How Much Does It Cost to Restring a Bow?

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If your bowstring is worn out, fraying, or simply too old, it’s time to get it replaced. But how much does it actually cost to restring a bow? On average, restringing a bow can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the type of bow, the quality of the string, and whether you do it yourself or go to a pro shop.

Average Bow Restringing Costs

Bow Type	DIY Cost (Materials Only)	Pro Shop Cost (Parts + Labor)
Recurve Bow	$15 – $35	$25 – $60
Compound Bow	$25 – $50	$50 – $100+
Longbow	$15 – $30	$25 – $50

Compound bows usually cost more to restring due to their complex cam systems, while recurve and longbows are simpler and cheaper to maintain.

What’s Included in the Cost?

When you pay to restring a bow, the cost generally covers two main parts:

Bowstring and cable set: This includes the main string and, for compound bows, the control cables.
Installation/labor: Many archery shops will charge a labor fee unless you purchase the string from them.

Some shops offer free installation if you buy strings in-store. Others may charge a $10–$30 fee for labor alone.

Factors That Affect the Price

Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay to get your bow restrung:

1. Type of Bow

Compound bows: More expensive due to cable systems and precision tuning.
Recurve/longbows: Simpler designs make them cheaper and easier to restring.

2. String Material and Brand

High-performance strings from brands like Winners Choice or GAS Bowstrings can cost more.
Budget strings are available for less but may wear out sooner.

3. Custom vs Pre-Made Strings

Custom strings: Cost more but offer better performance and longevity.
Pre-made strings: Cheaper and ready to install but may not fit your exact setup perfectly.

4. Labor Charges

Shops may waive the fee if you buy from them.
Expect to pay $10–$30 for labor if bringing your own string.

5. Additional Tuning Services

Some pro shops will include basic tuning with the restringing job.
Full tuning or setup may be an extra $20–$50 depending on your bow’s needs.

How Often Should You Restring a Bow?

Bowstrings should generally be replaced every 1–3 years, depending on how often you shoot and how well you maintain them. Heavy use, poor storage, or lack of waxing can wear strings out faster.

Signs it’s time to restring:

Fraying or broken fibers
Stretching or loss of tension
Dry, fuzzy appearance even after waxing
Uneven nocking point or peep twist (on compound bows)

It’s better to replace a string before it breaks than risk damaging your limbs or injuring yourself.

DIY vs Pro Shop: Which Should You Choose?

Whether you restring your bow yourself or go to a pro shop depends on your skill level and comfort with tuning.

DIY Restringing

Pros: Saves money in the long run, good for experienced archers
Cons: Requires bow press (for compound bows), tools, and knowledge

Pro Shop Restringing

Pros: Safe, professional setup, includes tuning and inspection
Cons: Higher cost, may take a few days depending on shop schedule

Tip: If you’re using a compound bow and don’t have a press or tuning tools, always go to a pro shop.

Can You Just Replace the Bowstring, or Do You Need Cables Too?

For compound bows, you usually need to replace both the string and cables. Replacing just the string while keeping old cables can lead to tuning issues or uneven performance.

Most string sets for compound bows come with:

One bowstring
One or two control cables

Replacing the full set ensures your bow stays balanced, safe, and accurate.

Ways to Save on Bow Restringing

Here are some quick tips to reduce your costs without sacrificing quality:

Buy string sets in bundles to get a discount from custom string makers
Wax your strings regularly to extend their life
Join an archery club—some offer free restringing help or group discounts
Learn basic maintenance like adjusting brace height or checking timing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot with an old or frayed string?

No. Never shoot with a damaged string. It can snap during use and cause injury or serious damage to your bow.

How long does it take to restring a bow?

Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours at a pro shop. It may take longer if tuning or additional setup is needed.

Do I need a bow press?

Yes, for compound bows. A bow press is required to safely remove and replace strings and cables. Recurve and longbows don’t need one.

Conclusion: What to Expect When Restringing a Bow

Restringing a bow can cost between $20 and $100+, depending on the type of bow, the quality of the string, and whether you do it yourself or use a pro shop. For most archers, visiting a reputable shop is the safest and most efficient choice—especially for compound bows.