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A well made recurve bow can last a long time, there are recurve bows that still shoot and remain in good condition after five decades of use. If you take good care of a recurve bow it can last 20 years or more with proper storage and maintenance.The notion that compound bows lose power over time is a misconception of what’s actually happening, as they don’t lose power from aging or too much time on the range. Either with repeated use or minimal activity, you may find that your bowstring may lose some tension, or it may need to be replaced altogether.Modern recurve and longbows made from synthetic materials can be left strung for up to 3 weeks, but should be unstrung for long-term storage. Compound bows can be left strung indefinitely.
Contents
Do recurve bows lose power over time?
The notion that compound bows lose power over time is a misconception of what’s actually happening, as they don’t lose power from aging or too much time on the range. Either with repeated use or minimal activity, you may find that your bowstring may lose some tension, or it may need to be replaced altogether.
How long can you keep a recurve bow strung?
Modern recurve and longbows made from synthetic materials can be left strung for up to 3 weeks, but should be unstrung for long-term storage. Compound bows can be left strung indefinitely.
Can a recurve bow break?
Simple engineering physics says that any lever under load has the potential to fail under a load, so yes: your bow could break.
What are the main disadvantages of the recurve bow?
Disadvantages of a recurve bow: Like all traditional bows, a recurve bow does not have the mechanisms (wheels and pullies) that compound bows or crossbows have. They rely entirely on your strength. Despite the lighter weight, they require more force to draw.
How often should you buy a new hunting bow?
Most pro shops and manufacturers recommend changing these out every two years. These are under a ton of pressure constantly without you even shooting the bow. If it has been two years or the shop notices some serious wear and tear, change them out.
Can you paint recurve bow limbs?
Most bowhunters today don’t camo paint their bows. The natural wood grain is enough and acts like camo. Also, paint adds weight to a limb thereby slowing the arrow down. If the limbs don’t have a good enough wood grain, then one can get a thin veneer of stained red elm like in the photo below.
Should you Unstring recurve bow?
In the simplest terms, if you shoot regularly enough you shouldn’t have to unstring your Recurve bow at all. The bow itself was designed to be strung and to hold plenty of tension, so leaving it strung should not be a problem unless the bow itself is weak or faulty in some way.
Is it OK to store a recurve bow with the string on?
The best way to hang a recurve bow safely is to use a dedicated bow rack. Always store the bow laterally, making sure not to hang it by the string.
Can you paper tune a recurve bow?
The paper tear test is a very good method of tuning for either a Recurve or Compound. Figure 2, below, indicates good arrow flight.
What happens if a bow snaps?
Bowhemian. It depends on a number of factors, such as where on the string the break happens. If it breaks in the middle the effect will be similar to a dry-fire but not as traumatic because the limbs will not be abruptly braked but will spring fully forward.
Do people hunt with recurve?
A traditional bow or hunting recurve is more than adequate to take a whitetail deer or much larger game as well. Elephant, Cape buffalo and most African big game trophies, as well as elk, moose, Alaska brown bears plus much more, have been taken with traditional archery equipment.
How far can recurve bow shoot?
The accurate range for target shooting for the recurve bow is between 60 to 100 yards. For hunting, the effective range of the recurve bow is somewhere between 20 yards and 40 yards, depending on the draw weight of the bow and the archer’s competency.
Is a longbow or recurve easier to shoot?
Recurves are generally quicker, thanks to the energy stored in the curved limbs as the shooter comes to full draw.
Do bows lose power?
Your bow isn’t losing power. Like many have said, your strings/cables have prolly move a bit while sitting around. Get them twisted up, or get some new ones and your bow will be fine. Bows don’t magically lose power and shoot slower and slower the older they get.
Do compound bows lose speed over time?
On average, this is close. However, we found the range is actually 8-12 fps. Modifying the rule of thumb slightly to account for test results, we might say, “Expect to lose approximately 8-10 fps of arrow speed for every inch you reduce your draw length on adult performance bows rated at 335 fps and lower.
Do crossbows lose power over time?
We could talk about specifics and comparisons all day long, but the bottom line is: Compared to heavier and longer arrows from vertical bows, crossbow arrows drop like a rock and lose energy quickly after leaving the rail.
