For most archers out there, replacing strings and cables on a brand new bow is no big deal, you haven’t shot the bow so you won’t “feel” the difference. With a few measurements of the axle to axle, brace height, draw length and poundage, you should be able to change out your strings and make sure everything is back to normal fairly easily.

Peter Elzinga, 37, represents the Netherlands and is an archery shop owner in Amsterdam who shoots for Winner's Choice. Having started competing in archery in 1990, he has a few years of experience behind his belt, and shares his string maintenance tips in the update below:

After being in the string making business for many years, I can say with the utmost confidence that when it comes to color coordinating strings and bows, guys are much more particular than the gals.  Yes. It’s true. But I’ll admit that it does look really good when a bow and all of its accessories match.  For that reason, bowstring manufacturers offer an endless amount of color choices for you to outfit your rig. But does the color choice make a difference in the quality of the finished product?

There are a lot of factors that play into the timing of when you should start thinking about changing your stings and cables. More than anything, how much you shoot plays the biggest part. The strings and cables are put through a lot of stress during each shot you take. This repeated stress on the strings shot after shot can take a toll on your strings over the course of a year. Depending on which bow I am talking about, my target bow or my hunting bow depends on when I change my strings and cables. 

People love to add things to the strings to make them quieter and faster. I personally like to keep as much weight off the string as possible. This way I can get the best performance of the string. On my Winner's Choice string, I have the peep, serving, and two speed buttons.

When I am building a new bow or replacing the strings and cables on an existing bow, I’m looking to find the perfect feel or get it back to the exact measurements that I need. Sometimes, getting it perfect, requires some tweaking and one quick way to achieve this is by twisting your strings & cables.

Strings are the most deciding factor of consistency when it comes to an equipment standpoint. Since the string is what determines the path of the arrow, we should want the most consistent string out there. That’s where Winners Choice comes in. They are the best option on the market due to their materials and building process. From the factory, every Elite has a set on them, made out of BCY X material, which gives you the perfect blend of speed and stability.

Every year, prior to hunting season, I have several friends that come by for last minute bow repair.  I can’t count the times I’ve seen bows 10 years old with the original string and cable set. Usually, I’ll get asked, “Do you think I should change them?”. And my usual response is, “yes, 5 years ago”. 

When it comes to waxing your bowstring, it is all personal preference. Some people wax their bowstring a lot, a few times, or they do not wax it. I prefer to shoot the least amount of wax possible on the string. To me, string wax is to keep the fibers from falling apart. Living in Arizona, you would think that the heat would dry out the bowstring. However, I only wax my string once or twice a season. I know a lot of people put more wax on their strings when they are in rainy or snowy conditions, but I prefer to use the lightest amount of wax on the string. The surface area is so small the water will not soak into the string. The bowstring could be under water and the string still will not be soaked.