Sehnen & Kabel für Compoundbögen

Compound Bow Strings and Cables: Why the Whole System Has to Work Together

On a compound bow, the string is just one part of a complex drive system. String and cables work together with the cams to produce the characteristic let-off effect and transfer limb energy precisely to the arrow. If even one component is off, overall performance suffers. Everything you need to know about bowstring types and materials is covered in our main category. This section is about what compound archers specifically need.

String and Cables on a Compound: A System That Has to Work as One

What recurve and longbow archers never have to think about is standard practice for every compound shooter: the bow doesn't just have a string — it also has one or two cables that control the cam system. The string runs over the cams and transfers the stored energy on release. The cables connect the limbs to the cams and, together with the string, create the mechanical advantage that makes let-off possible.

The exact setup depends on the cam system. A single cam system requires fewer cables and is much lower maintenance, while a twin cam or binary cam system demands precise timing between both cams — and therefore precisely matched string and cable lengths. A poorly chosen or worn-out string can shift that timing and noticeably reduce arrow grouping.

When Do String and Cables Need Replacing?

Compound bows stay braced at all times, keeping string and cables under constant tension. This puts more strain on the material than recurve bows, which are unstrung after each session. As a general guideline, compound bow strings and cables should be replaced every two to three years, or sooner with intensive use. Many compound archers replace the entire string system when they retune the bow at the start of each season, typically twice a year.

Signs that a replacement is due include frayed strands, visible damage, or a brace height that can no longer be corrected by twisting the string. One important note: replacing a compound bow string usually requires a bow press. This isn't a beginner's DIY job — it's work for a pro shop or an experienced compound archer.

What to Look for When Buying

Compound bow strings and cables are not universally interchangeable. The critical factors are exact length specifications and compatibility with your specific bow model and cam system. Most manufacturers publish precise specs for their bows, and sticking to those is essential. A string that is even a few millimetres too long or too short will change the brace height, shift the draw stop and can throw cam timing completely off balance.

When it comes to materials, compound bows benefit from the same high-performance options used in top recurve strings: modern materials like Dyneema or Vectran blends are today's standard. They have virtually no stretch, transfer energy directly and are built to last. Cutting corners on string material costs more on a compound than on any other bow type.

Your Compound String System at BogenSportWelt

Our range includes strings and cables for popular compound bow models, matched to the relevant cam systems and bow lengths. If you're not sure which combination fits your bow, our team is happy to help. Browse our selection and keep your cam system running at its best.