How long will a fiberglass bow last?
fiberglass has been around so many years that it’s pretty well established. there are many self bows that are still in use after decades of use also. I have shot one of those that is more than 100 years old. should be no problem to pass bows on down for generations.
Recurve Bow Vs. Compound Bow | Academy
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how long will a recurve bow last
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- Summary of article content: Articles about how long will a recurve bow last The short answer is that a bow, either recurve or compound, will last forever (at least compared with our archery lifespan). Some people report … …
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How Long Do Recurve Bows Last? | The Answer May Surprise You – Hunting Chief
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- Summary of article content: Articles about How Long Do Recurve Bows Last? | The Answer May Surprise You – Hunting Chief In a nutshell, a properly maintained recurve bow will last you over 20+ years, and if you have a properly maintained carbon fiver recurve bow then that may even … …
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The durability of a recurve bow
How long can you keep a recurve bowstrung
What happens when you dry fire your bow
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How Long Does a Bow Last? | Fun Bowfishing
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- Table of Contents:
Proper Storage The Bow Lasts Longer
What Can Shorten a Bow’s Lifetime
How Long Does a Compound Bow Last
How Long Does a Recurve Bow Last
How Long Does a Longbow Last
How Long Does a Crossbow Last
Tips to Make Your Bow Last the Longest
Take Care of Your Bow and It Will Last
Conclusion
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How Long Does A Recurve Bow Last | Bear Grylls Gear
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Should You Always Unstring A Recurve Bow
How Powerful Can A Compound Bow Be
Is It Ok To Dry Fire A Recurve Bow
What Are The Best Places To Store My Recurve Bow
Can You Restring A Recurve Bow
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How Long Does a Bow Last?
Everything has a lifespan – your fridge, car, and your bow is no different. Many products come with a warranty, but you wouldn’t rate a product highly if it broke an hour after the warranty expired. When you invest in quality merchandise, you expect years of use beyond the warranty.
When it comes archery equipment, there are a lot of factors that will determine their lifespan. One common question that many beginner archers ask when shopping for a bow is – How long does a bow last?
If you take good care of most modern bows they can last for decades:
Compound bows – 25-30 years
Recurve Bows – 20 years +
Longbows – Between 20 and 30 years
Crossbows – 15 years or more
So, how long will your bow last? That’s one of those questions with a range of answers because it depends on you and how you treat your bow. In theory, with the right skills and access to replacement parts, you can keep a bow in full working condition and hand it down to your children. However, many things happen over the years – manufacturers go out of business, change their models, and develop newer and better technology.
The Sum of It’s Parts
The life of your bow depends on what can break or wear out – its component parts. On most bows, you get the option to replace some of the components to keep your bow in prime shooting condition. In theory, you could keep your bow going for as long as you want, but the limiting factor is the availability and price of spare parts.
The best advice on buying a used bow is that you should look for a bow less than ten years old, because of updates in technology and potential problems getting replacement parts. The number of components that need to be replaced depends on the type of bow you shoot.
Quality Time
The amount of time you spend on shooting with your bow will impact on its wear and lifespan. A bows life is measured by:
Number and type of arrows it fires.
Frequency of use.
Your shooting form.
Accidents – Dropping the bow or an accidental dry fire.
Storage.
Maintenance.
Maintaining your bow properly is a practical and efficient way of making sure that your bow is safe to use and prolongs its useful life. Different types of bows need different levels of maintenance due to their various components.
Shooting arrows is putting mileage on your bow – heavy arrows and light arrows absorb different amounts of kinetic energy. Excess kinetic energy vibrates and stresses the bow. Plus, you may have a habit of putting some torque on the bows limbs. In the same way that everyone wears out their shoes in their own unique pattern, every archer puts different wear on their bow.
The amount of quality time you spend with your bow – whether it’s bowhunting, target practice, or maintenance all impacts on its lifespan.
Bowstrings
Obviously, all bows have bowstrings, and these need maintenance and regular replacement. Before and after any shooting session, inspect your bowstrings for any signs of fraying or breakage. Regular conditioning with bow wax keeps the string waterproof and smooth. This one is my favorite. Watch out for grit and dirt to avoid having abrasive particles damaging your bowstring. Pay attention to the sharp edges of your arrowhead as these can nick or cut your bowstring.
What Type of Bow are You Shooting?
