY-X for maximum stability and speed. Recurve shooters may opt for Dyneema or Vectran to minimize string stretch. Longbow and traditional shooters tend to favor Dacron for its traditional feel.

Serving Options

The serving is the wrapped portion at the loops and center of the bowstring that protects the core material. Options for serving materials include:

• Halo: This ultra-strong braided polyethylene serves well for holding up to abrasion.
• 3D: A proprietary material with excellent grip, often used on compound bow string loops.
• 62XS: A very thin, durable material ideal for recurve string servings.
• Nocking points: Usually made of brass or Dacron for durability and grip.

The right serving helps guard your bowstring, provide tackiness for release aids, and allow smooth nock fit. Many archers also consider the look of the serving when choosing custom string colors.

String Color Options

Beyond materials and servings, custom bowstrings also allow you to choose the perfect color or color combinations. While color is mostly an aesthetic choice, many archers use it to make sighting easier. For example, a white front serving makes the center of the string highly visible. Some common color options include:

• Solid colors: Black, white, red, blue, green, yellow, etc.
• Two-tone: Combinations like red/white, black/yellow, blue/green, etc.
• Tiger tail: Alternating streaks of two or more colors.
• Cables: Available in colors to match or contrast with string.

Bowstring colors are largely personal preference – choose what looks good to your eye. Bold colors and combinations make the string highly visible against the bow and sight window for easier aiming. Or go for more subtle and traditional tones. The options are endless!

Other Custom Options

Beyond the basics, custom bowstrings allow for a variety of options to take tuning and performance to the next level:

• Multiple materials: Mixing string materials like Dyneema ends and a Vectran center can optimize stability.
• Split yokes: Using two materials on compound cable yokes fine tunes cam synchronization.
• Serving sizes: Heavier servings increase durability, lighter servings maximize speed.
• End loops: Reinforced loop options add strength and security to the bow’s extremities.
• Silencers: Fuzzy nocking point silencers reduce vibration and noise.

Talk to your bowstring builder about advanced tuning options to get your setup really dialed in. Custom building opens up lots of possibilities!

Finding the Right Custom Bowstring Builder

Getting top-quality custom strings means finding an expert bowstring builder. Look for the following hallmarks of a great builder:

• They offer a wide selection of high-quality materials to choose from.
• They have advanced building techniques for consistent precision and performance.
• They allow you to fully customize and spec your materials, servings, and colors.
• They have experience building strings for your type of bow.
• They stand behind their product with a solid warranty.

The right custom bowstring builder becomes an invaluable part of finely tuning your precision shooting setup. The bowstring is your critical connection to the bow, so get the finest equipment from trusted experts. With the right string materials, servings, colors and custom options selected, you’ll have the perfect match for your bow, shooting style, and discerning eye. Custom tune for ultimate consistency and accuracy!

Expected Turnaround Time for Restringing

As an archer, having a reliable bowstring is paramount. Bowstrings gradually stretch and wear over time, slowly hurting performance and accuracy. At a certain point, it’s time to replace that tired string with fresh new one. But how long should you expect to be without your bow when getting it restrung? Turnaround time can vary quite a bit depending on where you go, the work volume, and type of string work needed. Here’s an in-depth look at the typical turnaround times for bow restringing and what factors are involved.

Bow Pro Shops

Taking your bow to an authorized pro shop for restringing is usually the quickest option. The best bow pro shops employ experienced technicians who do restringing daily. Simple restringing of a basic recurve or compound bow can often be done in 1-3 days at a pro shop. More complex work like a complete re-cable of a compound with tuning can take 3-5 days. The advantage here is you get your bow worked on by true experts using top quality equipment and materials.

However, turnaround times at pro shops can slow during peak seasons. Hunting seasons like fall see upticks in volume that may extend jobs by a few days for a 1-2 week turnaround. Off-season and summer are usually the quickest at 1-3 days for basic work. Building a relationship with your local pro shop can help reduce wait times and get you priority service.

Online Bowstring Retailers

Ordering a bowstring from an online retailer can provide good quality at affordable prices. However, you sacrifice a bit on turnaround time. Packaging and shipping bowstrings and cables adds time on both ends. Expect anywhere from 1-3 weeks from placing the order to receiving your new string. Opt for faster shipping like 2-day air if you need it quicker. Rush orders can sometimes ship in 3-5 days. The benefit here is avoiding local shop labor rates for a DIY restringing.

