what strings have you had with the least amount of stretch? Meaning how many shots did it take to settle them in and stop stretching. I have used winner's choice, Rouge, Barn Burner and the latest Gas. All have some stretch but some more than others even after the settle period. My current Gas freakshows stretched after a year or so had to put twist ad retune
I have mainly been using Catfish Custom strings. They settle within just 10-20 shots and then I can tune. My current set has been on for 14 to 15 months now and I haven't had to touch them yet. They are on a bow I mainly use for hunting. I tuned it last year after changing the set out about a month before archery elk (September). This year I started shooting it again (I use a different bow the rest of the year for 3d and indoor) in August and checked my broadhead tune again. I didn't have to touch it. I would also recommend Threadz. I bought a bow used that had a set of Threadz on it. It had enough shots on it from the previous owner that when I got it the nocking point serving was really wore down. So much so that I had a tough time going through different kinds of nocks to find some that weren't too loose. I ended up reserving the center serving myself. It has been at least three years and I've only had to put one turn in the cables to maintain A to A, plus one more half turn in one to correct cam synch. I am still using this set, they still look great and hold great. Very impressive set of strings.
great info. I was disappointed in the Gas stretching after a year. A to A was off and poundage was down. These are only 2 years old now. I will likely get one more season out of them and switch
Another tip. Rather than order a set online, actually call them. That way you can tell them what nock you prefer to use and they'll do your center serving to a diameter that fits your nock well. I tell Mike at Catfish that I prefer GT accu-Lite nocks and I've yet to get a string from him that didn't have ideal fit for them. Material. I prefer either X99 or VEC99 for a hunting bow, both hold up better to getting fuzzy vs 452X material. Vec99 is fabulous in how long it goes before getting fuzzy, quite a bit longer than even X99 does.
Catfish .. tell him your bow and what he recommends .... I have Vec 99 on my SR 350 right now .. if I get that new Elite Varos, I'll replace the factory Winners Choice with Catfish when the factory ones get worn ... I'm 2 years into the vec now and like it, but it is slippery and some colors stains fingers when tying in a peep .... they say waxless, but I do add very small amounts from time to time, esp. during season .. https://www.catfishcustombowstrings.com/
I also use catfish Vec99, I add wax also through out the season and clean off with dental floss. Had multiple sets on multiple bows, never any issues.
what I didn't expect from the Gas freakshows was to have to retune so soon. They must have stretched pretty good over the course of a year. I didn't shoot much that year.
Reality is anyone that is making them in large quantities are going to have good sets and bad sets go out the door. I’ve had great luck with ABB, but like anyone I’m sure a few sets that aren’t up to par end up getting shipped. Just make sure you work with somebody that will warranty it if there’s a problem with the build process.
I've used a lot of different strings over the years, but now use JBK Strings...and man, they're awesome. My favorite by far. I share a bit more about them in this video I posted a couple weeks ago. The builder is so focused on the smallest details and has some unique techniques that work out very well.