One big factor in determining how long a bow will last is: Exactly what type of bow is it? Compound bows, recurve bows, longbows and crossbows all have different factors that will affect their useful lifespan.
How Long Do Compound Bows Last?
A compound bow is a marvelous and intricate weapon with many components that all have to function smoothly together. All compound bows include:
Riser – Grip, and accessories.
Limbs – Solid, split, or parallel.
Cams – Round wheels, soft, hard, single, or hybrid.
Bowstring, cables, and cable guard.
Limbs
Manufacturers make replacement limbs because the limbs on your compound bow can wear out or break over time. There may be defects that cause early splintering or snapping, or damage could happen during use. Modern limb materials are far less prone to damage than wood, but the limbs are still the parts of the bow that are subject to the most stress. If the limbs break, it’s a potential hazard from moving shrapnel.
Part of your regular bow maintenance is to carefully inspect the limbs for any cracks or signs of damage. Suppose you have a dry fire – it’s best to put the bow back into a hard shell case, as there could be an explosive limb breakage in the next few hours. Limbs can also suffer damage from dropping the bow, accidental knocks or improper storage. This case is great choice for most compound and recurve bows.
Cams
Cams are generally robust and smooth moving, and potential problems include derailing (cables or string) and getting bent out of shape. Unless you have bow technician skills, you should rely on an annual service and tune-up to sort out any cam issues or replacements.
As part of your checks, you can make sure that the cams operate smoothly and symmetrically with no apparent damage or problems. Also, have someone else hold your bow at full draw while you inspect the cams. Often times the cams will appear normal at first glance, and you can only see that they’re misaligned when the bow is at full draw.
Loose Components
Every time you fire an arrow, you rattle your bow. All the screws will start to slowly work loose. Listen carefully for any rattling, and check over all of the attachments to make sure everything is tight and secure.
If you use your bow daily or frequently, make sure you tighten up all your screws once a month to stop problems developing over time. This also gets you in the habit of performing a regular inspection of your bow, so that you can spot any potential issues early when the cost of repairing them is low.
With proper care and maintenance a compound bow should last 25-30 years (if replacement parts remain available), but new developments in technology may mean that you want to retire your bow earlier.
How Long Do Recurve Bows Last?
The recurve bow has a riser and two main limbs (traditional recurves have limbs and riser as a one piece construction) and a bowstring. The sights and arrow rest are mounted on the riser. The recurve bow has more parts than a longbow, but the limbs on a recurve bow are replaceable (on take down style recurve bows).
You can expect the limbs to last around 10 to 20 years unless they suffer mechanical damage. Broken tips, cracks, and splintering are the main signs that the limbs are getting old. If you notice signs of wear on the limbs or need to change your draw weight, you can swap out the limbs for new ones. That’s one of main benefits to take down bows.
If you’re shopping around for a recurve bow, I would highly recommend that you go with a takedown recurve bow vs. a one piece recurve. Not only do they cost about the same as a one piece bow, they’re easier to store and they last longer due to the replaceable limbs. This bow is my Number 1 choice for anyone, from beginners to intermediate archers and beyond.
Unlike a longbow, a recurve bow contains fasteners connecting the riser to the limbs, and these metal components can corrode and work loose. As part of your routine pre-shooting check list, go over everything and make sure nothing rattles. A regular tightening of all the fastenings and an application of lubricant as waterproofing can prevent problems with the fasteners.
Finally, allow your recurve bow to relax by removing its bowstring for storage. Keep the pressure off the limbs by using a hard shell case or carefully positioned wall pegs. Never hang your bow in direct sunlight as this causes bleaching and brittleness to all of the materials that your bow is made up of.
The lifespan of a recurve bow depends heavily on the materials in the riser and limbs. Typical materials, alone and combined, include metal (risers), carbon fiber, and fiberglass and wood. The durability of the materials is not the issue – fatigue through flexing and vibrating is what puts wear on the bow over time.
Recurve Bow Maintenance
The maintenance routine for a recurve bow is the following:
Go over the bow looking for any damage.
Check the bowstring often and replace when necessary.
Keep the bow clean and dry.
Lightly wax the bowstring after each use.
Keep the bow unstrung and in a protective case when not in use.
Check and tighten all the fastenings at least monthly.
