Being a beginner or even experienced in archery, facing a bowstring snap isn’t an unusual thing. It may happen to every archer.
But why compound bow string snapped is a frequent question we hear about.
A compound bow string can snap due to wearing it over time and firing the bow without an arrow. Also, shooting with an improper form becomes a common reason for snapping. You should apply the wax to the bowstring properly. Furthermore, the bowstring broke because of using a string with bruising.
Knowing the reasons only wouldn’t be enough for you. Stick with the article to get enlightened with the solutions as well.
5 Common Reasons and Solutions: A Quick Overview
A compound bow string can snap for multiple reasons. Before moving to the detailed discussion of reasons and solutions, a quick glimpse of them would be convenient.
| Reason | Solution |
| Improper waxing | Properly wax the bow |
| Wearing overtime | Change aged string |
| Lack of proper shooting form | Confirm perfect shooting form |
| Dry firing | Use arrow |
| Bruised string | Keep it in a hard case |
To know the reasons and solutions in short form wouldn’t be enough for you. So, let’s dive into the reasons and solutions in a broader manner.
Reason 1: Improper Waxing
This happens to be the most common reason for snapping your compound bow string. Normally, a bowstring can function maximum of 3 years.
But the lifetime can be shortened easily if you don’t set the wax properly.
Actually, the string of the bow is covered with resin or a sort of wax that retain the string smoothly. Also, it keeps the strands of the string together. So, the breakage happens when you fail to wax the string properly.
Solution:
You have already got an idea of what you need to do to fix this issue because the reason itself says it. Also, there’re some particular things you should fix.
Applying the Wax:
Make sure you’re applying the wax in a proper way. Excluding and serving. Move along the entire bowstring and put wax all over it. When you’re done, the wax ought to be apparent on the strands.
Rubbing the Wax:
Then rub the wax into the strands as well. The best result comes when the wax melts into the spaces between the strands.
Wrapping and Taking Off Extra Wax:
To achieve this, make a loop out of the cors and wrap it around the bowstring, pushing it across the full length of the string. In fact, this will help the wax cover the bowstring evenly and get rid of any extra wax.
Reason 2: Wearing Overtime
Small elastic strands are used to create a string. These tiny threads rub against one another as you pull the bow which can cause string breakage.
So, as they age and dry out, they lose strength and elasticity to the point where they are no longer held together, and string breaks.
Solution:
To extend the life of the bowstrings, archers apply string wax. The wax binds the string together by reducing friction between the strands.
All you have to do in this situation is inspect the string regularly. If you found the strands get aged and dried out you need to rewax or replace the strings.
Reason 3: Improper Shooting Form
Another terrible mistake that led to the bowstring breaking is this one. Normally compound bow comes with a set of cams that ensures accuracy and energy.
And these cams can derail easily from the track especially when you shoot from reeks.
If you shoot incorrectly and torque the bow, the string could break from twisting out of the cams.
Solution:
If you don’t want to miss your target and perform the shooting amazingly, never torque the bow. Let’s focus on the following steps to acquire the perfect shooting form.
Making the Posture:
At first make your feet hip-length distant. Then a line exists from your head to your shoulder which leads the way to the hips. And then you should align your feet with the hips.
Keeping Your Head Straight:
At this point don’t bend forward, just keep your head straight. And your hand which is releasing the arrow should be elsewhere on your jaw.
Holding the Bow Straight:
Now your body is in a T-type shape. Then, hold the bow with your arm in a straight manner. There is a slight curve in the one drawing.
Also, you need to bother to avoid a bad form of shooting you should focus on the perfect placement of your hand on the clutch of the bow. Make sure you’re pressing the grip with your palm instead of using your fingers.
Reason 4: Dry Firing
The worst thing you can do with your bowstring is dry firing. By doing this the bow is harmed, and you receive blows where none had previously been delivered. Additionally, it harms the line and finally in string breakage.
Normally you shoot a bow with an arrow nocking in, right? So, drawing back the compound bow creates energy that is liberated into the arrow. That drives the arrow ahead.
So, when you fire without an arrow, all energy goes to the bow. Consequently, it vibrates and gets snapped.
Solution: How to fix
The solution is pretty obvious if you don’t want to snap your bowstring through dry firing. Nevertheless, the only solution to this issue is to never let go of the bowstring without launching an arrow.
Carry a quiver with you to never forget about arrows anymore. You can also carry arrows without a quiver. There is no alternative other than launching an arrow. So, always make sure to fire with an arrow.
Reason 5: Bruised String
Your string loses a lot of strength and may break if it is injured by anything. Even a little bruise on a string should never be used to fire a bow since it is very risky.
Even a minor bump makes the whole string useless. Strings can be cut by a pointed device, but they can also be misused when using releasing aids.
Solution:
Make sure to rapidly check the bowstring to ensure its safety before shooting. Keep the fibers well-lubricated. Use a good quality hard case to prevent bruises, dirt, and moisture from hurting the string.
If you are likely to travel to international events, you should also know how to ship your bow correctly.
Prevention of Compound Bow String from Snapping
Taking some precautions can keep you free from unwanted hassle. Let’s get to know some of them.
- The string should be the first item you examine to make sure it wasn’t cut or otherwise compromised. Check the string from top to bottom to ensure that there’re no broken strands.
- Older strings have a gritty texture and a highly fuzzy appearance. You probably shouldn’t use your string until you’ve applied wax to it if it looks fuzzy.
- Always keep checking the peep sight. Usually, frying occurs in these areas.
- Make sure your bowstring keeping place is not humid. otherwise, the wax will melt.
- Make sure you’re applying wax every 2-3 weeks to your bowstring.
- Don’t forget to remove extra wax after putting it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the lasting time of a bowstring?
The utilization of a bowstring totally depends on how often you use the bow. Some people can utilize the line for a longer period of time before replacing it. Manufacturers advise changing it, though mileage may vary, after 2,500 rounds or every 18 months.
Can I restring my own compound bow?
Mostly string can be done by using a bow press. But bows can be restrung by using the hand as well. All, you need is a brand-new string and a set of hex keys. Make sure you’re attaching a bowstring, otherwise it’s not gonna work properly.
Should I unstring my compound bow?
The system doesn’t require to be unstrung. The system of a compound bow is known as the lever system which contains pulleys and cables. Your bow limbs get to bend for them. However, the traditional recurve bows should be unstrung after per shooting session.
Conclusion
Hopefully you’ve got answers to your queries regarding the compound bow string snapped.
Compound bow string can get snapped often. You can reduce the chances of that just by following the reasons and solutions provided in the article.
Prior to our next meeting, have fun bowhunting or target shooting.
