How Much To Restring A Crossbow: A Complete Guide

Crossbows are powerful and versatile weapons that can be used for hunting, target shooting, or recreation. However, like any other bow, crossbows require regular maintenance and care to keep them in optimal condition. One of the most important aspects of crossbow maintenance is restringing. Restringing a crossbow is the process of replacing the old and worn-out string with a new one. This can improve the performance, accuracy, and safety of your crossbow.

But how much does it cost to restring a crossbow? How often should you restring a crossbow? How can you restring a crossbow at home? These are some of the questions that many crossbow owners and enthusiasts have. In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive and practical guide on how much to restring a crossbow. You will also learn some tips and tricks on how to restring your crossbow like a pro. So, let’s get started!

Why You Need To Restring Your Crossbow

You may be wondering why you need to restring your crossbow in the first place. After all, crossbow strings are made of durable and synthetic materials, such as Dacron, Fast Flight, or Dyneema, that can withstand high tension and friction. However, even the best crossbow strings are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, crossbow strings can lose their elasticity, strength, and shape, due to factors such as:

Usage: The more you use your crossbow, the more stress you put on the string. Each shot stretches and compresses the string, which can cause it to fray, break, or snap. The string can also get damaged by abrasion, dirt, or moisture, which can reduce its lifespan.
Age: The older your crossbow string is, the more likely it is to deteriorate. Even if you don’t use your crossbow often, the string can still degrade due to exposure to sunlight, heat, or humidity, which can affect its quality and performance.
Quality: The quality of your crossbow string depends on the material, the construction, and the manufacturer. Some crossbow strings are better than others, in terms of durability, speed, and accuracy. You should always choose a high-quality crossbow string that is compatible with your crossbow model and specifications.

When your crossbow string wears out, it can have negative consequences for your crossbow and yourself. Some of these consequences are:

Reduced performance: A worn-out crossbow string can affect the speed, accuracy, and consistency of your shots. The string can also lose its tension and alignment, which can cause the arrow to fly off course or drop prematurely. This can result in missed shots, wasted arrows, or worse, wounded animals.
Increased risk: A worn-out crossbow string can also pose a safety hazard for you and others. The string can break or snap unexpectedly, which can cause the crossbow to malfunction or backfire. This can result in injury, damage, or even death. The string can also catch on your clothing, hair, or skin, which can cause pain, cuts, or burns.

Therefore, it is essential to restring your crossbow regularly, to avoid these problems and to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your crossbow. But how much does it cost to restring a crossbow? And how often should you restring a crossbow? Let’s find out in the next section.

How Much It Costs To Restring a Crossbow

The cost of restringing a crossbow depends on several factors, such as:

The type of crossbow: Different types of crossbows have different stringing systems and mechanisms, which can affect the difficulty and the time required to restring them. For example, compound crossbows have more complex and intricate stringing systems than recurve or reverse-draw crossbows, which can make them more expensive to restring.
The type of string: Different types of strings have different prices and qualities, which can affect the cost and the performance of your crossbow. For example, synthetic strings are cheaper and more durable than natural strings, but they may also stretch or fray more easily. You should choose a string that is compatible with your crossbow model and specifications, and that offers the best value for money.
The service provider: Different service providers have different rates and services, which can affect the cost and the quality of your crossbow restringing. For example, professional archery shops or technicians may charge more than amateur or online services, but they may also offer more expertise, warranty, and customer service. You should choose a service provider that is reputable, reliable, and experienced.

The average cost of restringing a crossbow ranges from $20 to $100, depending on these factors. However, this does not include the cost of the string itself, which can vary from $10 to $50, depending on the type and the brand. Therefore, the total cost of restringing a crossbow can be anywhere from $30 to $150, or more, depending on your choice of string and service provider.

How Often You Should Restring a Crossbow

The frequency of restringing a crossbow depends on several factors, such as:

The usage of your crossbow: The more you use your crossbow, the more wear and tear you cause to the string. Therefore, you should restring your crossbow more often if you shoot frequently or intensely, such as for hunting or competition. Conversely, you can restring your crossbow less often if you shoot occasionally or casually, such as for recreation or practice.
The age of your string: The older your string is, the more likely it is to deteriorate. Therefore, you should restring your crossbow more often if your string is old or outdated, regardless of how much you use it. Conversely, you can restring your crossbow less often if your string is new or recent, as long as you use it properly and care for it well.
The condition of your string: The condition of your string is the most important factor that determines when you should restring your crossbow. Therefore, you should restring your crossbow as soon as possible if your string shows any signs of damage or wear, such as fraying, breaking, stretching, or twisting. Conversely, you can restring your crossbow later if your string is in good shape and does not have any visible or noticeable issues.

The average lifespan of a crossbow string ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on these factors. However, this is only a general guideline, and not a rule. You should always inspect your string before and after each use, and restring your crossbow whenever you feel it is necessary, to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your crossbow.

