How long do bow strings last?

[ch035]

I have a browning vectra (I think) compound bow that is from the early 90's. It's got somewhat of sentimental value to me so I want to keep it in good shape.

It's been in a case in the garage for most of its life. I took it to have it restrung back in 2010 and the guy at the pro shop told me it was fine and handed it back to me. I shot it yesterday and I noticed that some of the Carbon express fiberglass arrows that are 10 years old we're breaking. Being scared of a fiberglass explosion in my face I stopped. Then I started thinking that the dang string is probably 25 years old. It shows no signs of weakness. What are your thoughts?

 

[DinkyDau]

As long as you have kept it waxed well no moisture will damage it, no telling but a long time..Just check for fraying

 

[Realtor]

its time to replace them , definitely 100%

 

[REDX]

agreed time to replace

 

[woodstock]

Good question.How about a recurve that is not strung except to shoot?

 

[YOTESHOOTER]

We change ours every year, only takes one time to break on an animal of a life time...


just a simple suggestion against failure...

 

[IceColdEric]

Definitely replace that string. I wouldn't go more than 2-3 years depending how much you shoot and abuse it takes.

 

[Spanky1]

Yes replaces your strings every two years for both, recurve and compound.

 

[MacTavish]

I believe a new string is in order. I shoot my bow hundreds of times a year and replace the string every three years. When waxing the string, take the tension off and use a hair dryer to melt the wax all the way through the string. Then a light maintenance coating of wax will suffice every six months or so.