[dlist777]

My Ravin Experience:

I am a 2x Ravin owner. I bought the R20 when it came out. I killed a few deer with it. I had no problems with it. I had a local archery shop change out the cables and strings after 100 shots. I still had no problems with it. I sold it and bought the R26 this year. I've used it all season. I love this bow. No problems. I shot 2 bucks. The arrow always went where I wanted it to go. I probably used it 40 times in the field cocking and de-cocking each time. Probably about 50 shots between sighting it in and testing a few different broadheads / set ups. I love it.

I recently joined a Ravin facebook group. I kind of wish I hadn't. I was surprised to see a high level of reports of Ravin's "blowing up" primary it seemed due to string failures. I read some seem to advocate switching strings out to "Gas Strings"? I could have that wrong. I've also read on here about "Archery Shack" cables. I understand that that Ravin sells a lot of bows and only the problems get posted, so I don't really have a good feel for how big an issue this is.

I've found crossbow nation seems to be the place where I see what appears to be the most knowledgeable discussion. So, I have a few questions:

1. Would you recommend replacing my OEM strings and cables even though I don't seem to be having problems with them?

2. Is there anything specifically I should be looking out for on the OEM strings and cables that might be an indicator of a problem upcoming? I'm not a xbow expert. But, I can tell obvious wear. Other than that, is there anything?

Note: I don't own a press and don't think I want to. So, any switch out would have to be at a shop. I'm OK spending the money if I need to.

Thanks in advance if you take the time to respond.

Doug

 

[Jack Pine]

There's always a small percentage of the population that finds a black cloud in every silver lining, a problem in every solution, and a glass always half empty. Personally I wouldn't waste time listening to that. Follow manufacturers recommendations and if anything goes wrong, it's on them, and not you. If Ravin finds a problem, they'll correct it or let you know via recall, don't let a site that invites criticism rain on you parade, enjoy your bow.

 

[bigbird1]

Doug,
Congrats. on your R26 purchase and your 2 buck kills.
There's a whole lot of folks on CBN that love their R26. I'm guessing it was probably one of the best selling crossbows for 2019 because it's so compact and easy to hold and shoot offhand. It's also been very trouble free which is always a good thing and a credit to Ravin engineering.
As far a routine maintenance is concerned, I'd suggest you check your ATA (axle to axle measurement) from time to time to see if your cables and string are stretching. The R26 ATA is 9-1/4" and is measured from the very center of the axle rods that attach the cams to the limbs.
If the 9-1/4" measurement increases by more than a 1/4", you probably should have the cables and string twisted up to get back to spec.
Also look for wear where the unserved cable loop ends attach to the cams. Any obvious excess wear might require a new set of cables.
Also keep your string strands that are Not served waxed to prevent frizzing.

Both GAS and Archery Shack make a great set of Ravin strings that are pre-stretched before serving. Even Ravin strings appear to be better made for the R26. Archery Shack strings will be the best value and they will provide Ravin's ATA spec. so that's why a lot of folks on CBN prefer them.

Enjoy that little pocket rocket.

 

[dlist777]

Doug,
Congrats. on your R26 purchase and your 2 buck kills.
There's a whole lot of folks on CBN that love their R26. I'm guessing it was probably one of the best selling crossbows for 2019 because it's so compact and easy to hold and shoot offhand. It's also been very trouble free which is always a good thing and a credit to Ravin engineering.
As far a routine maintenance is concerned, I'd suggest you check your ATA (axle to axle measurement) from time to time to see if your cables and string are stretching. The R26 ATA is 9-1/4" and is measured from the very center of the axle rods that attach the cams to the limbs.
If the 9-1/4" measurement increases by more than a 1/4", you probably should have the cables and string twisted up to get back to spec.
Also look for wear where the unserved cable loop ends attach to the cams. Any obvious excess wear might require a new set of cables.
Also keep your string strands that are Not served waxed to prevent frizzing.

Both GAS and Archery Shack make a great set of Ravin strings that are pre-stretched before serving. Even Ravin strings appear to be better made for the R26. Archery Shack strings will be the best value and they will provide Ravin's ATA spec. so that's why a lot of folks on CBN prefer them.

Enjoy that little pocket rocket.

Thanks. Great info!

 

[4nolz]

My experience with R-15 and R-26 is same as yours.Flawless.Love them.The squeeky wheels get the grease online.If it ain't broke don't fix it.Like you I killed 3 ,a gobbler and a hog, R-26 worked perfectly.

 

[dlist777]

My experience with R-15 and R-26 is same as yours.Flawless.Love them.The squeeky wheels get the grease online.If it ain't broke don't fix it.Like you I killed 3 ,a gobbler and a hog, R-26 worked perfectly.

Yup. I meant to say r15 and r26....not r20...thx

 

[dlist777]

Doug,
Congrats. on your R26 purchase and your 2 buck kills.
There's a whole lot of folks on CBN that love their R26. I'm guessing it was probably one of the best selling crossbows for 2019 because it's so compact and easy to hold and shoot offhand. It's also been very trouble free which is always a good thing and a credit to Ravin engineering.
As far a routine maintenance is concerned, I'd suggest you check your ATA (axle to axle measurement) from time to time to see if your cables and string are stretching. The R26 ATA is 9-1/4" and is measured from the very center of the axle rods that attach the cams to the limbs.
If the 9-1/4" measurement increases by more than a 1/4", you probably should have the cables and string twisted up to get back to spec.
Also look for wear where the unserved cable loop ends attach to the cams. Any obvious excess wear might require a new set of cables.
Also keep your string strands that are Not served waxed to prevent frizzing.

