The crossbow string is the single most critical component in your accuracy and safety equation, yet it is also the most commonly neglected. Strings stretch, serving separates, and individual strands fray - all of which degrade accuracy long before the string actually breaks. A quality replacement string made from premium fiber with professional serving and precise length specifications restores your crossbow to factory-spec performance and provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment is reliable. We evaluated five top string options across quality of materials, accuracy consistency, and longevity.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 60X Custom Strings | Premium custom-fit accuracy | $60-$100 |
| Winner’s Choice Strings | Professional-grade reliability | $55-$90 |
| Vapor Trail Crossbow Strings | Speed-focused custom strings | $55-$85 |
| TenPoint Factory Replacement | OEM fit for TenPoint crossbows | $40-$70 |
| Excalibur Factory String | OEM accuracy for Excalibur | $25-$50 |
1. 60X Custom Strings - Custom-Built for Your Exact Crossbow
60X Custom Strings produces crossbow strings built to order for virtually every crossbow model on the market, using premium fibers including BCY 452X and Dyneema-based materials. Because each string is custom-made to exact length and strand count specifications, you get factory-matching dimensions that restore original velocity and accuracy rather than a generic replacement that requires re-zeroing. The serving is applied under controlled tension for consistency, and end loops are reinforced for long service life at high draw weights. Custom strings from 60X typically arrive within a week and arrive ready to install with no additional preparation required.
2. Winner’s Choice Custom Strings - Professional Competition Quality
Winner’s Choice built their reputation on the competitive archery circuit and brings that same precision to crossbow replacement strings. Their crossbow strings are made from BCY materials known for minimal creep, which means your zero stays stable over time rather than drifting as a budget string would. Winner’s Choice uses a proprietary Flex-Flite serving that resists wear from repetitive shooting and maintains consistent arrow nock fit over thousands of shots. Many professional crossbow hunters use Winner’s Choice strings as a first-line upgrade when factory strings begin to show wear, and the feedback on long-term retention of zero is consistently positive.
3. Vapor Trail Crossbow Strings - Speed and Durability Combined
Vapor Trail makes crossbow strings for high-performance platforms that demand both speed retention and durability under the extreme stress of repeated high-draw-weight shots. Their strings use proprietary fiber blends selected for low creep, high modulus, and abrasion resistance, and the serving is applied using a machine-tensioned process for uniform consistency along the entire string length. Vapor Trail strings are particularly well-regarded for high-fps crossbows in the 380-450 fps range, where string quality directly affects bolt velocity consistency from shot to shot. If maintaining peak velocity over a long service life is a priority, Vapor Trail is among the best options in the custom string market.
4. TenPoint Factory Replacement Strings - OEM Confidence for TenPoint Owners
TenPoint crossbow owners who want a guaranteed factory-spec replacement should start with TenPoint’s own replacement strings, which are manufactured to the exact dimensions and specifications of the original equipment strings on each model. Because the string, cables, and serving are all matched to TenPoint’s engineering tolerances, re-zeroing after replacement is typically minimal - a significant advantage over generic aftermarket strings that may require full re-zeroing. TenPoint replacement strings are available for most current and recent past models, and the quality control that goes into TenPoint’s factory accessories translates directly to consistent performance in the field.
5. Excalibur Replacement String - The Right String for Recurve Crossbows
Excalibur’s recurve crossbow design places different stress on the string than compound crossbow designs, and Excalibur’s factory replacement strings are specifically engineered for the higher dynamic load of a recurve limb system. The strings are made from Dyneema fiber and are pre-twisted to Excalibur’s factory specifications for consistent timing and velocity. Because Excalibur crossbows are simpler mechanical systems than compound crossbows - no cams or cables - the string is literally the entire power-transmission system, making string quality even more critical than on compound designs. The factory Excalibur string is the safest, most reliable replacement choice for any Excalibur owner.
What to Look For
String fiber material is the foundation of performance: high-quality BCY 452X or Dyneema-based fibers offer far lower creep than budget polyester strings, which means your zero stays consistent over time. Verify the exact string length and number of strands for your crossbow model - incorrect length directly affects draw weight and velocity. Serving diameter and material at the center (where the nock contacts the string) affects nock fit and release consistency; too loose and nocks fall off, too tight and they do not release cleanly. Always wax a new string before installation and re-wax every 50-100 shots to extend service life.
Final Thoughts
For most crossbow owners, brand-matched factory replacement strings from TenPoint or Excalibur deliver the most straightforward path back to factory-spec performance with minimal re-zeroing. For hunters who want premium performance and are willing to wait for a custom order, 60X Custom Strings and Winner’s Choice offer measurably better creep resistance and longer service life than OEM strings. Vapor Trail is the top choice for high-fps platforms where bolt velocity consistency over many shots is the primary performance criterion.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace my crossbow string?+
Most crossbow manufacturers recommend inspecting the string and cables before every shooting session and replacing them every 1-2 years or every 200-300 shots, whichever comes first. Signs that replacement is overdue include fraying or separation of individual strands, visible serving separation at the center or end loops, peep sight rotation, or a noticeable drop in bolt velocity that cannot be corrected by re-waxing.
Can I replace a crossbow string myself or do I need a bow press?+
Replacing a crossbow string typically requires a crossbow-specific press to safely de-tension the limbs before the old string and cables can be removed. Attempting string replacement without a press on a high-draw-weight crossbow is dangerous and can cause serious injury. Many archery shops and sporting goods stores offer crossbow string replacement services, and some custom string makers include installation instructions for specific models that can be done without a press.
What string material is best for a crossbow - Dyneema, BCY, or another fiber?+
Most premium crossbow strings use high-performance fibers such as Dyneema SK75, BCY 452X, or BCY X99. These materials offer extremely low creep (stretch over time) and high strength-to-weight ratios, which translates to consistent velocity and accuracy over the string's life. BCY 452X is widely used in custom strings for high-draw crossbows due to its durability under sustained high-load tension.