Pre Season Maintenance: Bowstring And Serving

(R)to(L) Bees wax Bohning, Silicone waxBohning, ML 6 BCY, Teflon by Slick It

This wax from Bohning is impregnated with silicone.

Whenever a word is mentioned about bow maintenance, string wax comes to mind. It is one of the simplest things that an archer can do with the best results. After scouring the Internet and looking at hundreds of magazine articles, I've come to the conclusion that this is one of the most talked about chores with the least amount of knowledge required to gain maximum effect.

Have you ever seen a bowstring wax comparison? No, me either. How does one know which wax is the best? Um, well I wondered the same thing. Here's what I came up with after doing some research.

Under a microscope you can see the makeup of a single strand of HMPE (high modulus polyethylene) is made up of millions of small or fine fibers running in all directions. A lubricant is needed in order to cut down on friction. Excessive friction can cause weak spots and eventually a breakage in the fiber.

A good wax will also help keep the “bundle” of strands together. If for some reason you have a strand or two that have came out from the bundle it's probably time for a new string as this usually indicates a breakage. Typically under a serving most likely.

Waxing also helps prevent water absorption into the string. Here's the really interesting part to me. Bowstring "material" manufacturers normally apply a synthetic wax in liquid form to insure that from its conception, the string material is well lubricated inside and out. This process gives the material its initial protection from fiber to fiber abrasion. I was unable to find the brand or type used for the production application at this time. But this wax is really not important because the end user is where the difference is made.

It's recommended that a silicone based wax be used for maintenance. A wax blended with silicone penetrates the string material very well and keeps the inside fibers lubricated as well as the outside. Wax can be applied with fingers, cloth, or even paper. I have seen a few guys that carry a small piece of Latigo to ensure that the wax is thoroughly embedded between the fibers.

I have used several products over the years and have come to rely on one in particular. Bohning makes a silicone based wax that works quite well. I have used this since it's conception with outstanding results.

Don't forget your serving either. Most everyone who owns a one cam bow will agree that the serving on the cable has a very short life due to the stress of rolling into the cam track. Relax the bow in press and remove the string and/or cable. Rub the wax liberally on the serving. Then with your fingers or whatever you choose, rub the wax until you can feel the heat caused from the friction. This is best done with a silicone based wax. You will know that it's penetrating when the string turns a shiny. The silicone will penetrate through the serving into the fibers below to aid in the protection of the string as well as the serving itself .

A life expectancy of 2 years is normal after doing this twice times a year. Sure beats having to reserve right before a tournament or a hunt. The problem I have with the others is the amount of weight added to the string. Minimal yet, it makes a difference at longer yardage's. I find it had to get an a nice thin layer of beeswax without having it clump up in certain area's, especially around the cable slide.

All string material is made from polymers and do not take heat very well. This should explain the reason your string stretched while your bow was lying in the bed of your truck in the sun for 3 hours. Never put any heat on your string. I used to use standard beeswax and heat it with a hairdryer until it was nice and soft. After awhile I would notice a change in my draw length.

I hope this will help explain the mystery surrounding the proper way to maintain a string and cable with wax.