If you have ever used a bow before, there is a very good chance that you have heard about bow string wax. While you may not have necessarily used this wax before, you have more than likely wondered what exactly it did and if it would help benefit you and your archery skills. In fact, you may have even wondered what the best bow string wax that you can use is.
The cool thing about bow string wax is that it doesn’t matter what type of bow you are using, as it will be able to help strengthen the string of your bow and make archery a little bit safer for you.
Here, we'll cover everything that you need to know about bow string wax, how often you should be using it, and how to apply the wax to your bow string. And to make things ever better, you will also learn about the very best bow string wax available on the market right now and how it can take your bow string to the next level.
Keep in mind that all of the different wax that's mentioned will be able to get the job done. As for which one is the best for your individual needs, that's up to you to decide. However, if you follow the information in this guide, you'll have no problem choosing the very best bow string wax for your individual needs!
What is Bow String Wax?
One of the most common questions when it comes to your bowstring is going to be whether or not you should apply wax to it. And just in case you are unfamiliar with what bow string wax is, it is a special wax that you can apply to your bowstring in order to increase its strength and longevity. Basically, it is a special wax that will help prolong the life of your bowstring. But should you use it for your bowstring?
While you do not necessarily need to use any type of wax for archery, it is going to serve three main purposes. These include:
1. Prolonging the Life of Your Bowstring
Bow string wax works by bundling the strands of your bowstring together, essentially preventing them from having any ‘fray’ off.
2. Creates a Stronger Bowstring
Bow string wax is applied to your bowstring, essentially coating all of the independent strands that the string is made up of. This will then prevent those individual bowstrings from rubbing against each other (which will eventually begin to weaken them) whenever you are out shooting your bow.
Basically, it prevents your bow string from damaging itself every time you are out shooting.
3. Prevents Your Bowstring from Absorbing Moisture
One of the biggest destroyers of bowstrings is going to be moisture, that being mainly water. When you are using a high-quality wax, you will be preventing any potential water damage from occurring.
Top Benefits of Using Bow String Wax
Bow string wax is not only something that should be done in order to keep your bow string in the best shape possible, but it also has some benefits as well.
If you think about it, there are only three essential parts that you need to keep your bow working in optimal shape. Those include the bow itself, the arrow, and the bow string. As soon as one of those three components stop working effectively, the entire bow and arrow system stops working as well. For this reason, it is very important to make sure all of these components are operating at peak performance.
Using one a good wax product on your bowstring will not only help to prevent it from fraying as quickly, but it will also add a waterproofing element to your string as well. This means that it will help stop water from getting into the individual stands of your bowstring. On top of that, it also helps to maintain the twists in your string as well.
Which in case you are wondering, if water is allowed to get into the string of your bow, it will become heavier. This means that your arrow will then leave your bow at a much slower speed, effectively impacting your grouping and sight marks.
Choosing the Right Bow String Wax
When you use a bow string wax, you will notice that your bowstring is smoother and has a slightly tacky feel to it. This helps to prevent the bowstring from becoming dry, discolored, or even fuzzing out.
In fact, if you notice that your bowstring is displaying any of these properties, it means that it’s time to apply another coat of wax. Typically speaking, if you use your bow on a regular basis, you should be applying a new coat of wax every two or three weeks.
The big question that you may though, is how are you supposed to know which wax is actually the best for you? While the ultimate decision is up to you, here is what you should consider when you are looking for the right wax for your individual needs.
Stay Away from Scented Waxes
While you are obviously able to get whatever type you would like, you must be sure that you are only using an unscented wax. This is going to be true for a couple of different reasons.
For starters, the scented waxes can become very irritating to your nose, meaning that it will make your shooting experience less enjoyable.
Secondly, if you are doing any type of bowhunting, the prey that you are hunting will more than likely be able to smell the scented wax as well. This means that you can expect whatever you are hunting to be well aware of you before you know it. On a side note, if you are planning on hunting deer, they have a very strong sense of smell and will be long gone before you are able to even locate them.
If you are not planning on doing any hunting and are only going to be target shooting, scented bow wax is something that you can definitely use.
Make Sure They are Easy to Use and Transport
Depending on the type of bowstring wax that you use, you may notice that they come in all different types of packaging. Some will be available in a tube, while others will come in a round box. When you are selecting a wax for your needs, you need to really pay attention to how easy the wax will be to use, as well as to transport.
The best wax for you will be the one that will easily fit into your pocket, as well as be easy for you to apply to your bowstring, no matter what type of location you may be in. In order to test this out, it is recommended that you sample how effective certain bow string waxes really are, you can always grab the ones that are smaller in size.
Your Wax Must be Waterproof and Natural
The best bow string wax is not only going to be easy to use but will also be easy to apply and waterproof.
When you use a waterproof wax, you are essentially guaranteeing that it will work in any type of weather conditions. The last thing you want to happen is to have your bow strings become damaged in the rain after you have applied your bowstring wax.
You also want to doublecheck that you are only using a natural bow string wax, or at least one that is made with only organic products. This is because the natural and organic waxes are much better than any waxes made with artificial ingredients.
Top 5 Best Bow String Waxes
You obviously want the very best bowstring wax that you can get for the money.
While not all bow strings will need to be waxed as often as others, when it is time to wax your bow strings, using the best bowstring wax is obviously going to be the best choice. Here are the 5 best bowstring waxes that you can use for your bow strings.
1. Bohning Tex-Tite Wax
Considered to be one of the best recurve bowstring waxes, Bohning Tex-Tite Bow String Wax is odorless and basically made to perfection. Only using natural ingredients to improve the wax strength, the Bohning Tex-Tite wax is extremely user friendly and works especially well on just about every type of synthetic bow string.
