ATA Bow Tech String & Cable Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a bow's control cables on a compound bow?
- Transfer energy directly to the arrow
- Synchronize cam rotation and control limb movement (Correct answer)
- Increase draw weight at full draw
- Connect the string to the riser
Correct answer: Synchronize cam rotation and control limb movement
Control cables synchronize the rotation of the cams and control limb deflection throughout the draw cycle, ensuring proper timing and cam alignment.
Question 2: Which material is most commonly used in modern high-performance bow strings?
- Dacron (B-50)
- Fast Flight (Spectra)
- Dyneema/SK75 or similar UHMWPE fibers (Correct answer)
- Kevlar
Correct answer: Dyneema/SK75 or similar UHMWPE fibers
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers such as Dyneema SK75 offer very low stretch, high strength, and minimal creep, making them the dominant material in modern performance strings.
Question 3: What does 'string stretch' (creep) cause on a compound bow after initial break-in?
- Increased arrow speed
- Higher draw weight
- Loss of draw length and potential timing issues (Correct answer)
- Improved nock fit
Correct answer: Loss of draw length and potential timing issues
As strings creep over time, their effective length increases, which shortens draw length and can throw cam timing off, negatively affecting bow performance.
Question 4: When twisting a bow string to adjust brace height, which direction of twist shortens the string?
- Counter-clockwise when viewed from the top limb
- The same direction as the string's original lay (Correct answer)
- Clockwise when viewed from the top limb
- Direction does not affect string length
Correct answer: The same direction as the string's original lay
Twisting a string in the same direction as its original lay (adding twists) shortens the string, which increases brace height.
Question 5: What is the ATA-recommended minimum brace height range for most compound bows?
- 4–5 inches
- 5–7 inches
- 6–8 inches (Correct answer)
- 8–10 inches
Correct answer: 6–8 inches
Most compound bows are engineered for a brace height between 6 and 8 inches, though the manufacturer's spec should always be the primary reference.
Question 6: What is the function of a string silencer (string dampener)?
- Increase arrow velocity by reducing string mass
- Reduce string vibration and noise upon release (Correct answer)
- Prevent dry-fire damage
- Maintain proper nock point position
Correct answer: Reduce string vibration and noise upon release
String silencers absorb vibration energy after the shot, reducing string oscillation noise and bow noise for a quieter, more pleasant shooting experience.
Question 7: Which type of string serving is typically placed at the center of the string to protect it from the arrow nock and release aid?
- End serving
- Loop serving
- Center serving (Correct answer)
- Peep serving
Correct answer: Center serving
Center serving wraps around the middle section of the string to protect against wear from arrow nocks and release aids while providing a consistent groove for nock fit.
ATA Bow Tech String & Cable Systems 1
What is the primary purpose of a bow's control cables on a compound bow?