CUSTOM VS FACTORY BOW STRINGS | Which is better. . .

CUSTOM VS FACTORY BOW STRINGS | Which is better. . . We talk through custom versus factory bow strings, how they are different, and what our preferred "string style" and process is. #elkshape #spokanevalleyarchery
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[@ElkShape]

What's your favorite set of strings?!?

[@waltermerchant8149]

I’m running Vapor Trails right now. The best aspects of aftermarket strings are the materials(452x or similar) and the option to have them served to properly fit your nock.

[@250zxSkeeter]

Very cool and honest!

[@joshsinglefooter]

1st strings

[@markwburns63]

Mine.. I build them myself.

[@joshsinglefooter]

@@markwburns63 go to market

[@ozpain1]

Lol dude always looks like he'd rather be talking about anything else but bow stuff. Super knowledgeable though

[@maxsanchez2339]

Probably tired of saying the same thing 20 times a day lol

[@alecrobertson2283]

I feel like that’s everyone who works at pro shops lol Josh seems cool but the guys at my bow shop are the most up tight douches ever. I got a press and try to do everything myself just so I don’t have to deal with them. I wish a I had a place like Spokane archery here

[@down2thenock_outdoors941]

How often do people actually ship their bows to Spokane valley ? I have a VXR, I am in the need for a string job, I love the gas ghost XV, due to their color just like how they do theirs.. the less color in the fibers, better strings. I would love to have them tune up my bow I just was wondering what something like that would cost? I am very picky about who touches my bow , I have watched MFJJ for a bit now and he knows what he’s talking about! Listen to this man! Words of wisdom, you can tell he’s been geeking out over archery since he could walk I’m sure !

[@ElkShape]

Yeah, it's become pretty common for people to ship their bows in. Give them a call! The advantage of having strings built in house is that they go straight from the stretcher onto the bow. - TC

[@keithdodson7536]

Josh is the Archery Wizard he knows what hes talking about! 👍🏹

[@tonyallen8626]

So what your saying is the bow company's are spending thousands of hours and dollars on research and Development to make the best bow posable but won't spend a few extra hours to stretch the string, maybe that's the case for the low priced bow's but not their flagship models. A lot of the time the high end bow's have been designed with a particular string and are at their best with that string and it doesn't matter how long it's been stretched for its still going to wear out and have to be replaced.

[@ElkShape]

From a mass manufacturing perspective it's impossible to allow for the kind of time to stretch the string as much as Josh would prefer. With that being said we're positive that all manufacturers are trying to make the best possible bow/string given their circumstances. - TC

[@weirdmood8102]

Certainly not trying to say you're wrong in your opinion, But have you never come across a company that doesn't send their mass produced products out with some components being mid tier? I'm certain mathews sends out a string that is up to par for their bows, But in my opinion, I'd rather be shooting birdie any day. I don't think Josh is trying to downplay any manufacturers stock strings, just simply pointing out there are better custom options.

[@robertfazekas4607]

Just asking ABB is a good bow sting? I'm new here that's why I asked. Kind regards Robert

[@ElkShape]

Most people would say ABB and GAS offer some of the best third party strings

[@robertfazekas4607]

@@ElkShape thank you so much for your reply!

[@wittyhobbyist6680]

PLEASE do a video of him building his string system start to finish!

[@ElkShape]

fun idea 🤘

[@luissandoval4093]

Would be very nice to all of us, but I think they are not going to reveal their processes.

[@joshsinglefooter]

Hour long video from josh per week mandatory. Bow builds, archery talk or whatever.....

[@mjk208]

Is there a link to his shop's website available? I googled Spokan Valley Archery but the place that came up didn't seem right. Thank you.

[@ElkShape]

Posted it to description

[@interestedmeow]

The hardest part I have with Josh is that I know like 3 other bow techs that are as confident as he is and have entirely different opinions/advice. Even with the professionals, the adage “Archery is 90% personal opinion and 10% feeling, 0% science.” would seem to hold true.

[@ElkShape]

Josh bases a lot of his opinion around his personal experience over 30 years tuning and published research on bow/arrow stuff - TC

[@nwmod39]

10 different people will give you 15 different answers

[@interestedmeow]

@@ElkShape Oh I get that. So do the techs I use. Still doesn't change the fact that they all seem to come to very different answers the majority of the time. Not a bad thing, I just find I've gotta read wider in order to get an idea of what is the best. Josh's insights are part of that. Just making an observation about how little a guy can trust sincerity and surety, because if you've got that much experience, you have those things too...not taking a crap on anyone :)

[@Waty8413]

"Only a fool would think himself wise enough, or consider himself a wise man, whereas a wise man thinks himself as a fool because he understands the concept that there is always more to know and more to learn."

[@Ibelieveinfreedom]

Very informative video. It would be great showing him doing custom strings. I just order some Gas strings.

[@ElkShape]

Right on

[@eyesintheskies]

I’m new to archery and made the mistake of waxing my serving, any tips on getting it off?!