Apply a little bow wax or another lubricant to the fasteners to keep them waterproof.
A well made recurve bow can last a long time, there are recurve bows that still shoot and remain in good condition after five decades of use.
If you take good care of a recurve bow it can last 20 years or more with proper storage and maintenance.
How Long Do Longbows Last?
The longbow is the classic bow shape and has minimal components to break or replace. A properly maintained longbow with regular restringing can last as long as your body can use the bow, with the average around 20 to 30 years, and it will still be in good enough condition to pass on to someone else.
The life of a longbow ends because of:
Mechanical Damage – Broken tips and cracks in the body.
– Broken tips and cracks in the body. Poor Maintenance – Allowing the wood to dry out and crack.
– Allowing the wood to dry out and crack. Poor Shooting Form – Putting torque on the body of the bow.
– Putting torque on the body of the bow. Bad Storage – Temperature extremes, dampness, leaving the bow under tension.
All these factors are in your control. Wooden bows need more love and care than synthetic bows because wood needs conditioning and warming up before shooting. Wood is sensitive to temperature and moisture. But if you treat your bow right, store it unstrung, and in a cool, dry space, then you and your bow can be shooting companions for life.
Longbow Maintenance
The rules of longbow maintenance are:
Check for damage and regularly replace the bowstring.
Keep the bow clean and dry.
Wax and lubricate the bowstring.
Polish and condition the body.
Good habits in shooting and maintaining your longbow ensure that you can enjoy it for between 20 and 30 years on average.
How Long Do Crossbows Last?
Compound or recurve crossbows both contain many components and moving parts. Most modern crossbows have a stock and trigger section, in addition to the limbs, cams, cable, and string.
Most people believe that crossbows are “easier” to own than other types of bows and don’t need much maintenance. But a crossbow has plenty of moving parts, and like most things in life, it works better if you give it some care and attention.
Wax and Lubricate
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations, but you will want to wax the bowstring and the cables (compound crossbow). It would help if you then lubricated the rail (to minimize bolt friction and improve shooting accuracy), the trigger box, and any exposed mounting bolts.
Check for Damage
Every time you pick up your crossbow, give it quick a once over to make sure your bowstring, limbs, and other components are all in good condition. Ideally, you should complete a visual inspection before and after any shooting session. Regular inspection means you can notice the need for maintenance or repair before it becomes a big issue, keeping your weapon both safe and functional.
Keep it Clean
Removing dirt and grit from the rail and any other part of your crossbow helps prevent damage. If you want a quick and straightforward clean (taking about two or three minutes after a shooting session), use a can of compressed air. You can combine the post shooting clean with a post shooting inspection for best results.
Keep Things Tight
Keep a screwdriver and hex key in your crossbow kit and tighten up all the fastenings. Pick a regular date to help you easily remember your monthly maintenance routine and it’ll become second nature after a while.
Your crossbow packs plenty of power, and some of that energy is going to rattle the parts. While you make sure everything is nice and tight, look out for signs of corrosion as well.
Crossbow Storage
If you only use your crossbow during the hunting season, you might want to consider removing the string and cables for off season storage – especially if you have a recurve crossbow. This step reduces some of the stress on the crossbow.
For general storage, you can hang your crossbow by the stirrup or use a storage case. When hanging a crossbow, make sure the fitting can take the full weight, because you don’t want it crashing to the ground do to a loose hanger. Cool and dry storage prolongs the life of your crossbow.
Provided you can access the parts and accessories you need, you can keep a crossbow in top working condition for decades. With proper care and maintenance a crossbow can last 15 years or more.
Finally
How long a bow lasts in your possession depends on several factors, most of which are in your control. Your first bow can last a lifetime, but over time, you’re likely to outgrow it and go through a couple of bows before you settle on “the one.”
You invest time and effort into learning how to shoot well and accurately with a good shooting form. It makes sense to put some time and effort into learning how to maintain and care for your bow when you’re learning to shoot as well.
That extra care and attention to bow maintenance and storage will pay dividends in your shooting accuracy, safety, and protecting your investment. So, how long does a bow last? That’s really up to you.
Do Compound Bows Wear Out? » How Long Do They Typically Last?
