How often should you change out your string and cables on a compound bow, on average? Mine is a Matthews Switchback if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

No difference - IMHO&E, you'll think that you need to change long before your pro-shop bow tech does.

Generally for me:

Visible separations in the servings, really bad frays on the string or cable that are large, or a constant stretching in the length of either string or cable that required a retune - frequently.

I took it in to have it tuned yesterday and they recommended changing them out, it's been 8 years since I bought the bow. Nothing really worn or frayed too badly.

Could be stretch, there's a point where twisting the string and cable to get one in tune is counterproductive.

String tech/materials have improved over the years, you're probably going to get a better set than you have now.

I usually stick around every 3 years if no visible sign of wear/ separation etc.The one thing with single cam bows is the string and cable is one continuos length of string so it's more prone to stretch,. Now some say because it's a single cam it's no big deal because there's only one cam and it won't go out of time like a two cam bow and yes their right. But with a stretched string the single cam will not rotate to its fullest rotation thus loosing performance, tunability etc.

Depends a lot on how much you shoot, how well you keep strings waxed, etc.
I get mine changed every 2-3 years. and that might be too often.

Normally got a new bow every yr, or every other yr.............and shot the pizz outta them.
Don't shoot much anymore.
Figure CRP abrasion and similar...............if I keep the one I have now................redo in 5 yrs.

I think the factory strings three years or less. Performance strings perhaps longer.

OK thanks for the answers. Seems like money well spent.

It's like changing the oil in your vehicle. Either time or mileage will determine frequency. Same for strings/cables. Even if they look good after several years and not a lot of use, I will still change them. I've not shot Compound regularly in about 10 years... but when I did I had a general rule... on my go-to bow that I about regulary practiced and hunted with, I generally needed to replace string/cable every year... brush busting in the backcountry chewed them up pretty quick. It only takes blowing up a limb once due to a snapped string to make the butt pucker a bit in this regard. For my back up bow that rarely left the case expect for an annual tune, I still replaced string/cable set every 3 years just as good practice. So yes, it's worth the money to have the piece of mind that your equipment will perform as is was intended to when it's time to kill something.

Depends on how you take care of your bow. If it sets out in the sun then they will dry out and not last. If you store it in a cool, dry place out of the sun then they can last for a long time. 8 years, it's probably time.