The hunting season can be hard on a bow. Fresh nicks, scrapes and dings show up on the riser and limbs. But, in truth, there is not much that can go wrong with the big hardware. Accessories are the problem and of all the accessories, the ones that receive the least attention are the string and harnesses. They can stretch in a hot vehicle, the serving can separate and slip and the string can twist rendering your peep sight worthless. For all the time we put into choosing and fine-tuning sights and rests, we put almost no time or thought into choosing and setting up our string and harnesses. Yet they have just as much influence on our final success as any other accessory.

WHY CHOOSE CUSTOM

Top bow manufacturers have come a long way in string construction and most are satisfactory. Still, many of the top archers make their own strings and harnesses so they can control all the variables, but that requires a steep learning curve, proper tools and time; and that’s just too much for the average bowhunter. A better solution is to pay for a well-made custom string and harness system. I made my own strings for years. However, the past few seasons I have depended on the quality and reliability of systems from companies like Winner’s Choice.

Well-made custom strings don’t twist so my peep sight always comes back the same every time. The good ones are also pre-stretched so they don’t creep and the center serving is well-applied so it doesn’t separate or slide up the string. Eliminating these variables makes your string and harness system nearly foolproof. Unless you nick the fibers with a broadhead or sharp rock, your impact point won’t change during a tough season.

SELECTING THE MATERIAL

When you get your bow from the manufacturer, you don’t typically have any choice in the material that makes up the string and harness. The manufacturer decides that for you, for better or for worse. But, when you buy a custom string you can choose the material. I like 8125 from BCY because it is lightweight (fast), reasonably quiet and very durable. When pre-stretched, it has very good length retention under a wide range of conditions. Another good choice is Brownell’s new TS-1.

CONCLUSION

Your bowstring and harness system are the most overlooked accessories on your bow, yet they are among the most important. If anything happens to them, you are guaranteed to miss the next shot. And problems usually catch you by surprise. Replace your string and harness system now with one that won’t twist or stretch and be sure that your bow will stay accurate all season.