How To Restring a Crossbow At Home

If you want to save some money and time, you can also restring your crossbow at home. However, this is not a simple or easy task, and it requires some skills, tools, and precautions. You should only attempt to restring your crossbow at home if you are confident and experienced enough, and if you have the proper equipment and instructions. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your crossbow or injuring yourself.

The exact steps and methods of restringing a crossbow at home may vary depending on the type and model of your crossbow. However, here are some general steps and tips that you can follow:

Gather The Necessary Tools And Materials

Before you start restringing your crossbow, you need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Some of these are:

A New Crossbow String

You need to have a new crossbow string that is compatible with your crossbow model and specifications. You can buy a new string from an online or offline retailer, or you can make your own string from a suitable material. You should also check the length, the thickness, and the color of the new string, and make sure it matches your crossbow and your preference.

A Bow Press

You need to have a bow press, a device that compresses the limbs of your crossbow and reduces the tension on the string. This allows you to remove the old string and install the new one safely and easily. You can buy a bow press from an online or offline retailer, or you can make your own bow press from a suitable material. You should also check the compatibility, the capacity, and the quality of the bow press, and make sure it fits your crossbow and your needs.

A Bow Stringer

You need to have a bow stringer, a device that helps you string and unstring your crossbow without using a bow press. This is useful for recurve or reverse-draw crossbows, which do not require a bow press to restring. You can buy a bow stringer from an online or offline retailer, or you can make your own bow stringer from a suitable material. You should also check the size, the strength, and the safety of the bow stringer, and make sure it works with your crossbow and your string.

Other Tools And Accessories

You may also need some other tools and accessories, such as a pair of scissors, a pair of pliers, a pair of gloves, a ruler, a marker, a wax, and a lubricant. These can help you cut, measure, mark, wax, and lubricate your string, as well as protect your hands and your crossbow from damage or injury.

Prepare Your Crossbow And Your Workspace

Before you start restringing your crossbow, you need to prepare your crossbow and your workspace. Some of the things you need to do are:

Unload Your Crossbow

You need to unload your crossbow and make sure it is not cocked or loaded with an arrow. This can prevent any accidental discharge or injury. You should also remove any accessories, such as sights, quivers, or stabilizers, from your crossbow, to make it easier to work with.

Clean Your Crossbow

You need to clean your crossbow and make sure it is free of any dirt, dust, or moisture. This can improve the performance and the lifespan of your crossbow and your string. You should also inspect your crossbow and look for any damage or wear on the limbs, the riser, the cams, the cables, or the nocks, and have them repaired or replaced if necessary.

Set Up Your Workspace

You need to set up your workspace and make sure it is spacious, well-lit, and well-ventilated. You should also have a stable and flat surface, such as a table or a bench, to place your crossbow and your tools. You should also have a safe and secure place, such as a case or a rack, to store your crossbow and your tools when not in use.

Remove The Old String And Install The New One

Once you have prepared your crossbow and your workspace, you can start restringing your crossbow. The exact steps and methods of removing the old string and installing the new one may vary depending on the type and model of your crossbow. However, here are some general steps and tips that you can follow:

Use a Bow Press or A Bow Stringer

You need to use a bow press or a bow stringer to reduce the tension on the string and the limbs, and to allow you to remove the old string and install the new one. You should follow the instructions and the precautions of the bow press or the bow stringer, and make sure you use them correctly and safely. You should also make sure you align the limbs, the cams, and the nocks properly, and avoid twisting or bending them.

Remove The Old String

You need to remove the old string from the crossbow, and make sure you do not damage or lose any parts, such as the nocks, the servings, or the loops. You should also inspect the old string and look for any signs of damage or wear, such as fraying, breaking, stretching, or twisting. You should also dispose of the old string properly and safely, and avoid reusing it or giving it to someone else.

Install The New String

You need to install the new string on the crossbow, and make sure you do not damage or misplace any parts, such as the nocks, the servings, or the loops. You should also make sure you install the new string correctly and securely, and avoid twisting or crossing it. You should also check the length, the thickness, and the color of the new string, and make sure it matches your crossbow and your preference.

Release The Bow Press or The Bow Stringer And Test The New String

Once you have removed the old string and installed the new one, you can release the bow press or the bow stringer and test the new string. Some of the things you need to do are:

Release The Bow Press or The Bow Stringer

You need to release the bow press or the bow stringer and restore the tension on the string and the limbs. You should follow the instructions and the precautions of the bow press or the bow stringer, and make sure you release them slowly and carefully. You should also make sure you do not damage or injure yourself or your crossbow in the process.

Test The New String

You need to test the new string and make sure it works properly and safely. You should check the tension, the alignment, and the sound of the new string, and make sure they are normal and consistent. You should also cock and uncock your crossbow a few times, and make sure it functions smoothly and easily. You should also shoot a few arrows, and make sure they fly straight and fast. You should also adjust the sight, the rest, and the nocking point, if necessary, to improve your accuracy and consistency.

How To Choose The Best String For Your Crossbow

Now that you know how to restring your crossbow, you may be wondering how to choose the best string for your crossbow. After all, there are many types and brands of crossbow strings available on the market, and they may have different prices and qualities. How can you find the best string for your crossbow and your needs?