[@SNAGEMNTAG3M]

Wish I would have seen this about a month ago haha 😂 next time

[@ElkShape]

Lol all good 🤘

[@LifeintheWildernessAK]

String Tech as come a very long way over the years. I would say that the differences between the string isn't that big of a deal but I think the servings can be improved. You can what is to be considered the best string in the world but if the servings are loose or moving then you are going to have issues. That being said, if you feel like you need custom strings go ahead and replace... Confidence in your setup is paramount and deadly

[@ElkShape]

For sure - trust ya rig

[@lwsrider]

From what you're saying about how strings stretch, this must be what has happened to my sight alignment. The straight line between my eye, my peep site, and my front site is off. My front site seems a little high.

[@ElkShape]

Certainly can happen!

[@stick__shooter]

What are your thoughts on the GAS ghost XV strings? Supposed to be pre stretched and never change.

[@ElkShape]

pre-stretched is great, but they do not go directly onto the bow.. that is Josh's whole deal here - TC

[@boallen1479]

Love my GAS strings. Seems like nothing has moved since they were put on and that was a year ago. Bows still on, peep hasn't budged.

[@JoshSmith-md8cd]

Unfortunately my cable slide has a bur in it so it’s eating up my cables getting a new one

[@ElkShape]

good call

[@kylefree8138]

Makes perfect sense why my servings were Split on top of my cams. Will definitely look into shipping my bow off to josh next year.

[@ElkShape]

Good deal!

[@qacz71]

If bow shipment/flights to SVA aren’t in the cards do y’all have any other string recommendations?

[@ElkShape]

Anybody around you that can build them?

[@qacz71]

Not that I’m aware of, but I will do some looking. I’ll try and see what it would take ship out the Triax to SVA because I would like to support the infamous MFJJ.

[@getstraight234]

Im confused cuz I'm hearing all this talk about custom bow strings that are made there at the shop, yet I go in (as a new customer) and ask for new strings and cables, given a 150 price and literally no other options or information. In my mind $150 for strings, I'm getting quality custom strings like I'm seeing in these videos. Instead I get winners choice, didn't get to pick the color, and the 150 pretty much went to installation and paper tuning. I could a paper tuned myself but it's not what bugs me. And when you go into IHOP and you order a breakfast they ask you what kind of bread you want do you want wheat, white, rye, or sourdough. Anyway kind of ranting here long story short I'm just trying to figure out is it certain customers that get custom strings? Also it be nice if employees would inform people that are coming to you guys for the first time needing strings that they're getting snickle Fritz and not the custom strings. I haven't heard anyone mention winners choice in any video I've only heard talk of custom strings. Anyway sportsman's Warehouse charges half that and they don't charge for paper tuning and installation. I was really hoping for a better experience from you guys cuz I learn a lot from your videos and I love archery I just feel a little slighted to be honest

[@trobersonbbc]

How would you go about getting a bow to josh for him to put a string on and tune from another state?

[@TimConnor13]

Call the shop 509-924-3364 or email [e-mail]

[@woodyousley2712]

It’s sad that the cost of these bows that the most important part is skimped on. I have many high end bows and in the past few years immediately replace the factory stings for a custom set. I just got tired of peep rotation and the serving pulling up. And plus you get to choose a color if your into that. I use @Americasbestbowstrings Platinum Series

[@ElkShape]

Glad to hear those have worked for you - Dan has messed around some with them - tC

[@milkrvr4088]

10 people will run 10 different strings and they will all tell you they run the better string. Most are building natural same materials for the most part all are stretched. As long as your confident in what you have you will shoot well. Archery is a mental exercise. I’ve had vapor trail , gas, custom string that individuals make themselves all the best of course. Just get a string that looks good feels good one that you feel confident in and work on shooting not on buying stuff. Any aftermarket string is better that factory unless your bow already has gas strings or something get a string and hunt.

[@Rainbow-br1pm]

If we cant make it to SVA, what custom string does josh recommend?

[@ElkShape]

Anyone that can build and strings go straight from the stretcher onto the bow

[@pfv3462]

I had a new bowstring made during the corona, the original bowstring is included and also all the information of the bow! When I received the new bowstring, it turned out that the serving was not the same, and I had to adjust the serving myself afterwards! If only I had a store like this here in Europe with so much knowledge and craftsmanship! I learned so much through your channel!

[@jonbecker9393]

Straight talk, all informative video (shop tech in MI). TY.

[@coffeenclinic]

So the question is what happens with actual testing. Otherwise, it is just talk and opinion, no matter who it comes from.

[@Bowsonthebrain]

I Appreciate all your videos guys ! Good job

[@ElkShape]

thanks James!

