When it comes to compound bowstrings, finding the one that’s just right for you is pretty difficult. You need to consider so many factors like the bow string’s craftsmanship, how it will be used, the material, the type of bow string, and so many more.
If you don’t get a compound bow string that’s suitable for your strength level and needs, then it might end up hurting you or it might not be effective enough.
That’s why we’ve done all the research to help you figure out which is the best bow string for you. So, read on for a detailed overview of the best compound bow strings on the market.
Table could not be displayed.Reviews of the Top 7 Best Compound Bow Strings of 2021
We have tested and reviewed the top bowstrings of the market, including compound, recurve, custom bows. As a result, we came to a list of the top 7 recurve and compound bowstring considering their quality and performance.
Checkout their reviews, advantages, features and disadvantages to find your best match.
1. KESHES Dacron Replacement Recurve Bowstring
No products found.
looking for an outstanding bowstring that doesnt only last but alos provide perfromance during your all important game? You should pick the KESHES Dacron Bowstring without thinking much. It is the latest version of the highly-acclaimed Dacron series.
This bowstring is as powerful and has as much stretch as the B-50, but it’s more durable and lasts longer because the stretch is less permanent. Every time you pull the bowstring, it will snap back to its original length immediately.
One of the main reasons we put this one on the top of our bow string review list is the ability to fast flight strings. It fits into the grooves on the limbs perfectly to perform really well during your game.
Moreover, I like how flexible they are in making different sizes. These KESHES Bowstrings are available in sizes ranging from 44” to 70” so you can use it with a wide range of bows. In terms of tension, you get three versions of this bowstring — 12 Strands (for up to 40 pounds), 14 Strands (for up to 50 pounds), and 16 Strands (for up to 70 pounds).
The ends of this bowstring have already been looped so you just have to insert them into your bow. This means you can simply connect it to the bow and start shooting immediately, making it extremely simple to assemble.
Pros
- Made by a highly reputable company.
- Snaps back to original length immediately.
- Available in sizes ranging from 44” to 70”.
- Available in various tension levels.
- Excellent customer service and after sale service
- Ends of the bowstring are looped when you buy them.
Cons
- Some users complain that one of the loops isn’t big enough to fit around all recurves.
- The serving is a little large for a standard arrow nock.
2. Premium Gear B-50 Dacron Recurve Bowstring
No products found.
Premium Gear B-50 Dacron Replacement Recurve Bowstring is one of the best and most durable bowstrings on the market. This is one of the most popular compound bowstrings of the market for its performance, power and durability.
Why it can shoot an arrow using the full potential of the bow?
In terms of power, this bowstring is as strong as the aforementioned KESHES B-55 Dacron Bowstring. It also has great stretch. But when you pull the bowstring, it takes a second or so for the string to revert to its original length. As such, it’s more likely to get stretched in the long run.
This compound bowstring is available in AMO lengths ranging from 48” to 62”, which means the actual size of the bowstring ranges from 44” to 58”. As such, this bowstring still has a great range, but you can’t use it for larger bows requiring 60” and more.
I have heard some complaints about the quality of these bowstrings especially in the comment review section of the online stores. But with our two-unit, we didn’t find any problems when using Black Eagle and Vapor Trail bow and arrows. So, this one is needed to note for the people who are buying these bowstrings.
In terms of tension support, you get 3 different strands — 12 Strands (for up to 40 pounds), 14 Strands (for up to 50 pounds), and 16 Strands (for up to 65 pounds).
All Premium Gear B-50 Dacron Replacement Recurve Bowstrings are unanimously black.
Pros
- Highly durable for long term usage
- Comes with great bowstring material.
- Powerful enough to shoot the arrow accurately.
- Available in 3 tension supports.
- Available in sizes ranging from 44” to 58”.
Cons
- Only available in one color.
- Its stretch isn’t as great as the B-55.
3. Jaguar CRS-004C Crossbow String
No products found.
Jaguar CRS-004C is a crossbow string that measures 26.5” overall and it can fit on bow limbs measuring 26.75”. It is made entirely of Polyester Fiber and is powerful enough to sustain a draw weight of up to 175 pounds.
The best part about getting the Jaguar CRS-004C Crossbow String is that it comes in pairs. As such, you get two of them so you have a replacement for when one of them wears away.