The answer is not simple or straightforward, as different crossbow strings may have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on your crossbow model and specifications, your shooting style and purpose, and your personal preference and budget. However, here are some factors that you can consider when choosing a crossbow string:

Material

The material of the crossbow string affects its durability, speed, and accuracy. There are different materials that can be used for crossbow strings, such as Dacron, Fast Flight, or Dyneema. Each material has its pros and cons, such as:

Dacron: This is the most common and traditional material for crossbow strings. It is made of polyester, and it is durable, elastic, and affordable. However, it is also heavy, slow, and prone to stretching.
Fast Flight: This is a modern and advanced material for crossbow strings. It is made of Spectra, and it is light, fast, and consistent. However, it is also expensive, stiff, and abrasive.
Dyneema: This is another modern and advanced material for crossbow strings. It is made of polyethylene, and it is lighter, faster, and stronger than Fast Flight. However, it is also more expensive, more slippery, and more sensitive to heat.

You should choose a material that is compatible with your crossbow model and specifications, and that offers the best balance between durability, speed, and accuracy.

Construction

The construction of the crossbow string affects its strength, stability, and performance. There are different ways that crossbow strings can be constructed, such as single strand, multi strand, or endless loop. Each method has its pros and cons, such as:

Single strand: This is the simplest and cheapest way to construct a crossbow string. It involves using a single strand of material, and twisting it into a loop. However, it is also the weakest and least stable way, as it can break or unravel easily.
Multi strand: This is the most common and popular way to construct a crossbow string. It involves using multiple strands of material, and braiding them together into a loop. This makes the string stronger and more stable, as it distributes the tension and the friction evenly.
Endless loop: This is the most advanced and expensive way to construct a crossbow string. It involves using multiple strands of material, and weaving them into a continuous loop. This makes the string the strongest and the most stable, as it eliminates any knots or twists.

You should choose a construction method that is suitable for your crossbow model and specifications, and that offers the best strength, stability, and performance.

Brand

The brand of the crossbow string affects its reputation, quality, and customer service. There are many brands that produce and sell crossbow strings, such as Barnett, Excalibur, TenPoint, or Ravin. Each brand has its own features, benefits, and drawbacks, such as:

Barnett: This is one of the oldest and most popular brands of crossbow strings. It offers a wide range of crossbow strings for different models and specifications, and it is known for its durability, reliability, and affordability. However, it may also have some issues with compatibility, consistency, and customer service.
Excalibur: This is another one of the oldest and most popular brands of crossbow strings. It specializes in recurve crossbow strings, and it is known for its speed, accuracy, and quality. However, it may also have some issues with availability, price, and warranty.
TenPoint: This is one of the newer and more innovative brands of crossbow strings. It focuses on compound crossbow strings, and it is known for its technology, performance, and customer service. However, it may also have some issues with durability, maintenance, and compatibility.
Ravin: This is another one of the newer and more innovative brands of crossbow strings. It concentrates on reverse-draw crossbow strings, and it is known for its power, efficiency, and design. However, it may also have some issues with cost, availability, and complexity.

You should choose a brand that is reputable, reliable, and experienced, and that offers the best reputation, quality, and customer service.

How To Care For And Maintain Your Crossbow String

After you have chosen and installed the best string for your crossbow, you need to care for and maintain it properly, to ensure its longevity and performance. Some of the things you need to do are:

Wax Your String Regularly:

You need to wax your string every few weeks, or more often if you use your crossbow frequently or intensely. Waxing your string helps prevent it from fraying, stretching, or snapping, and also protects it from moisture and dirt. You should use a special bowstring wax, and apply it evenly along the length of the string, rubbing it with your fingers until it melts into the fibers.

Lubricate Your String Occasionally:

You need to lubricate your string every few months, or whenever you notice any signs of dryness or stiffness. Lubricating your string helps reduce the friction and the heat generated by the string and the cams, and also improves the speed and the smoothness of your shots. You should use a special bowstring lubricant, and apply it sparingly on the center serving and the loop ends of the string, avoiding the nocking point and the arrow rest.

Inspect Your String Frequently:

You need to inspect your string before and after each use, and look for any damage or wear, such as fraying, breaking, stretching, or twisting. If you notice any signs of damage or wear, you should stop using your crossbow and restring it as soon as possible. You should also check the tension, the alignment, and the sound of your string, and make sure they are normal and consistent.

Store Your String Properly:

You need to store your string properly when you are not using it, to prevent it from degrading or deteriorating. You should unstring your crossbow and store it in a dry and cool place, away from any heat sources, sunlight, or humidity. You should also use a bow case or a bow rack to store your crossbow and your string, to protect them from dust, moisture, and impact.

Conclusion

Restringing a crossbow is an essential and inevitable part of crossbow maintenance and care. It can improve the performance, accuracy, and safety of your crossbow, and also extend its lifespan. However, restringing a crossbow can also be a challenging and costly task, and it requires some skills, tools, and precautions.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy shooting!