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If you’re looking to dive into archery, it’s understandable that you’ll want to choose a compound bow that can stand the test of time. Besides, compound bows can get rather expensive, rather quickly. So you are going to want this to be an investment that you are not going to have to repeat too soon, or too often. Today, we’ll be walking through all you need to know.
So, do compound bows wear out? With enough wear and tear, any compound bow can be susceptible to breaking or wearing out over time. To clarify further, your compound bow won’t fall apart in your hands as it’s more common for individual parts such as the limbs to give out after extensive use.
Not all compound bows are made with the same quality, nor do they all come with the exact same features.
That being said, and generally speaking, the better quality brands and bows do tend to last longer.
Not always, and there are certainly caveats and other factors to take into consideration here like how often and how they are used.
But you do tend to get what you pay for when it comes to compound bows.
As we shall now continue to explore in the following sections…
How Long Does A Compound Bow Last?
Based on years of research and data, compound bows are known to last at least 15 to 18 years, depending on care and how it’s used.
Moreover, this lifespan can be increased with top-notch care, which generally entails replacing parts and steady upkeep throughout the bow’s lifetime.
Regarding some of the more high-quality compound bows, with proper care, they’re known to last up to 50 years, which can turn into a lifetime with necessary replacement parts and adequate care.
It’s essential to know that not all compound bows are built with the same designs or material quality.
The bow’s entire design will have an influence on how long you can expect it to hold up.
From another perspective, regardless of how high-quality or durable your compound bow may be, if you don’t take care of the individual parts or keep it safe from external harm, that lifespan can be shortened by quite a bit.
Sensitive Parts Of A Compound Bow
Below, I’ll dive into the details about some of the most sensitive parts of compound bows and what to look out for.
Limbs
They may seem quite durable considering how much tension they go through with every pull of the bowstring, but they can break or splinter like many other parts on a compound bow.
You’ll also find that many modern compound bows are made with fiberglass limbs which give them added strength and are much less likely to break after years of repeated tension.
That doesn’t mean you won’t come across compound bows that offer limbs made of wood, but it isn’t nearly as common.
Moreover, out of all of the parts that are susceptible to breaking, it’s usually the limbs that break first as they take on a lot of stress in comparison to many other parts of the bow.
Bowstring
At a glance, bowstrings look fragile, and to novice archers, it makes you wonder how the bowstring is able to take on so much tension.
Although they may receive the most hands-on use out of any other part on a compound bow, they’re nowhere near as fragile as they seem.
Most bowstrings are crafted with synthetic materials that are surprisingly strong, usually by twisting fiber strands together to form the reliability that every compound bow requires.
Furthermore, not only can pulling on a bowstring cause wear over time, but the release of the bowstring also adds to this factor.
That repeated motion on top of minor knocks or abrasions from releasing an arrow can eventually lead to your bowstring fraying or snapping entirely.
Once again, if you pay attention to these pain points in your compound bow, you can be proactive and replace necessary parts before they pose a safety risk to you or anyone around you.
Cams
When compared to other parts on a compound bow, cams aren’t as likely to break, but it can still happen with enough time and tension.
When shopping around for a bow, you’ll want to always consider the quality of the cams, as they’re also available in varying materials.
Plastic is usually the cheaper option, but they aren’t as durable as metal would be.
Bow cams may not just explode mid-pull, but a damaged one can easily hinder the bow’s functionality.
Most problems associated with bow cams come down to either the bowstring derailing from its grip or simply being damaged, as even the slightest bends in a bow cam can put a stop to your compound bow’s ability to shoot.
Do Compound Bows Lose Power Over Time?
The notion that compound bows lose power over time is a misconception of what’s actually happening, as they don’t lose power from aging or too much time on the range.
Either with repeated use or minimal activity, you may find that your bowstring may lose some tension, or it may need to be replaced altogether.
When your bow isn’t in constant use, it’s common for some parts of your bow to ‘relax,’ which means your bow might just need a simple tuneup.
Then again, if that isn’t the case and you can’t seem to get your bowstring to perform how it used to, never write off looking into a full replacement for your bowstring.
It’s important to remember that if you feel like your bow has lost some power, it may be more than just your bowstring.
Other parts, such as your bow’s limbs or cams, could have an effect on the power of your bow.
Never forget that if it feels like your bow has lost power, it isn’t because of age, and you should take a close look at individual parts on your bow to find the source of the issue.
