I busted the wishbones, both on the same dive. I need to get replacement bands, and want to know the correct way to measure them. I know they are 9/16" diameter, but I can't figure out what to measure for length. Also, will there be a difference in length going to cable instead of the solid wishbone?

I know the pro's to cable is they won't break like mine did, but what are the drawbacks? Also, where's a good place to order new bands from?

BTW...I have a JBL Woody Magnum...I like to have 2 thicker bands instead of 3 thinner ones.

I believe bands are measured by total length, so when your bands are tied, they would form a circle, and the length would be the circumfirance of that circle including the wishbone. I use 26.5" bands on a 55" Wong. If your bands are stock length go to the JBL web site and look up what size bands your gun takes.

Thanks......I don't think theyare stock length, I know they are definately thicker.

Just a tip: a buddy of mine tried a cable wishbone on a JBL shaft. The cable got kinked and frayed on the first shot, then broke on the second shot. You could try it out, but I would bring some stock JBL bands if I were going on a trip. Don't let the same problem put you out of shooting fish for the day.

Good Luck.

Just a tip: a buddy of mine tried a cable wishbone on a JBL shaft. The cable got kinked and frayed on the first shot, then broke on the second shot. You could try it out, but I would bring some stock JBL bands if I were going on a trip. Don't let the same problem put you out of shooting fish for the day.

Good Luck.

I have never heard of that with regards to steel cable wishbones. Not sure if you are talking the same thing. I have shot cable wishbones for nearly 10 years without the cable ever failing. Fraying, sure, but not failing. In fact, more commercial shooters prefer cable over solid wishbones b/c of strength, conformability, and self-aligning. I wonder if your buddy had a bad wishbone???

Just a tip: a buddy of mine tried a cable wishbone on a JBL shaft. The cable got kinked and frayed on the first shot, then broke on the second shot. You could try it out, but I would bring some stock JBL bands if I were going on a trip. Don't let the same problem put you out of shooting fish for the day.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the tip.....I'll look into it more, but I know a lot of guns have slotted shafts and cable wishbones stock. I wonder if he was using the kevlar wishbones that are made for finned Riffe-style shafts, those may not be able to cope with the friction and sharp edges the slots put on them.

If you go cable, get the thicker ones. Also if you go solid, get the thicker ones, the thin wire ones that obviously you were using which are common on thin bands like 9/16ths, will break easily and cut your hand. I had a few solid thin ones break when I went to 3/4 bands, (they were the thin wire)and they were much shorter than stock, and I thought I would never use my hand again. Go thick in either case. The thick solid never break, but I like cable on my notched spears. If you have a problem, I dont have any fraying, but if you do, take a thin rat tailed file and clean the edges of the notch, just make it so its not a sharp corner.

I forgot, to measure cut the string and lay it out straight. Either lay new rubber next or measure. If you want it stronger, cut an inch or 2 shorter. If its not stronger, then cut string on one side and cut off another inch. You definetly will get to a length that will work good for you.

Thanks for the tips Steve.