Online custom bowstring builders can be a bit quicker than mass retailers. Turnaround is usually 5-10 days from order to build to ship. The downside is you still have to install yourself. But for simpler bows like recurves it’s very doable at home. Just be very careful and follow proper stringing and tuning procedures.

Personal Bow Technicians

Hiring a personal bow tech or mentor is a great way to get highly specialized service. An experienced coach familiar with your setup may be able to restring and tune your bow within a day or two. This builds consistency since the same person handles all your string and tuning needs over time. It’s also a chance to learn proper stringing, maintenance, and tuning from an expert as they work on your bow. Turnaround is fast but expect higher hourly rates for personalized service.

DIY Restringing

Doing it yourself allows you to control the schedule and avoid labor costs. But restringing requires know-how and specialty tools. Watching detailed video tutorials to learn proper techniques is a must. For simple recurve restrings, first-timers can figure it out in 2-3 hours if they’re careful. Compounds with cables are extremely challenging for beginners, taking days of learning. Investing in a quality bow press makes compound work possible. Expect your first few DIY attempts to be slow while you learn. But in time, an experienced archer can restring and tune a bow in under an hour. The downside is buying tools and dealing with trial and error.

Factors Affecting Turnaround Time

Many variables influence how quickly your restringing can be completed:

• Bow type: Recurve is fastest, compounds take longer.
• String type: Simple strings are quicker, cables add time.
• Tune needed: A quick restring may take 1 day, a full tune 3-5 days.
• Shop volume: Off-seasons are quicker, hunting rush adds delays.
• Order+Ship time: 1-3 weeks for online orders vs in shop walk-ins.
• Technician skill: Experts work faster with fewer redos.
• Tools: Pro shops have specialty equipment, DIY requires buying tools.

Trying to minimize downtime? Go during the off-season and request a quick turnaround for just a basic restring, no tuning. Or learn to restring and tune yourself and control the schedule. For most shops, 1-2 weeks is reasonable for solid top-quality work. Building a relationship with a shop can help prioritize your work during busy times. For speed, nothing beats having a personal coach restring and tune on demand.

Quick Tips for Faster Turnaround

• Ask the shop upfront for a turnaround time estimate.
• Be flexible on colors and materials to use what’s in stock.
• Just need a quick restring? Ask to skip full tuning for now.
• Avoid peak seasons around hunting openers if possible.
• Request rush service and pay a premium if needed urgently.
• Learn to restring yourself to control the schedule.
• Hire a personal coach for on-demand restringing.

Waiting weeks without your bow can be a painful experience. Understanding typical restringing turnaround times helps set proper expectations. With some care in scheduling and service options, you can minimize the downtime and get back to shooting quicker. Or take the opportunity during the wait to practice other skills like arm strength, stance, and mental focus until you can feel the satisfaction of accurate arrows flying from your finely tuned bow once again.

Costs: Stringing vs Complete Restringing

As a bowstring ages, stretch and wear degrades performance and accuracy. At some point it requires replacement to maintain top shooting form. You essentially have two options – a simple restringing, or a full restring complete with cables, tune, and setup. Costs can vary widely between these two services. Here’s a look at what factors affect pricing for stringing versus complete restringing.

Basic Stringing Costs

The most straightforward repair is replacing just the bowstring itself. On a recurve, this typically costs anywhere from $15-$50 depending on the shop. Compound stringing without cables runs $30-$100 in most pro shops. The variables that affect basic stringing costs include:

• Labor time: Usually 0.5-1 hour for a basic string swap.
• Shop rates: Some charge as low as $50/hr, others up to $125/hr.
• Bow type: Recurve prices on the lower end, compounds cost more.
• Materials: Fancier strings and servings add 10-30% to the costs.
• Tune needed: Quick tune adds $10-$30, full tune doubles price.

For the DIY archer, material costs run $15-$40 for quality bowstring material and servings to restring their own bow at home. This avoids paying shop labor rates, but requires tools like a bow press.

Full Restring Costs

A full restring includes replacing the entire string/cable system, tuning, and setup. This comprehensive overhaul costs anywhere from $150-$400+ in a pro shop depending on bow type and specifics. What factors affect the cost of a full restring service?

• Cables: Compound cables cost more in materials and labor.
• Press tuning: Tuning and setup takes 1-3 hours at shop rates.
• New parts: New cables, servings, silencers add costs.
• Bow type: Compound full restrings cost 2-3X a recurve restring.
• Shop prices: Varies based on labor rates, experience, overhead.