How Often Should You Replace A Compound Bow?
There isn’t a direct answer for this question as it can be somewhat subjective, and the fact that compound bows are known to last from 15-50 years depending on its quality and care.
It’s actually quite rare that you would ever need to replace the entire bow, as you can switch out many individual parts that break, and compound bows can be re-tuned for optimal performance.
In the most extreme cases, it’s understandable to look for a new bow if yours is shattered in pieces, but outside of that, you can repair compound bows in many different ways.
From a cost perspective, compound bows can range from just a few hundred dollars all the way up to thousands, so it isn’t very cos-efficient to put a bow in the trash over minor faults or damages.
No matter if a limb, bowstring, bow cam, or screw snaps off of your bow, it can be fixed even if you have to take it to a professional bow shop to get it done.
In most scenarios, paying for repairs will be much more advantageous than spending money on a brand new bow.
As stated previously in this article, your compound bow can easily last you a lifetime with the proper knowledge and care.
How To Ensure Your Compound Bow Lasts As Long As Possible
There’s a lot you can do to ensure the longevity of your compound bow, but some of the most important are waxing your bowstring, applying servings, keeping it out of inclement weather, and frequent inspections.
Considering the bowstring and limbs take on most of the wear during long-term use, these will generally be the first parts that need to be repaired or replaced.
At the same time, proper form with your compound bow will help as it’s being used the way it was designed to be.
Excess force or improper handling of your bow can also lead to premature damages.
Waxing your bow string is vital for smooth transitions when firing and less wear on the bowstring itself, as your fingers and arrows won’t add any unnecessary friction.
The wax isn’t a requirement per se, but it can make a massive difference if you plan on being pretty active with your compound bow.
Servings are also an optional add-on meant for the most sensitive parts of your bowstring. They aid in preventing direct contact with clothing, nocks, fingers, and more.
The limbs of your bow are another story as there isn’t much you can do to prevent them from potentially weakening over time.
This part of your compound bow requires frequent inspections to avoid splintering or even a full break when pulling on your drawstring.
There are some clear signs that your compound bow may need repair, and a splintering limb is enough reason to look into a limb replacement or repair.
Of course, the material your compound bow is made of will play a factor in how long it holds together after substantial tension over and over.
Some bows are less reliable than others, and each person’s experience will be slightly different than your own, so it’s always best to keep a close eye on your bow.
It’s also much more cost-efficient to be proactive about repairs, as it can be pretty expensive if a part of your bow explodes and breaks off entirely.
Lastly
It doesn’t matter if you’re an archery expert or looking to purchase your first compound bow; there’s a long list of requirements regarding proper care.
A compound bow can last you a lifetime, but this won’t come without your fair share of repairs and consistent upkeep.
And be sure to store it properly too!
Whether you start off with a cheaper option or a high-quality bow made from the best materials, each bow should be treated with the same level of care for the sake of your wallet and physical safety.
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It’s getting close to bowhunting season where I live and the season is already in full swing in other places. There’s probably a lot of you that are going out to shoot your bows everyday. It would be really convenient just to be able to pick up your bow and go.
So you might be wondering, like me, “Can I keep my bow strung?” I used to do it all the time when I was just starting out as a kid. At that time my bow was a red fiberglass recurve that my dad got me from Walmart for like $50 with 3 arrows with bent vanes. It didn’t seem like a problem then but I started to think I might not want to do that with a bow that cost more than $50 so I looked around to see what info I could find on the topic.
So can you keep your bowstring strung? The best practice is to unstring your wooden recurve bow or longbow after you’re finished shooting. Modern recurve and longbows made from synthetic materials can be left strung for up to 3 weeks, but should be unstrung for long-term storage. Compound bows can be left strung indefinitely.
All bows are made to last but only when they are properly cared for. Let’s look at some of this in more detail.
Why Your Bow Material Matters
Most people want their stuff to last a long time. Let’s face it: nobody goes out and buys a brand new bow and says, “Gee I can’t wait for this thing to break so I can drop another $$$$ on a new one.” Everyone wants their bow to last. So how can I get the most out of my bow?
It depends on the material.
When you string your bow (and here I’m not talking about compound bows), the limbs are put into constant bending load by the string. To be more precise, the back of the limb is in tension and the belly of the limb is in compression.