This crossbow string only weighs 0.3 ounces and you can easily slip it into your pockets when you need to carry it somewhere.
The only issue with this crossbow string is that it’s only available in a single size. As such, you have to be careful and make sure that it fits your crossbow before making the purchase. It also requires a lot of maintenance because you need to wax the string every day or it starts fraying.
Pros
- Powerful.
- Perfect for a 175 pounds draw Jaguar crossbow.
- Made of Polyester Fiber.
- Comes in pairs.
- Good customer service
- Lightweight.
Cons
- You don’t get different sizes.
- Lots of maintenance necessary or it’s liable to fray and wear away.
4. Southland Archery Supply SAS B-50 Dacron Bow String
No products found.
Southland Archery Supply SAS B-50 Dacron Replacement Traditional Recurve Bow String is one of the most powerful and durable bowstrings on the market. It has been made in the USA and uses premium B-50 Dacron bowstring material.
Southland Archery Supply SAS B-50 Dacron is available in AMO lengths ranging from 48” to 64”, which means the bowstring sizes range from 44” to 60”. This is a pretty great range and it can cover most bows out there. The only size missing is AMO 66”.
In terms of tension support, you get 3 different strands — 12 Strands (for up to 40 pounds), 14 Strands (for up to 50 pounds), and 16 Strands (for up to 65 pounds).
Southland Archery Supply SAS B-50 Dacron Replacement Traditional Recurve Bow String comes with an endless loop style so it can easily be fitted to your bows. However, it is only available in black color so you don’t have a lot of versatility.
Pros
- One of the best bowstring materials.
- Powerful and durable.
- Doesnt have any peep rotation problem
- Can fit most bows since it’s available in lengths of 44” to 60”.
- Available in 3 tension supports.
- Has an endless loop for easy use.
Cons
- Only available in Black color.
- Doesn’t stand up well in heat.
5. Replacement Archery Bowstring for Traditional Recurve Bows
No products found.
Replacement Archery Bowstring for Traditional Recurve Bows is an extremely powerful and durable compound bowstring with the ideal degree of stretch. It is made of premium B-55 Dacron material, which is made of 100% polyester and provides maximum durability with minimal stretch.
What makes this one of the best bowstrings on the list is its durability and stretch.
Replacement Archery Bowstring for Traditional Recurve Bows is available in AMO lengths ranging from 48” to 68”, which means the bowstring sizes range from 44” to 64”. This is an extremely wide range and it covers most bows possible. As such, no matter which bow you have, you can find the correct bowstring.
In terms of tension support, you get 3 different strands — 12 Strands (for draw weight between 10 to 25 pounds), 14 Strands (for draw weight between 25 to 40 pounds), and 16 Strands (for draw weight between 40 to 65 pounds). You should select the strands depending on your bow’s draw weight.
Replacement Archery bow-strings come with center serving and loops, which allows you to install the bowstring immediately.
Pros
- Made of premium B-55 Dacron material.
- Extremely durable.
- Minimal stretch.
- One of the America’s best bowstrings
- Available in sizes ranging from 44” to 64”.
- Ends are looped already.
Cons
- Only available in black color.
6. FLEMISH Fast Flight Plus Replacement Recurve Bowstring
No products found.
FLEMISH Fast Flight Plus Replacement Recurve Bowstring is made of premium Flemish Braided material. This is ideal for bows that are meant for low stretch and high power.
This compound bowstring has a Flemish twist which allows the arrow to be quieter and smoother in its flight path.
Furthermore, it’s also easier to tune because the string stretches very well. But despite having great stretch, it reasserts its original shape immediately upon release.
FLEMISH Fast Flight Plus Replacement Recurve Bowstring is available in bowstring sizes ranging from 44” to 62”, making it suitable for use in a wide range of bows.
In terms of tension, it has a 3-bundle construction with 18 strands, making it ideal for bows with a draw of 70 pounds.
All things considered, FLEMISH Fast Flight Plus is a brilliant compound bowstring that’s fast, silent, and has incredible stretch. The only slight drawback is that it’s only available in an 18-strand construction so it’s largely meant for heavier bows. It is available in black and bronze color options.
Pros
- Made of Flemish Braided material.