For comparison, DIY compound full restring costs might run $60-$120 for cables, strings, parts. But much more expertise is needed compared to simple recurve stringing. Specialty bow press tools are a must.

When to Spend More for Full Restring

Trying to decide between basic stringing and full restring service? Consider springing for the full overhaul when:

• The current cables have extensive wear and damage.
• You want to upgrade string materials for more speed or stability.
• Timing and tune has drifted noticeably over many shots.
• New custom tuning services have become available.
• You need a competition target bow tuned to absolute precision.

Just need a quick cheap string replacement to get back shooting? Simple restringing may suffice temporarily before a full overhaul later. Off-season or mid-season string swaps may call for just a fast stringing to avoid downtime.

Saving on Restringing Costs

Looking to trim costs on your next restringing service? Consider these money-saving options:

• Learn to DIY strings and cables – saves on labor
• Ask about end-of-spool deals on materials
• Supply your own discounted parts purchased online
• Go during off-season when shops are less busy
• Negotiate partial trade services for coaching/training
• Barter services with other archers – you tune, they string

Building a relationship with a shop or personal coach can lead to discounts or club member pricing. And financing options like payment plans can make a large full restring bill more affordable by spreading it out.

The Value of Pro Restringing

While DIY bow work can save money, professional restringing provides many advantages:

• Expert technicians prevent rookie mistakes
• Pro-grade tools like bow presses
• Higher quality parts and materials
• Comprehensive tuning for precision
• Consistency and reliability from regular servicing
• Certifications and training on the latest techniques

Just like taking your car to the certified mechanic, proper restring and tuning from the qualified techs ensures top performance and safety. Your accuracy will thank you at the next tournament!

Their Setup and Tuning Services Post-Stringing

So you got your bow restrung with fresh new strings and cables – excellent! But the job isn’t done quite yet. Proper setup and tuning after the restring is crucial for getting the bow back into top shooting form. The right shop will provide a full range of post-stringing services to analyze and adjust your bow for peak performance. Here’s an overview of the important setup and tuning services to look for after a bow restringing project.

Initial Inspection

Before tuning, a complete inspection should identify any underlying issues. The tech will check for:

• Limb, riser, or cam damage
• Twisted cables or improper initial string layout
• Worn axles, bearings, and moving parts
• Damaged servings, end loops, or splice points
• Cracks, splinters, or warping of the limbs or riser
• Cam lean or timing inconsistencies

Addressing any defects, wear, or damage through repairs ensures a solid foundation before tuning.

Timing and Synchronization

On compound bows, the cams must rotate precisely in synch for optimal performance. The technician will analyze and adjust:

• Axle-to-axle distance to align cams
• Cable lengths and twists to match cam rotation
• Draw stops for a smooth pull through the power stroke
• Shims and limb alignment to eliminate cam lean

Proper cam timing eliminates nock travel issues for truer arrow flight.

Draw Length and Weight Checks

The bow’s draw length and weight specs may have drifted over time. The tech will confirm:

• Draw length matches your specifications
• Draw weight peaks properly within your comfort range
• Draw force curve feels smooth and consistent
• No stacking or hard wall at the end of draw

Adjustments to the string, cables, or limb bolts can tweak the draw to your personal fit.

centershot and Nock Travel Alignment

For straight and true arrow flight, centershot and nock travel must be spot-on:

• Set nocking point position for optimal arrow angle
• Align arrow rest centershot with the bowstring
• Confirm straight horizontal and vertical nock travel
• Adjust limb alignments as needed

Tuning centershot and nock travel is especially key on high-performance target bows.

Paper and Bare Shaft Tuning

Advanced tuning methods like paper and bare shaft tuning reveal finer form flaws:

• Paper tuning checks for horizontal nock travel issues
• Bare shaft shots show vertical nocking and spine issues
• Make micro adjustments to sights, rests, limbs, and nocks to fix tears and wobble

Diligent tuning creates precision arrow flight for tighter groups.

Vibration, Noise Checks

A smooth, quiet shot starts with balancing vibration and noises:

• Add string silencers for reduced noise
• Listen for buzz or hum indicating contact issues
• Use bare shafts to observe vibration in slow motion
• Adjust limb dampeners and stabilizers to reduce motion

Tuning for minimal vibration maintains pin stability and tight groups.

