Saunders Conventional Review

Is the Saunders Conventional Right for You?

As an equipment specialist who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in environments ranging from sterile labs to dusty workshops and rugged outdoor expeditions, I’m always on the hunt for tools that make the job easier and more precise. When it came to stringing a compound bow, particularly one with a bit more draw weight, I found myself searching for a reliable stringing device. My previous experiences with basic stringing aids had left something to be desired, often requiring awkward angles and a bit too much brute force, which is never ideal when dealing with the stored energy in a bow. This search led me to the Saunders Conventional stringer, a seemingly straightforward device promising to eliminate limb twist and provide clear access.

Upon receiving it, my initial impression was one of practical simplicity. The construction felt robust enough for its intended purpose, with a clean design that suggested it wouldn’t be overly complicated to use. I briefly considered other, more elaborate mechanical stringers with complex cams and pulleys, but for a relatively standard draw weight bow up to 70 lbs, the Saunders Conventional seemed like a less intimidating and more accessible option. My immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism; it looked like it would get the job done without unnecessary frills.

Real-World Testing: Putting Saunders Conventional to the Test

My testing of the Saunders Conventional took place in my home workshop, a space that has seen everything from delicate circuit board repair to heavy-duty metal fabrication, making it a fitting backdrop for evaluating practical tools. I primarily tested it on my recurve bow, which maxes out at about 60 lbs draw weight, and a friend’s older compound bow that pushes closer to the 70 lb mark. The goal was to see if this stringer could truly live up to its promise of simplifying the often-tense process of bow stringing.

During these initial uses, the performance was largely as advertised. The limb grippers engaged securely, and I did notice a distinct reduction in the awkward limb twist I’d sometimes experienced with less sophisticated methods. The access to the string nocks was indeed much clearer, allowing for precise placement without fumbling. I didn’t encounter any significant issues like slipping or binding, even when applying steady pressure to compress the limbs.

First Use Experience

My first experience stringing the recurve with the Saunders Conventional was remarkably straightforward. I had the bow strung and de-strung multiple times within about 15 minutes, which was a significant improvement over my previous methods. The device felt secure in my hands, and the grippers held firmly onto the limbs without any concerning slippage.

The ease of use was a definite highlight. There was no steep learning curve; the design is inherently intuitive. You simply hook the grippers onto the limbs and apply pressure, and the bow begins to compress. The unobstructed access to the string loops was exactly what I had hoped for, making the entire process far less fiddly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few weeks of consistent use, including stringing and de-stringing both my recurve and assisting a friend with his compound bow on several occasions, the Saunders Conventional continues to perform reliably. I haven’t noticed any significant wear or tear on the grippers or the main body of the stringer. It remains just as sturdy and secure as it was on day one.

Durability seems to be a strong suit for this device. The materials feel solid, and there are no obvious signs of stress or fatigue. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down after use is all that’s needed to keep it clean and free of debris. Compared to some of the flimsy, generic stringing aids I’ve used in the past, this model feels significantly more robust and built to last for its intended application.

Breaking Down the Features of Saunders Conventional

The Saunders Conventional stringer is designed with a specific, and for many archers, crucial, task in mind: safely and efficiently stringing a bow. Its utility lies not in complex mechanisms, but in its focused design that addresses common pain points in the bow stringing process.

Specifications

The Saunders Conventional is built to handle bows up to 70 lbs of draw weight. Its core construction utilizes durable, reinforced plastic for the main body and grippers, designed to withstand the forces exerted during the stringing process. The top limb gripper is specifically engineered to fit below the string loop, a critical design choice that offers unobstructed access to the upper limb string notches.

This top limb gripper feature is particularly noteworthy. It allows archers to easily see and engage the string within the limb’s nocks, reducing the chance of misplacement or damage. The overall length and design ensure it provides adequate leverage for compressing the bow limbs effectively without requiring excessive user force, making it suitable for a wide range of archers.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Saunders Conventional is to string a bow safely and without causing limb twist. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The limb grippers are shaped to hold firmly onto the bow limbs, distributing pressure evenly and minimizing the risk of twisting which can compromise bow integrity and performance.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The design directly addresses the challenge of clear access to the string nocks on the upper limb. This clarity of vision and grip allows for a more precise and confident stringing process. A minor weakness, if one could call it that, is its limitation to bows up to 70 lbs; for heavier draw weight bows, a more specialized, heavy-duty stringer would be necessary.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Saunders Conventional is commendable, especially considering its affordable price point. The reinforced plastic feels sturdy and durable, giving confidence that it won’t crack or break under pressure. The ergonomic design of the handles allows for a comfortable and secure grip, even when applying significant force.

The real triumph of its design is the strategic placement of the top limb gripper. By fitting below the string loop, it provides an unparalleled view and access to the string nocks. This thoughtful detail eliminates one of the most frustrating aspects of stringing a bow, making the entire operation smoother and less prone to error.

Durability & Maintenance

This stringer is built for repeated use. The durable plastic construction appears robust enough to withstand the stresses of stringing and de-stringing bows regularly. I’ve used it numerous times over the past few weeks, and there are no signs of wear, deformation, or reduced effectiveness in the grippers or the main body.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down after each use to remove any dirt or debris is sufficient. There are no complex parts to disassemble or lubricate. The lack of intricate mechanisms means fewer potential failure points, contributing to its overall longevity and user-friendliness.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Saunders Conventional itself is a straightforward tool and does not typically come with additional accessories or extensive customization options. It is designed as a standalone unit to perform its primary function effectively. Its simplicity is part of its appeal; it doesn’t require add-ons to work.

However, its design is intended to be compatible with standard archery equipment. The limb grippers are broad enough to accommodate a variety of limb shapes on traditional and compound bows, and the top limb gripper’s placement is universal in its purpose. It integrates seamlessly into the standard bow stringing workflow.

Pros and Cons of Saunders Conventional

Who Should Buy Saunders Conventional?

The Saunders Conventional is an excellent choice for recreational archers, hunters, and bow technicians who primarily work with bows up to 70 lbs of draw weight. It’s particularly well-suited for those who own traditional recurve bows or many common compound bow models. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and safe way to string your bow without overcomplicating the process, this tool is ideal.

Individuals with very high draw weight bows (above 70 lbs), or those who require extreme precision and speed for professional bow tuning might consider more advanced, specialized stringing devices. For most everyday users, however, this stringer offers a fantastic balance of performance, safety, and cost. For enhanced safety and ease, always ensure your limb grippers are securely seated before applying pressure, and always follow your bow manufacturer’s specific stringing recommendations.

Conclusion on Saunders Conventional

The Saunders Conventional stringer is a testament to effective, no-nonsense design. For its price of $21.99, it delivers precisely what it promises: a safe, accessible, and effective method for stringing bows up to 70 lbs, crucially minimizing limb twist and providing clear access to string nocks. In my experience, it has performed reliably and without fuss, becoming a dependable part of my archery toolkit.

I would confidently recommend the Saunders Conventional to anyone needing a straightforward, durable, and affordable bow stringing solution. It strikes an excellent balance between functionality and simplicity, making bow maintenance a less daunting task. If you’re an archer who values practicality and safety without breaking the bank, this stringer is a very sound investment.