Both GAS and Archery Shack make a great set of Ravin strings that are pre-stretched before serving. Even Ravin strings appear to be better made for the R26. Archery Shack strings will be the best value and they will provide Ravin's ATA spec. so that's why a lot of folks on CBN prefer them.

Enjoy that little pocket rocket.

Measured ATA as 9 and 11/16 so almost 1/2 inch over spec. Thx for the info.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[KTownKiller]

At the prices they charge!....gotta go shovel...a, snow....

 

[Iowaguy]

At the prices they charge!....gotta go shovel...a, snow....

what??????

 

[KTownKiller]

Just try'n to wrap my mind around replacing strings and cables on what they charge for a xbow....carry on though...

 

[JFT]

Doug,
Congrats. on your R26 purchase and your 2 buck kills.
There's a whole lot of folks on CBN that love their R26. I'm guessing it was probably one of the best selling crossbows for 2019 because it's so compact and easy to hold and shoot offhand. It's also been very trouble free which is always a good thing and a credit to Ravin engineering.
As far a routine maintenance is concerned, I'd suggest you check your ATA (axle to axle measurement) from time to time to see if your cables and string are stretching. The R26 ATA is 9-1/4" and is measured from the very center of the axle rods that attach the cams to the limbs.
If the 9-1/4" measurement increases by more than a 1/4", you probably should have the cables and string twisted up to get back to spec.
Also look for wear where the unserved cable loop ends attach to the cams. Any obvious excess wear might require a new set of cables.
Also keep your string strands that are Not served waxed to prevent frizzing.

Both GAS and Archery Shack make a great set of Ravin strings that are pre-stretched before serving. Even Ravin strings appear to be better made for the R26. Archery Shack strings will be the best value and they will provide Ravin's ATA spec. so that's why a lot of folks on CBN prefer them.

Enjoy that little pocket rocket.

 

[JFT]

Thanks for the info bigbird.... I was wondering. I have an r26 and love it. I just recently got gas strings put on. I noticed my cables are just touching my front timing Mark's as I had a bow shop install them for me as I don't own a press. When questioning him about my timing marks he had told me that it's in spec . I'm not sure if they need to be dead center between the two timing marks. I also noticed my ATA is 9 1/2. I'm not sure what needs to be done to correct this. If you have any input I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance Jim

 

[bigbird1]

Jim,
The simplest way I know to describe Ravin cam timing is as follows:
Ravin uses inboard cams which means the string exits the cams from the inside as opposed to the normal outside or outboard exit. Hence, to rotate the cams more inward, one has to twist up the string. The cables act as resistance to the strings's force to rotate the cams inward. Hence, one has to twist up the cables to rotate the cams outward.

If your cables split the dots somewhere in between, then many will say they are in spec. In your case, you noted the cables are just touching the front dots. So to center them, you will need to rotate them outward which means you'd have to add a twist or a twist and half to your cables. This will also shorten your ATA which will bring you closer to the 9-1/4" ATA spec.
However, I doubt the resultant increase in speed you might obtain is substantial. In addition, you certainly aren't over stressing your limbs so you probably are fine where you are. Nonetheless, I don't recommend you let it get any further out of spec. and that's exactly why a Ravin press is such a great investment.

 

[dlist777]

Just thought I'd update folks. I did contact Ravin with my concerns about ATA and sent some pics. They confirmed the cables had stretched. They are sending me new strings and cables free of charge since it's only been one year.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Rodney4276]

Thanks for the info bigbird.... I was wondering. I have an r26 and love it. I just recently got gas strings put on. I noticed my cables are just touching my front timing Mark's as I had a bow shop install them for me as I don't own a press. When questioning him about my timing marks he had told me that it's in spec . I'm not sure if they need to be dead center between the two timing marks. I also noticed my ATA is 9 1/2. I'm not sure what needs to be done to correct this. If you have any input I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance Jim

Hi i called ravin myself and ask them about that question of the timing marks because I had one dot that was under my string and the other was between and the ravin rep told me that is perfectly fine as long as the string is not be on the dots.

 

[beardednimrod]

Great info guys!!! I bought a new R26 #meatmissle this past September smoked 2 deer with it already. I have zero complaints but have also read a lot about string issues & this being my first ex-bow was starting to worry & wonder if there were signs I could look for to help preempt any issues....info in this thread really brought things to light and put worries to rest...thanks again for the info

 

[Moon]

Been shooting my R26 with factory string and cables since it came out of the box. 11 months later and 1 hunting season over, not one problem. I’ve kept the R26 bone stock with no modifications. It has a little string center serving separation where arrow nock snaps on but I occasionally push them back together so the orange color string is not showing through. I have a new string and cable set on the bench in the shop and a Ravin press so when the time comes I’ll be ready to switch the old ones out. This little bow’s consistent accuracy is phenomenal and unchanged since new. Cam rotation has changed a tiny bit since new but, IMO, not enough to adjust. I don’t like the fact that I’ll have to remove the scope rail to press the bow for adjustments or string/cable changes but that is greatly outweighed by the innovative features of this crossbow.