Final Draw Length, Weight Verify

After tuning work, confirm the final specs:

• Draw length matches your preferred anchor and sight marks
• Draw weight allows you to hold steadily through your shot
• Smooth draw without humps or dumps in force curve
• Solid back wall with no elbow collapse or creep

Double check your personalized fitment for complete confidence at full draw.

Don’t settle for just a basic restring – demand the advanced setup and tuning services your bow deserves post-stringing. The finest shops will inspect, adjust, analyze, and confirm every aspect of performance until your bow is back in peak competitive form. Expert setup and meticulous tuning transforms a simple string replacement into a full overhaul delivering the accuracy you need.

Additional Archery Gear Maintenance & Repairs

Beyond just restringing your bow, a quality archery shop should offer a full suite of maintenance and repair services for all your shooting gear. Keeping every piece of equipment in top working order is crucial for consistency, safety and performance. Here are some of the key maintenance and repair options to look for.

Arrow Rests

Arrow rests take a beating and require careful inspection and tweaking. Quality shops will:

• Replace worn launcher arms/buttons
• Check for bent or damaged containment
• Confirm rest is securely locked to the bow
• Adjust spring tension and arrow clearance
• Verify smooth vertical operation on drop-away rests

Proper arrow rest function ensures smooth, consistent arrow guidance.

Sights

Like rests, bow sights need periodic inspection and adjustments:

• Check for loose mounting hardware
• Verify tight pin fit with no rattling
• Examine scope lenses for clarity and cracks
• Adjust windage and elevation as needed
• Confirm level vertical adjustment

Accurate sighting demands sights to be dead steady and properly aligned.

Stabilizers

Stabilizer maintenance helps balance and silence your bow:

• Check for loose mount connections
• Verify straightness of stabilizer bar
• Examine rubber dampeners for cracks/wear
• Adjust sidebar and back-weight amounts
• Clean stabilizer barrel and extension rods

Properly functioning stabilizers reduce vibration, torque, and drift.

Arrows

Optimizing your arrows for straightness and consistency:

• Inspect for cracked or warped shafts
• Check straightness with arrow spinner
• Refletch/replace as needed for stable flight
• Confirm consistent arrow length and weight
• Clean inside of arrow shaft and inserts

Only perfectly tuned arrows deliver repeatable accuracy.

Release Aids

Ensuring smooth release aid function:

• Check for frayed straps and worn head/handle
• Confirm trigger sensitivity/travel is set properly
• Verify jaws close tightly and open crisply
• Clean dirt/debris from moving parts
• Adjust trigger travel and pull force

A surprise release leads to missed shots downrange.

Compound Bows

Compound bow maintenance services:

• Inspect axles, cams, bearings for wear/damage
• Replace frayed or peep-damaged cables
• Check cams for smooth rotation and no binding
• Confirm solid limb pocket connections
• Clean dirt and old lubricant from axles/cams

Compounds have many interconnected moving parts requiring vigilance.

Recurve Risers

Caring for your recurve riser:

• Inspect for dents, cracks, twists in riser
• Check limb alignment and fit in pocket
• Confirm no cracks or splinters in wood handle
• Clean grime and buildup from grip and shelf
• Touch up blemished paint or anodizing

Your riser anchors the entire bow system and must be sound.

Don’t neglect everything beyond the bowstring. Ask your shop about their full maintenance menu to keep tabs on every part of your gear. A loose sight or cracked stabilizer can sabotage your shot as easily as an improper string. Take advantage of expert inspections and corrections so all your equipment works in harmony, shot after accurate shot.

Verify They Use A Bow Press for Safety

When searching for a quality bow shop to restring or service your bow, one of the most important safety checks is verifying they properly use a bow press. Attempting stringing or cable work without the proper bow press can be extremely dangerous and risks severe injury or bow damage. Always confirm your shop has and uses the right press for your bow. Here’s what to look for in safe bow press practices.

Press Needed for Most Compounds

Modern dual and quad cam compound bows have extreme limb tension. Attempting string or cable swaps without relieving this tension first can cause catastrophic failures. From exploding cams to violently derailed strings, compounds must be pressed first. Quality pro shops invest in professional grade presses to safely work on modern bows.