- Extremely silent.
- Easy to tune.
- Smooth flight path.
- Ideal for heavy bows with a draw of 70 pounds.
Cons
- Only suitable for heavy bows.
- Service area is a little thin and the nocks don’t stay in place.
7. SAS Flemish Fast Flight Replacement Traditional Recurve Bowstring
No products found.
SAS Flemish Fast Flight Replacement Traditional Recurve Bowstring is similar to the aforementioned FLEMISH Fast Flight Plus in a lot of ways. This, too, is a compound bowstring made of premium quality Flemish Fast Flight material. As such, it provides an extremely silent and smooth flight path for the arrows.
In terms of size, this compound bowstring is available in AMO lengths ranging from 44” to 66”, which means its actual size ranges from 40” to 62”, which is an impressive range. In terms of tension, it’s only available in a single 18-strand construction that makes it suitable for heavy bows with a draw of 70 pounds.
The ends of these custom strings are made in a well-served Flemish finish, which allows you to easily slip it into the bow’s ends. The Flemish-style ends also make it easier to tune because it has greater stretchability.
SAS Flemish Fast Flight Replacement Traditional Recurve Bowstring is available in black and brown colors. If you are looking for fast-release bow hunting, this archery gear is the right choice.
Pros
- Has fast flight capability.
- Quiet and smooth execution.
- No peep rotation
- Available in sizes ranging from 40” to 62”.
- Ideal for heavy bows with a draw of 70 pounds.
- Flemish-type ends.
Cons
- Not suitable for lightweight bows as the 18-strand construction will slow down the flight.
- Has a small serving so standard nocks don’t grab it well.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Compound Bow Strings
In this section of the article, we’ll show you all of the factors that you need to consider when you’re buying compound bow strings. Once you take these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to make better and more informed decisions.
Type of the Bowstrings
There are two types of bowstrings that you can choose from — custom strings and stock bowstrings.
Custom Strings
Custom strings are high-quality bowstrings that are specifically used by hunters. Normally custom strings are made with the best materials and are pretty expensive. They are particularly useful because they retain synchronization for extended periods, are highly accurate, and have firmly wrapped servings that don’t separate.
Stock Bowstrings
Stock bowstrings are those strings that are installed in the bow right from the factory. They are mass-produced, which also makes them a lot cheaper. But, for that same reason, they are also weaker in quality, not very durable, and inconsistent.
You will also need to tune the bows often and the strings will stretch considerably. The only advantage of getting stock bowstrings is that they’re cheap and easily replaced.
The Material of Best Bow String
There are four primary materials that compound bowstrings are made of — BCY-X, 8190, 8125G, and 452X.
BCY-X
Bowstrings made of BCY-X material are the best on the market. They are well-balanced, extremely sturdy and durable, and they can offer the greatest speeds and accuracy.
8190
When it comes to recurves and crossbows, 8190 is the primary material used for the bowstrings. They are even more durable than the aforementioned BCY-X and they can enhance the speed.
8125G
8125G has great speed and is also highly durable — especially when used with gore fiber. But it has the tendency to stretch when heated.
452X
452X offers greater stability than all the other materials, which is why it is the longest-standing material for bowstrings. However, it isn’t as durable with no peep rotation as the others and the material starts fraying. Its durability can be improved with gore fiber.
Check Out the Strings Color Options
The color of the bowstring isn’t important in terms of performance. However, if you have a personal preference for the colors, you should go with that.
If you get a stock bowstring, your options will be extremely limited. So if you want a very specific color for a bowstring, you will probably have to go for a custom-made bowstring.
In addition to the plain aesthetic, the color of the bowstring can also affect your hunting. Here’s a general recommendation on which color options to use for different purposes.
Target Shooting
Target shooters can use any color bowstring that they like.
Turkey Hunting
Turkeys tend to approach red, white, and blue color options. So if you’re hunting for turkey, stay away from these colors for your bowstrings and unusual peep rotation. Instead, you can go for some muted colors that can camouflage into the environment.
Ungulate (Deer, Elk, Camel, Pig) Hunting
Ungulates like deer, elk, camel, and pig are largely color blind. However, they can see blue clearly. As such, blue is the most visible color for them. That’s why you should stay away from blue bowstrings if you’re an ungulate hunter.