What really makes the Bohning Tex-Tite wax stand out above the rest though, is that it is not only easy to apply, but also comes in a very low-profile packaging that can be carried around with you very easily.
While the Bohning Tex-Tite Wax has a ton of pros, it is not without its flaws as well. In fact, one of the main complaints is that there is no instruction manual included. This means that if you have never used a bow string wax before, you may have some trouble figuring out how to use it.
On top of that, the Bohning Tex-Tite wax is also considered to be on the more expensive side when compared to other bow string waxes.
2. Scorpion Venom Polymeric Bowstring Wax
Considered to be one of the very best bow string waxes on the market today, the Scorpion Venom Polymeric Bowstring Wax is an amazing wax that is extremely easy to use. It is an odorless bowstring wax that is ideal for both target shooting, as well as hunting.
What really makes Scorpion Venom stand out from the rest though, it that it is one of the best waxes in terms of withstanding any type of harsh weather conditions.
The big downside with the Scorpion Venom wax, however, is that it can be slightly difficult to apply if you use the included applicator. Knowing that, you must also know that you will have a much better time applying the Scorpion Venom wax to your bow string with your fingers.
3. String Snot
Designed to be very compact and extremely easy to carry no matter what type of bow shooting you are doing. String Snot Wax is definitely able to lubricate your bowstring for you.
And what makes String Snot Bow String Wax even better, is that it can actually help to improve the overall performance of your bow. This is because String Snot Bow String Wax is able to help you smooth out the entire process of when you draw your bow back to shoot. Not bad for a bow string wax.
The one downside though, is that if you accidentally apply too much of the String Snot Bow String Wax to your bow strings, there is a chance that they will become overly greasy. If you are a bow shooter who likes to draw their bow back and hold for a little before shooting, it can be difficult to maintain your draw due to the greasiness of the bow string. But as long as you don’t over-apply, you should have no problems with this at all.
4. SHENG-RUI Bow String Wax
Considered to be one of the better bow string waxes available, SHENG-RUI has earned the reputation for being the best compound bow string wax on the market right now.
When it comes to waxing bow strings, it does not get much easier than this. The compact design allows you to bring this wax with you no matter what conditions you may be facing, and it will help lubricate your bow strings efficiently and properly in a very short amount of time.
Why this wax is so popular though, is the fact that it will not make your bowstring tacky after being applied. What this all means is that you can expect a much easier archery and hunting experience.
This particular wax is the best for any type of compound bow string. This is because this wax is designed to be used on compound bows only.
5. Barnett Outdoors Crossbow Lube Wax
In the running for being one of the best crossbow string wax products available for crossbow shooters, this is one wax that you want in your bag of tricks if you use a crossbow.
From the very good packaging to the way it helps to reduce and eliminate vibrations and noise, this wax is a must have while hunting or shooting at targets. The unscented bow string wax helps you stay hidden while out in the field and only uses the very highest quality of premium ingredients.
While it does have a consistency that some may consider to be slightly hard, it is an overall great wax for crossbow shooters and is definitely one that you should check out. And even if you are not a crossbow shooter, it does make a great bow string wax substitute when you are out in the field.
Tips on How to Wax a Bow String
Typically speaking, most people do not wax their bow strings as much as they should. Oddly enough, waxing your bow string is not only easy to do, but is one of the easiest ways to help you maintain the health of your bow. It is recommended that you use a quality bow string wax (like the ones listed above) after every few shooting sessions you have.
Here are some quick tips on how you can effectively wax your bow strings:
Always Clean Your Bow Prior to Waxing It
Before adding any wax to your bow strings, you should always spend some time to clean them first.
In order to do this, take some dental floss and wrap it around your bow string a few times at the very top. You want to make sure that the floss it tight around your bow string. Drag the floss down your bow string.
You will notice old wax and gunk coming off as you slide the floss down your string. This is good and what you are trying to remove before adding the new wax.
Always Wax 360 Total Degrees Around Your Bow String
You be tempted to only wax one side of your bow string, but this is wrong. Instead, be sure that you have waxed all the way around the string, 360 degrees.
Only Wax What Should be Waxed
This means that you should only wax the parts of your bow string that should be waxed. So, you must be sure that you never wax the servings. If wax does accidentally get into them, it will loosen those servings up. This is bad and something that you do not want to happen.
Never Use Bees Wax or Candle Wax
While these were great options for waxing your bow strings ‘back in the day’, they are a terrible option for you now. Bow string wax is made out of many different materials that are specifically designed to improve your bow string’s health and longevity.
When you try to use beeswax or candle wax, it will not have the desired outcome and will be a pain to remove from your bow string as well.
Final Thoughts – Which Wax is Best?
When it comes to finding the best bow string wax, all waxes will claim to be the best. However, not all of them will be able to live up to your expectations and what you need them to do. In our opinion, the very best bow string wax is Scorpion Venom Polymeric Bowstring Wax. It is not only able to withstand any type of harsh weather but is also very easy to use and pack with you no matter if you are hunting or shooting at targets.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do you wax a bowstring?
Wax is actually very easy to apply to your bowstring. After inspecting your bowstring to make sure it is in good condition, apply your wax directly onto the string (and the cables). Do this by rubbing the wax up and down until you visibly see the wax on the string (Note: never wax the servings).
Use your fingers to massage the wax into every part of the bow string. Wrap the included fabric cord around the bowstring, moving it up and down. This will remove any excess wax from the bowstring. Remove any extra lumps with your fingers and you are ready to get to shooting!