Right Press for Bow Type

There are many types of bow presses designed for different bow configurations:

• Linear presses: Uses linear actuators to compress limbs vertically.
• Limb tip presses: Presses from the tips avoiding riser contact.
• Portable field presses: Lightweight presses for on-site work.
• Specialty presses: Shop, parallel limb, individual limb designs.

Ensure the shop has the correctly matched press for your bow’s limb and riser layout. Using the wrong style risks damage.

Proper Press Operation

Even quality presses can be used incorrectly:

• Don’t over-compress past manufacturer limits.
• Keep riser perpendicular to the press.
• Press evenly to avoid twisting limbs.
• Don’t leave bow under tension too long.
• Confirm string and cables are relaxed before working.

Incompetent press use by cheap shops risks mangling your bow.

Hand Press Dangers

Avoid any shop attempting hand presses or manual stringing of compounds. This old technique has no place on modern bows. Always insist on mechanical press use.

When Pressing Not Needed

Some bow work may not require pressing:

• Recurve bows under 40 lbs can be safely hand strung.
• Light tuning work without string/cable changes.
• Inspections, arrow changes, rest/sight adjustments.

But press anytime the string system or limb tension is altered.

DIY Press Purchase

Accomplished DIY archers can buy their own quality press for home use. Considerations when buying:

• Manuals and instructional material for safe operation.
• Reputable brand with support available.
• Correct press for your bow model.
• Capable of handling future bow upgrades.
• Good warranty and maintenance support.

Presses are a specialty tool requiring training and care.

The Consequences of Press Neglect

Attempting shortcuts by working on a strung compound can produce disastrous results:

• Exploding cams and limbs under lethal preload.
• Strings abruptly derailing causing whiplash.
• Damage to the riser, cams, axles and limbs.
• Injury to the archer and bystanders.

Don’t let shops gamble with your safety – insist on bow pressing!

Trust your bow only to qualified techs using the right tools for the job. One moment of carelessness can mean a destroyed bow, lost time and money, or serious harm. For peace of mind and your own safety, verify your shop’s strict bow pressing practices every time before letting them work on your bow.

Check Reviews and Testimonials From Past Customers

Searching for the right archery pro shop to restring or service your bow? One of the best ways to evaluate options is checking reviews and testimonials from past customers. Real experiences from other archers can give great insights into the shop’s expertise, customer service, pricing and more. Here are some tips for checking and interpreting reviews.

Online Review Sites

Many archery shops today have listings on sites like Google, Facebook, Yelp, YellowPages, etc. Reading through the star ratings and detailed reviews can reveal strengths and weaknesses:

• Google – Integrates with business info and maps listings.
• Facebook – Friends may have reviewed or checked-in.
• Yelp – Broad reviews with sort/filter options.
• YellowPages – Longer history of reviews.

Cross-reference ratings and comments across multiple sites.

The Shop’s Own Website

Beyond third-party sites, check testimonials on the pro shop’s own website. But watch for potential bias showing only their happiest customers. Still useful to see expertise touted.

Archery Forum Testimonials

Archers reviewing shops on specialty archery forums like ArcheryTalk can provide very knowledgeable perspectives. Take note of unique feedback from fellow archers.

Video Reviews

Video reviews and testimonials give a more personal view into a shop. Watch for factors like shop tour footage, staff interactions, bow benchwork/setup as shown on YouTube.

Common Praise and Critiques

Look for these typical positives and negatives in reviews:

• Knowledgeable, experienced technicians
• Fair, reasonable prices
• Careful work and attention to detail
• Great customer service and relationships
• Long wait times, delays
• Pushy upselling
• Damage or mistakes in service
• Poor communication

Red Flags: Dramatic Complaints

Isolated complaints happen, but beware patterns of:

• Damaging bows through incompetence
• Severely overcharging
• Dishonest diagnosis or work needed
• Ruining tune and setup due to lack of skill
• No compensation for mistakes
• Rude, dismissive attitudes

These warn of fundamental flaws in expertise and business practices.

Sample Size Matters

A few reviews may not reveal the big picture on a shop. Look for sustained ratings over dozens of reviewers across years of service.

Recent Reviews Tell More

Prioritize newer reviews from the past 1-2 years. These reflect the shop’s current state rather than early growing pains years ago.

Understand Biases

Consider biases in extremely positive or negative reviews:

• Angry reviewers sometimes have unreasonable expectations.
• Shops may invite/incentivize customers to leave positive reviews.
• Competitors at times post fake negative reviews.

Balance with reason and look for consistent moderate feedback.

