Custom strings/cables

[Cooter]

Just curious (like George) what a set of string and cables from an aftermarket source would run and if you guys think its worth the money. Also, what type of material would you choose?

[TomBow]

I believe I spent around $90 for custom made string and harness for my Bowtech Patriot Single cam. Dan at A-1 archery in Hudson custom makes strings, you can pick the colors you want and he will custom make them to fit your bow. It's definitely worth the money, IMHO.

[Iceman77]

I make my own strings and bus cables out of BCY 450+ or BCY 452X. Both of these string materials are a NO stretch string, which is extremely important when shooting in different temperatures and dewpoints. Many other string materials are a low stretch material and are a little faster(only 5-7 fps)unfortunately they do stretch and 5-7 fps is rather small. I have shot some of the low stretch materials and at 80 yards with a 40 degree temp. swing 60F in the morning to 100F in the afternoon my arrows would group in a different location about 6-8" off center. With BCY 450+ or 452X the arrows will consistantly hit the same location.

I do feel that strings these days are way overpriced as they don't take long to make and materials are very cheap. Although a high quality string is very important into the success of an archer. I make my own to save money but to also obtain a very high quality string that I am unable to reliably get from other vendors. I suggest to anyone that plans to continue with archery to make their own string jig and to purchase a cheap video on string making as it is rather easy to learn. My costs to make a string are just under $3.00 which includes the center serving. It also takes me about 20 minutes from start to finish to have a completed string.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Great information Iceman!

[Cooter]

Hey Iceman, you want to make some money and set me up?

[Iceman77]

About 2 years ago and I would have made a set of strings for you. Unfortunately, I ran out of time as I was making strings for everyone. I made okay money at it but it filled in all of my free time. Therefore, I made a decision to only make strings for family and some of my closest friends. This way I can spend more time with my wife and actually be able to shoot my bow a few times a week. Anyways there are a few companies around Minnesota that will make a high quality set of strings and cables for around $60. This is cheaper than most pro shops and vendors.

[Cooter]

Thanks Iceman, what companies are you talking about?

[Iceman77]

I have never used these companies but have talked to a few who use them and they seem to work okay. Also, as a side note, the latest craze today is using 8125 so that is what most string manufacturers are using. I have used this material and it does stretch more than BCY 450+ and 452X. Therefore, it is important for the vendor to pre-stretch the strings during the build process. Otherwise, it will take a while to shoot the strings in. This company is from Mora.

http://www.prostring.com/

There are a few guys who run a business but don't have a HSOforum to obtain information from. If you do a search online there are many string manufacturers out there.

[Cooter]

Thanks again Iceman, bless you and your family. Just ate some bow killed elk on the ice today, was so rare I had blood spots on the ice after the first bite, oh my gwarsh was it good.