How Many Strands is Perfect?
The number of strands used to design the bowstring is extremely important.
Generally speaking, the lower the bowstring, the faster the arrow. But there’s a little more to it than just that.
If you reduce the strand count too much, it will affect the tuning and it may lead to greater vibrations. As a result, the resultant bow will be a lot more unstable and inaccurate.
So you need to strike the right balance. Lesser strands, but only to a limit. With the best bow string silencer, you can achieve a perfect archery experience.
That’s why most bowstring manufacturers place specifications on the number of strands in bowstrings.
The following strand numbers correlate to the bowstring’s masses:
- 12 Strands — 40 pounds.
- 14 Strands — 50 pounds.
- 16 Strands — 65 pounds.
- 18 Strands — 70 pounds.
String Sets: Choose Your Perfect Type
There are two primary types of strings sets out there — Single Cam (aka One Cam String) and Split Yokes (aka Split/Non-Split Buss Cable).
One String Cams have long bowstrings that can be 90” in length. Dual Cams have strings that are smaller at 55”, but they use two Buss Cables.
Split Yokes is a Buss Cable that divides at one end so it can attach to both ends of the bow. Meanwhile, Non-Split Buss Cables are those that don’t divide on either end.
Whenever you’re getting a new string, be sure to use a reliable bow string wax so your string can remain new and firm. The wax should only be used on the exposed string and not on the serving.
FAQs about Compound Bow Strings
The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about compound bow strings.
Should I custom build my own strings, find a professional custom strings builder, or buy a stock bowstring?
This depends entirely on your needs, preferences, and how much you use the bow.
If you are a beginner to archery and want something reasonable and cost-efficient, you can go for stock bowstrings.
If you are fairly efficient and you have specific preferences, you might have to get custom bowstrings to meet your needs. In that case, if you need a bowstring for just one bow, you can make one yourself. But if you have several bows and need them for several different purposes, it might be a lot more time-efficient to go to a professional custom strings builder.
What is HMPE?
HMPE is short for High Modulus PolyEthylene. It is the commonly used name for polyethylene chain thermoplastics, also known as Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) or High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE).
This is a material that makes high-powered and highly efficient bowstrings. This material is also used for other outdoor activities like climbing, yachting lines and sails, and fishing. In terms of strength and weight ratio, it’s about 8 to 15 times stronger than steel, which is why it’s so widely used in bowstrings.
How do you maintain your bowstrings?
Waxing is the most important maintenance tip for bowstrings of all types. You need to use a reliable bow string wax and apply it gently on the exposed string. You must never apply it on the serving.
The frequency with which you wax your bowstring depends on your usage patterns. If your bow is often exposed to environmental elements or if you shoot every single day, you should wax the bowstring at least once in two weeks.
You should also store your bowstring in relatively cool spaces. Exposure to extreme heat can make the strands of the bowstring come apart over time.
How often do I need to replace my bowstrings?
The frequency with which you replace your bowstrings depends entirely on the cam design, the frequency of use, shots fired, and your level of maintenance.
If you maintain your bowstring perfectly in accordance with the aforementioned tips, you should be able to make it last at least one year. A regular target shooter might have to replace the bowstring once a year. And a regular bowhunter would have to replace the bowstring once in two years.
You can generally tell when your bowstring has run its course and is in need of replacement.
Final Thought
I hope you now have a strong understanding of the different types of compound bowstrings on the market and how to select the one that’s perfect for your needs. As you can see, there’s no one ideal compound bowstring, it all depends on how you’re using it and for what purposes.
So have you been able to find the best bow string for your needs? If you found this guide helpful, feel free to let us know about it. We’d love to hear from you!
About me: Hi, I’m Alex N. Ferroni, One of the creators of The Safariors blog and former camping trainer at Tripspot Magazine. I wish some other outdoor, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping enthusiasts have made this blog to share our thought. We are learning a lot through each trip, and we want you to learn that too!
I used to use BCY-X but have changed over to Bloodline Vec 99, a blend of Dyneema SK99 and Vectran fiber. Their specific coating allows for a higher percentage of Vectran to be used in the blended fiber and it’s waxless. Are you going to test it perhaps? Please notify me if you do a test