Compound Bow Restring Cost: By Brand And Model

Posted on: Mar 14, 2025 | Reading Time: 4 min read

Compound Bow Restring Cost: By Brand and Model

Replacing your compound bow string is crucial for maintaining accuracy, safety, and the overall lifespan of your bow. A worn or damaged string can lead to decreased performance and, more importantly, potential injury. But how much will this essential maintenance cost you? The price of a compound bow restring varies significantly depending on several factors, including the bow's brand, model, string material, and the service provider. This guide will break down the costs, offering insights into what to expect and helping you budget for this necessary upkeep.

Factors Affecting Compound Bow Restring Cost

Before diving into specific brand and model costs, let's explore the key factors influencing the final price:

Bow Brand and Model: High-end bows from brands like Mathews, Hoyt, PSE, and Elite often require specialized strings and cables, potentially increasing the cost. Unique cam systems or complex designs can also add to the labor involved.
String Material: Different materials offer varying durability and performance. Popular choices include FastFlight (high-performance polyester), BCY (high-performance materials), and various blends. Higher-performance materials generally translate to a higher cost.
Service Provider: Prices vary significantly between local pro shops, independent bow technicians, and online retailers. Local shops often charge more for labor due to overhead costs, while online services may offer competitive pricing but require you to ship your bow.
Complexity of the Bow: Bows with more complex cam systems or a higher number of cables will naturally take longer to restring, impacting the labor cost.

Average Restring Costs

While pinpointing exact costs for each bow model is impossible without consulting specific shops or technicians, we can provide a general range:

Basic Restring (Simple Cam System): Expect to pay between $50 and $100. This usually includes the string and cables, but labor costs may vary.
Mid-Range Restring (More Complex Cam System): This could range from $100 to $150, accounting for increased labor time and potentially more specialized materials.
High-End Restring (Elite Bows with Complex Systems): Costs for high-end bows can easily exceed $150, sometimes reaching $200 or more, depending on materials and service provider.

Restring Costs by Brand (General Estimates)

Please note: These are general estimates and may not reflect the price for every model within a brand. Always contact your local pro shop or technician for an accurate quote.

Mathews: Due to Mathews' innovative cam systems and often higher-end materials, expect costs on the higher end of the range, potentially starting at $100 and reaching well over $150 for some models.
Hoyt: Similar to Mathews, Hoyt bows may also fall into the higher price range due to their technological advancements and quality components. Expect to pay at least $100, possibly exceeding $150 for complex systems.
PSE: PSE offers a wider range of bows, with prices varying accordingly. You might find restringing costs ranging from $75 to $150, depending on the model's complexity.
Elite: Elite bows are known for their precision engineering, which can sometimes translate to higher restringing costs. Expect a similar range to Mathews and Hoyt.
Bear: Bear bows, typically offering a good value proposition, might fall within the lower to mid-range of restringing costs.

What to Expect During a Restring

When getting your bow restringed, a qualified technician will:

Inspect the bow: Checking for any additional damage beyond the string and cables.
Remove the old string and cables: Using specialized tools to avoid damaging the bow.
Install the new string and cables: Ensuring proper alignment and tension.
Check the bow's timing: Making sure the cams are properly synchronized.
Tune the bow: Optimizing the bow's performance and accuracy.

DIY Restringing: Is it Worth It?

While DIY restringing might seem cost-effective, it's generally not recommended for beginners. Improper installation can lead to severe damage to your bow and potentially cause injury. The cost of replacing a damaged bow far outweighs the savings from a DIY attempt.

Finding a Reputable Bow Technician

The most important factor in getting your bow restringed is choosing a qualified and reputable technician. Ask for recommendations from other archers, check online reviews, and ensure the technician has experience working with your specific bow brand and model.

Conclusion

The cost of a compound bow restring is an investment in the safety and performance of your equipment. While the price can vary based on various factors, planning ahead and understanding the associated costs will help you maintain your bow effectively and ensure many years of accurate and enjoyable shooting. Always prioritize quality over cost when it comes to professional bow maintenance.