Bowstrings must be replaced when they show signs of wear or weakening. Choosing the best bowstring is made more difficult by the number of materials available. Modern bowstring material does not stretch, and the shock will damage some bows. Knowing your bow will give you a better shot at making the right choice. The main factor in string choice is the kind of bow you are shooting.
Longbows
The best bow string for a traditional longbow provides a degree of elasticity and dampening. Traditional materials used to build longbows are not typically able to take the shock of modern strings materials. When a bow is bent it stores energy that is released into the arrow. When the arrow leaves the bow the string stops the limbs very abruptly. Modern fibers made of high modulus polyethelene like Dyneema or Vectran do not absorb any of this impact and can actually break your bow. If you are shooting a custom longbow or having one built, be sure to discuss string materials with your bowyer. Dacron is the choice of most traditional shooters, and it is usually the best choice for longbows as it is sufficiently strong, yet has a degree of stretch that protects your bow from damage.
Recurves
Bow strings for a recurve are usually designated by the manufacturer or bowyer. High-end competition recurve bows use synthetic materials that withstand the shock of modern string materials. However, if you use these high performance strings on older bows, the shock can crack limbs and shatter limb tips. Replace your string with the same kind you are using, and if in doubt, use Dacron. If you are having a bow made, and you want the option of using fast, no-stretch modern strings, ask your bowyer about designing reinforced limb tips that can handle it.
Compound Bows
Compound bows use modern construction techniques and materials that allow the use of extremely strong synthetic bowstrings. In addition to the mechanical leverage provided by cams, inelastic bowstrings transfer all available energy into the arrow, which accounts for significantly increases in arrow speed. Compound bows are not unstrung for storage. Fastflite string will not change point of aim or lose tension over time. Dacron string is a poor choice in a compound bow because it stretches and creeps over time changing the shooting dynamics of the bow. In the case of the compound bow, the best bow string is small diameter, strong and inelastic.
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