[@samuelhorowitz2812]

Hey Y'all... I watch your kid cast all of the time. I have learned a lot. And I just want to Thank you for making this a learning atmosphere! I Have A Question.. I have a sling bow made by Gear Head Archery. It has limbs and the string is attached to a black rubber . That is attached to the limbs. It is on a roller system. It has a pistol grip. And arm brace. That is the naterial way you hold your hand... at rest. If you look it up and read this description. You will know exactly how it works. I have a bracket that bolts in and I can attach a reel and take it bow fishing.. It is like made for just that expierance. Then again A guy who bought the same set up and harvested a big ole' black bear. That was after he hunted during deer season. He harvested his limit quickly that year. It is Great for a tree stand. It small enough to Miniver around easily around the whole tree. And if you remove and inch to inch and a quarter. To make it a fifty pound bow. With no let off. I was wondering would you have someone make a custom string. And set it up. Like if I sent in to your shop? And if so. .. how much would it cost? You can look at that set up on their web page. Just look up Gear Head Archery's SlingBow. I have the larger one. I forget what they call it. Could someone let me know either way. I Thank You for your time and effort. I wish for many blessings and prayers to you and yours!!

[@JohnLee-vj9lh]

Great video guys and info thanks for sharing 🏹🏹

[@ElkShape]

Thanks for watching!

[@ruebencaballero9511]

Tim is the man! Great video very informative. Wouldn’t expect less than great content

[@ElkShape]

thanks RUBE!

[@davidrattie9667]

Do you feel your strings still need to be “shot in” a set amount of times. Say before you set your peep. Thanks

[@benjieaston2447]

Very nice stings great colors

[@ElkShape]

Thanks Benji!

[@markwburns63]

About 2 years ago I got some major brand strings and they were horrible.. I started making my own strings so I have creative control over the process.. I prestretch my strings and cables for a minimum 12 hours.. Great video.!!!!

[@ElkShape]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ElkShape]

That's awesome!

[@FerventReminder]

Are string making jigs and the required tools easily available or did you need to DIY it?

[@markwburns63]

@@FerventReminder I made my own jigs.. There are companies selling all the tools and jigs you need.. Have fun with it.

[@FerventReminder]

@@markwburns63 Ok thanks.

[@cameroncunningham687]

I got a question. How much affect does backing the bolts out on your limbs to lower the draw weight have on the string tension and the feel of the draw cycle and back wall?

[@luissandoval4093]

Very clear the explanation of the pro shop guy

[@bzbcustoms4520]

Love this shop thanks for setting up my v3

[@cacheduininck8912]

Great video guys!

[@ElkShape]

Appreciate that homes!

[@oldpapawwithastrat9384]

Thanks for the info

[@ElkShape]

of course!

[@muriscirkin]

Idk those pse livewire strings are pretty damn good for factory strings mine are finally getting changed after 3 years

[@ElkShape]

Glad they are working well for you!

[@stevenbaum7395]

Where u located

[@ElkShape]

Greater Spokane Valley area WA

[@PBS-nm1uu]

what state are you in..

[@zhickman338]

Great video, I'd like to hear Josh's opinion on Bloodline Fiber.

[@ElkShape]

His opinion is the same on every string that doesn't go immediately from the stretcher to the bow.. it's a system that's not setup for success because those fibers will need to be re-stretched, and eventually lead to tuning issues.. The short version is in a perfect world your strings go straight from the stretcher to your bow - TC

[@christopherkwasny5333]

So awesome thanks for the info

[@ElkShape]

You bet!

[@justinlong3621]

What a great video! I’ve got some ABB platinum strings on my bow and the serving is separated in maybe 4 spots and my peeps is twisting a little more every day! Might be time for some Custom strings.

[@ElkShape]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justinlong3621]

Elk Shape you guys know of any shops in Utah making custom strings the same way?

[@MrShysterme]

Before I knew better, I used to run Winner's Choice strings, and they would separate where the string bent hard inside the cam. One tip I've heard is that once the string is bent hard inside the cam, do not give it half twists after because that is similar to take a wire and bending it back and forth (if you keep trying to micro adjust it) and this causes separation. Now, once a string takes a strong bend, then I only do whole twists to preserve that bend direction.

[@justinlong3621]

@@MrShysterme ABB actually saw my comment on another platform and has sent me an entire new set of strings for my bow. I’m going to have a different shop put them on than last time, hopefully it plays out much better!

[@elisamuelcuadrado2144]

I’m definitely going to get custom strings after I go hunting in a couple weeks. I’m tired of fighting the Zebra strings.

[@ElkShape]

Word!

[@rchunting2579]

Love this video, I checked my first string bow strings and the serving has separated a little bit and I can see the fibers.

[@ElkShape]

It happens!

[@hunterguy123]

Nice vid guys!! Keep it up 👍

[@ElkShape]

Thanks Z!

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

My strings all of a sudden started fraying pretty good this week - What a time to break down just before Sept..!!! Im still shooting the Bowtech RPM 360...

[@ElkShape]

For sure man.. get some freshies - TC

[@toddwolfe1978]

Love this series of videos! I'm probably looking right at it but I'm not seeing the link for the strings... Haha

[@ElkShape]

posting that shortly! will be in description