Every time you draw the string back, the load on the limbs increases. When you release a shot, the load is rapidly reduced but not completely. This constant and repeated load-unload cycle gradually weakens the limbs over time.
This gradual weakening process is called fatigue.
For some materials, it takes a very long time and many many repetitions for the limbs to be completely fatigued; for other materials not very much time. Ultimately, the way to increase the lifespan of your bow, no matter what material, is to increase the time in which the limbs are under no load at all; the limbs should be given time to rest.
Wooden Bows: Unstring When Finished
By far, the most common material used for bows is wood. Every culture throughout history that has had archery has had wooden bows. There are a couple reasons for that: wood is pretty readily available and it is very good at withstanding bending forces.
Wooden bows are generally made a couple of different ways: carved from a single piece of wood like a lot of traditional longbows or glued and pressed together thin wood layers (a process called lamination) like many recurve bows. Both types of bows take advantage of the natural ability of wood to bend without breaking.
But there are limits.
If you’ve ever tried to start a campfire, you’ll know that dry wood is best. That’s because there’s less moisture. If you’ve ever found yourself without any dry wood, you probably went to look for some. Imagine you found some sticks for kindling and tried to break them into smaller pieces.
How did you know which ones were good? By how easily they broke. The drier sticks break much more easily than the ones with more moisture and the greenwood is the hardest to break. You have to bend it back and forth to get it to break at all.
Wooden bow limbs are the same.
There is an optimal moisture content in the wood that allows it to bend and spring back without cracking like a dry stick. Wooden bows are stained not only to make them look nice but also to hold in the moisture at the optimal level and slow down the natural decomposition of the wood. The staining and sealing only last for so long, although it lasts a very long time. It helps keep the wood able to withstand the repeated load-unload cycle of shooting.
The natural decomposition of the wood is the main thing that shortens the lifespan of a wooden bow. At a microscopic level, wood is a bunch of fibres. As time goes by, those fibres become dry and brittle. With every shot of you make, those fibres get gradually weaker and weaker. By unstringing the bow after shooting, the limbs are completely unloaded and the wood is given the maximum lifespan.
If you decide to leave your wooden bow strung, you run the risk of warping the limbs. This happens because wood grain is not uniform through a given piece of wood. As it breaks down naturally and drys out, it also expands and contracts along and across the grain. Having the constant load of the string bending the limbs hastens the breakdown process and can result in warping. Thankfully, if the warping is not severe, it can be fixed.
For a wooden bow with laminate limbs, the layers can become separated due to the constant load on the limbs. If that happens, it’s game over and you’ll need a new set of limbs or a new bow altogether.
Recommendation: unstring your wooden bow after each shooting session.
Composite Bows: Unstring When Finished
Composite bows are those that are made from at least 2 different materials (even 2 different types of wood). The main goal is to choose materials that are good in tension for the backing and materials that are good in compression for the belly.
A good example of this is the old sinew backed bows with horn bellies. Sinew is very good in tension (and also used for strings) while horn handles compression forces very well. When they work together as a composite, the result is a bow that performs very well over a very long period of time.
In our modern times, a common type of composite bow is a wood-fiberglass laminate. This is where the bow or limbs are made of alternating layers of wood and fiberglass, glued and pressed together. The main reason for using fiberglass with wood is because it is a very flexible material and not as susceptible to fatigue from repeated bending as wood.
If you keep a wood composite bow strung, the same break-down mechanism is at work as with an all-wood bow. The only difference is that it takes a lot longer because of the help from the other material. For that reason, it’s recommended to unstring your bow after each session to maximize the lifespan.
Synthetic Bows: Can Leave Strung Indefinitely…Almost
Modern materials technology is absolutely amazing. When it comes to archery, the materials used for limbs and risers widely varied but they all have 1 goal in common: endurance. I talked about the load-unload cycle of stringing and shooting a bow.
All modern synthetic materials used to make bows are engineered specifically to stand up to those forces over thousands of repetitions. Obviously, it depends on the specific manufacturer but, for all intents and purposes, that means a modern bow can be left strung indefinitely.
I still recommend unstringing your bow simply because it’s a good habit to get into in case you have multiple bows which may be wood or if you plan to buy a wood bow some day in the future.
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