Verify Mentioned Facts

Double check reviews mentioning “years in business”, qualifications, brands serviced, etc. against the shop’s own factual claims.

Sifting through customer reviews takes time but offers valuable insights into a shop’s true expertise and service ethic. While not a guarantee, consistent positive praise across archers is a good sign you’ll get attentive, careful work on your bow.

Ask About Warranty on Parts and Labor

When entrusting your bow to a new pro shop for restringing or repairs, be sure to ask what warranty protections they provide on parts and labor. A reputable shop should fully guarantee their workmanship and stand behind the components used. Understanding the warranty terms in advance prevents headaches down the road if an issue arises. Here are key warranty factors to clarify.

Labor Workmanship Warranty

Shops should offer a reasonable warranty period on the quality of work performed, such as:

• 30/60/90 days labor warranty
• 1 year warranty on string/cable replacement
• Lifetime labor warranty (for major repairs)

This protects you if strings shift, tune is lost, or other problems occur due to poor workmanship.

Parts and Components Warranty

Beyond labor, clarity on warranties for hardware and components used, like:

• Bowstrings and cables
• New axles, bearings, cams
• Upgraded sights, rests, and accessories

Quality shops stand behind the gear and hardware they install and sell.

Bow Manufacturer Warranty

Technicians should ensure original bow warranties remain intact. Damage or improper service that voids manufacturer warranties is unacceptable.

Warranty Handling Process

Understand the process if an issue arises:

• How to contact the shop about a problem
• Diagnosis appointment may be needed
• Process for repair authorization
• Turnaround time for fixes
• Loaner bow options during repairs
• Shipping costs if sent back to manufacturer

Easy to follow procedures reduce hassles getting resolution.

What Voids the Warranty

Shops may exclude issues due to:

• Damage from misuse/accidents after service
• Further amateur adjustments negating their work
• Using beyond draw weight/arrow limits
• Lack of general maintenance

Understand what can void warranties to prevent issues.

DIY Parts and Build Quality

For DIY bow builders, ask manufacturers about warranties on:

• String materials and servings
• Cables, cams, limbs purchased
• Risers, custom parts ordered

Get guarantees on components shipped to you as well.

Don’t get stuck paying out of pocket for poorly executed work or defective parts. Knowing warranty terms upfront incentivizes shops to properly build and service your equipment. With strong warranties in place, you can breathe easier knowing your bow will be taken care of if any problems arise down the road.

Schedule Appointment For Your Bow Restringing

Once you’ve selected a qualified pro shop for restringing your bow, the next step is scheduling your appointment. Give some thought to ideal timing that balances the shop’s availability with your needs. Here are some tips for efficiently booking your bow restringing date.

Call First, Online Second

Contact the shop by phone as the first option. Speaking directly makes clarifying questions and special requests easier. If unavailable, use website appointment forms or booking apps as a secondary choice.

Specify Work Needed

When scheduling, specify upfront you need restringing. Also mention:

• Bow type – recurve, compound, crossbow
• Restring only or full tune
• New string materials or colors
• Other maintenance requests

This helps them quote time and prices accurately.

Ask About Turnaround Time

Inquire about their current workload and typical turnaround time for your type of restringing. Factor the timelines into your scheduling needs.

Check Appointment Availability

Ask what appointment times are open in the coming days or weeks based on your schedule flexibility.

Mention Deadlines

If needing the bow back by a certain date for a trip or season opening, make the deadline clear upfront so they can prioritize.

Have Payment Method Ready

Confirm what payment types they accept and have your chosen option ready when dropping off.

Schedule Around Hunting Seasons

Avoid peak hunting seasons when shops are overflowing. Early summer or winter are ideal for quick turnaround.

Leave Buffer Time Before Events

Build a buffer between the appointment and any critical events requiring the bow. Unexpected delays can happen.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Use a recurring annual calendar reminder to book yearly maintenance appointments during slow seasons.

Check for Courtesy Reminders

Some shops offer confirmations and reminders as a courtesy when booking.

Have All Accessories Removed

Remove any sights, rests, quivers beforehand so the bow is ready to work on when dropped off.

Bring All Safety Info

Have manufacturer specs like draw weight limits to prevent safety issues.

With an appointment booked for restringing, you can now relax knowing your bow is in good hands. The countdown begins until you once again feel the satisfaction of a freshly restrung bow shooting arrows with tight downrange precision.