DUG Report post Posted June 26, 2009 I have an '06 Mathews Switchback XT. It is now about 3 years old. I have 2 archery elk hunts this fall. My bowstring is the original and according to Mathews, they put on the Zebra bowstring at the factory. I'm wondering if I should get it replaced soon or could I make it through my 2 hunts. Nothing seems to be wrong with it that I can tell. And if I replace it, what string is recommended? I'm still an archery newbie and want to hear what more experienced people have to say. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues krazy Report post Posted June 26, 2009 I would replace the string and cable. If the strings are original, they are very stretched and your bow is probably out of time. I just replaced mine and before the new strings I was only getting 65 lbs draw on a 70 pound bow. After new strings, I am pulling 72 and my bow is timed correctly. Go with a winners choice or stone mountain string. They stretch far less than the stock mathews zebra strings. Good luck on your hunts. I too will be chasing bull elk this september in 6a. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHT_MTNMAN Report post Posted June 26, 2009 Examine it thoroughly, if no major wear and tear exists and you are shooting broad heads how you want, then I would leave it alone. Once you make adjustments to your bowstring you will usually have to re tune your bow even if just a small amount. If you are not happy with the tune of your bow or looking at changing something anyway THEN I would replace it with a better string. I had the zebra string on my XT for about 3 months and then put winners choice on it and was impressed immediately and shot more consistently. I just hate messing with my bow unless I got plenty of time to make it right before I hunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krp Report post Posted June 27, 2009 Winners choice if changing. Kent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gr8 White Jr Report post Posted June 27, 2009 Winners choice if changing. Kent +1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bustedknuckleinc Report post Posted June 27, 2009 Examine it thoroughly, if no major wear and tear exists and you are shooting broad heads how you want, then I would leave it alone. Once you make adjustments to your bowstring you will usually have to re tune your bow even if just a small amount. If you are not happy with the tune of your bow or looking at changing something anyway THEN I would replace it with a better string. I had the zebra string on my XT for about 3 months and then put winners choice on it and was impressed immediately and shot more consistently. I just hate messing with my bow unless I got plenty of time to make it right before I hunt. This is what I would do. Then after this year if you shoot your bow on a regular basis I would replace the string every year. If you don't shoot it alot replace it as needed but not longer than two years between strings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamaro Report post Posted June 27, 2009 WC is pretty proud of there strings.... I used Custom Strings by John's Customs.. He makes some great strings using 452x.... Check him out..http://www.bowcast.com/component/option,co...,5503/catid,26/ J Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUG Report post Posted June 27, 2009 Thanks for the advice guys. The bow hasn't been shot a whole lot. Not sure how many arrows shot is considered a lot. It still puts arrows where I want. I'm trying to shoot about 100 arrows a week before the 1st hunt on Sept.1. If something seems funky I'll get it changed before the Nov. hunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwoGuns Report post Posted June 27, 2009 Winners choice if changing. Kent +1 + 2 Also, make sure you are using string wax every time you shoot. It will make your string last much longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest 300ultramag. Report post Posted June 27, 2009 If you switch strings save the old just in case you nic the bowstring witha broadhead....... youll be back in the game in no time! winners choice! I went back to the zebras not by choice..... too long of a wait for the WC string so I went with what was available at the time. Zebra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesridge Report post Posted June 28, 2009 winners choice or double helix Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arizonaelitefreak Report post Posted June 28, 2009 definately change the strings! two years is a long time not to change your strings. I prefer Vapor Trail strings no stretch at all!! and they are pretty affordable, but thats just my .02 cents Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Archer Report post Posted June 28, 2009 winners choice strings all the way +3. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted June 29, 2009 Try a Bucknasty. A bit of a wait, but an excellent product and service. http://www.odproshops.com/bucknasty.htm Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KB-AZ Report post Posted June 30, 2009 I would check your specs to make sure they haven't stretched. Measure your brace height, tiller, axle-to-axle and see if they are in line with where they should be. Those Zebra strings are notorious for stretching. If they have stretched, replace with any of the strings that have been mentioned, they're all quality. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
