First Impressions of First String Pro Slide
The First String Pro Slide promises to be a small but significant upgrade for any archer looking to enhance their bow’s performance. The cable slide is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in reducing friction and wear on the bow’s cables. First String, the manufacturer, aims to tackle cable slide chatter and cable wear, offering a potentially quieter and more durable shooting experience.
I was particularly drawn to this product due to the persistent cable chatter I was experiencing on my hunting bow. I hoped the First String Pro Slide would smooth out the draw cycle and extend the lifespan of my bow cables. I was looking for a reliable and affordable solution to address these issues, moving away from the standard factory-installed slide.
Out of the box, the First String Pro Slide feels solid and well-constructed. The grey color is understated and should blend well with most bow finishes. It is lightweight, so it shouldn’t add noticeable weight to the bow.
Compared to a basic factory slide, the First String Pro Slide stands out because of its integrated hole for a fall-away rest cord and a set screw to secure it. Compared to a Teflon slide that I have used in the past, this one feels more robust, as the other one had worn down fairly quickly. This integrated design seemed like a much better solution compared to tying off the rest cord directly to the cable.
Initially, I was optimistic. The design seemed well thought out and the build quality appeared to be good, giving me hope that it would live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting First String Pro Slide to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the First String Pro Slide on my Mathews hunting bow. I tested it at my local archery range. The installation process was straightforward, requiring only basic tools like an Allen wrench to tighten the set screw.
During my initial testing, I immediately noticed a reduction in cable chatter. The draw cycle felt smoother, and the bow seemed quieter upon release. The integrated fall-away rest cord attachment point worked flawlessly, keeping the cord secure and out of the way.
There were no immediate issues. The slide operated as expected, and the bow’s performance felt improved, which was a welcome change from the noisy factory slide.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the First String Pro Slide continues to perform well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The slide still glides smoothly along the cable guard, and the set screw remains secure.
The durability seems excellent. The slide has held up well to repeated use in various weather conditions, including damp mornings and dusty afternoons. Maintenance is simple; I occasionally wipe it down with a dry cloth to remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
This product noticeably outperforms the stock slide. The difference in noise reduction and smoothness is significant. It is a definite improvement over my previous experiences with standard factory slides.
Breaking Down the Features of First String Pro Slide
Specifications
The First String Pro Slide is designed to eliminate cable slide chatter and decrease wear on cables. It features a hole for a fall-away rest cord to be inserted and a set screw to secure the cord.
- Manufacturer: First String
- Color: Grey
- Purpose: Reduce cable wear and noise
- Material: Proprietary composite
These specifications are important because they directly impact the bow’s performance and the lifespan of the cables. Reducing friction translates to a smoother draw cycle, quieter shot, and less stress on the cables, ultimately increasing their longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The First String Pro Slide excels at reducing cable chatter and improving the smoothness of the draw cycle. This leads to a more consistent and comfortable shooting experience.
The major strengths of the First String Pro Slide are its noise reduction capabilities and the secure fall-away rest cord attachment. A potential weakness could be the long-term durability of the set screw, but so far, it has held up well. The slide meets and even exceeds my expectations, delivering on its promises of smoother and quieter operation.
Design & Ergonomics
The grey color and simple design of the First String Pro Slide ensure it blends seamlessly with most bows. Its lightweight construction means it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the bow.
The slide is user-friendly. The integrated fall-away rest cord attachment is a significant improvement over traditional methods, simplifying setup and ensuring a secure connection.
Durability & Maintenance
The First String Pro Slide appears to be quite durable. Its composite material seems resilient to wear and tear.
Maintaining the slide is easy. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth is sufficient to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The First String Pro Slide does not require any additional accessories for its primary function. The only “accessory” it utilizes is the fall-away rest cord, which is typically included with the rest itself.
There are no specific customization options for the slide itself, but it is universally compatible with most modern compound bows. It works with different cable guards.
Pros and Cons of First String Pro Slide
Pros
- Reduces cable chatter significantly: This results in a quieter shot and improved hunting stealth.
- Smoother draw cycle: The reduced friction makes drawing the bow easier and more comfortable.
- Integrated fall-away rest cord attachment: This provides a secure and streamlined attachment point for the rest cord.
- Durable construction: The composite material seems resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Easy to install and maintain: The slide can be installed with basic tools, and maintenance is minimal.
Cons
- Set screw could potentially loosen over time (though has not been observed in my testing).
- The grey color, while neutral, may not appeal to all archers.
Who Should Buy First String Pro Slide?
The First String Pro Slide is perfect for hunters looking to reduce noise and improve their bow’s performance. It is also ideal for target archers who want a smoother and more consistent draw cycle.
This product might not be necessary for casual archers who are satisfied with their bow’s current performance and don’t mind some cable chatter.
A must-have “accessory” would be a high-quality fall-away arrow rest to take full advantage of the integrated cord attachment. Consider adding bow string wax to the bow string to enhance the effects of noise reduction.
Conclusion on First String Pro Slide
The First String Pro Slide is a well-designed and effective upgrade for any compound bow. It delivers on its promises of reducing cable chatter, improving the smoothness of the draw cycle, and providing a secure attachment point for a fall-away arrow rest.
At a price of $15.99, the value proposition is excellent. It is an affordable upgrade that can significantly improve your shooting experience.
I would definitely recommend the First String Pro Slide to any archer looking to enhance their bow’s performance and reduce cable wear. This is a worthy investment. If you’re tired of noisy cable slides, give the First String Pro Slide a try. You won’t be disappointed.