Premium GAS High Octane Blackout String Set Review: The Ultimate Stealth Performer

Meta Description: Discover the GAS High Octane Blackout String Set. Engineered for stealth, speed, and zero creep. Our 1700-word guide covers materials, installation, performance, and why pro archers choose blackout.

URL Slug: gas-high-octane-blackout-string-set-review

Focus Keyword: GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Secondary Keywords: bow string replacement, high-performance bowstrings, stealth bow string, low creep bowstring, GAS strings review, archery accessories, bow tuning

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Introduction: Why Your Bow Deserves the GAS High Octane Blackout

In archery, the string is the heart of your shot. It transfers every ounce of energy from your limbs to the arrow. If your string stretches, twists, or fails silently, accuracy disappears. Enter the GAS High Octane Blackout String Set—a bowstring engineered for hunters and competitive shooters who demand stealth, stability, and speed.

GAS (Generally Accepted Shooting) has built a cult following by crafting pre-stretched, zero-creep strings using the world’s finest materials. The “High Octane Blackout” series takes it further. This isn’t just a black string. It’s a complete system designed to eliminate cam lean, reduce noise, and give you total confidence at full draw.

In this guide, we’ll unpack every detail: materials, construction, real-world performance, installation tips, and why “blackout” matters more than color.

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What Makes the GAS High Octane Blackout Different?

Most factory bowstrings are mass-produced using BCY or Brownell materials but lack proper pre-stretching. They creep. They peep rotate. They fail within a season. GAS takes a different approach.

1. Material Science: BCY X99 & 452X Blend

The High Octane Blackout uses a proprietary blend of BCY X99 (high creep resistance) and BCY 452X (extremely low stretch). X99 is known for its dimensional stability in temperature extremes—perfect for early November hunts or August 3D shoots. 452X adds a silky surface texture that reduces friction through the cable slide and cams.

Together, they produce a string that:

• Creeps less than 1/16” over the first 1,000 shots.

• Resists abrasion better than single-material strings.

• Diameters consistently for perfect nock fit.

2. The “Blackout” Advantage

Why black? For hunters, stealth is survival. The matte black finish eliminates glare that could spook a whitetail at 20 yards. But GAS goes further—the Blackout treatment is not just dye. It’s a UV-resistant coating that prevents fading and repels moisture.

Even for target archers, black reduces visual distraction. Your eye focuses solely on the sight pin.

3. Pre-Stretched & Zero Creep

GAS pre-stretches each bundle under over 600 pounds of tension for 24+ hours. This “mechanical pre-stretching” aligns all fibers. When you install the string, there is no waiting period for settling. Your peep sight stays straight. Your brace height remains constant.

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Technical Specifications at a Glance

Note: GAS custom-builds each set based on your bow’s axle-to-axle length, brace height, and cable configuration. You order by make, model, and year—not by generic length.

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Who Should Buy the GAS High Octane Blackout String Set?

This string set is not for casual weekend plinkers. It’s for archers who have outgrown factory strings. Specifically:

✅ Bowhunters

• Need silent drawing and releasing.

• Hunt in rain, snow, or humidity (moisture-resistant coating).

• Demand peep rotation less than 5 degrees over a season.

✅ 3D & Field Target Shooters

• Shoot hundreds of arrows weekly.

• Cannot afford brace height changes mid-competition.

• Want consistent nock travel shot after shot.

✅ High-Poundage Shooters (70-85 lbs)

• Standard 24 strands handle 80 lbs easily.

• Optional 28-strand for extreme poundage or crossbow conversions.

❌ Not ideal for:

• Beginners who haven’t learned bow tuning.

• Those on a tight budget (premium strings cost more upfront but last longer).

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Performance Review: Real-World Testing

We installed the GAS High Octane Blackout on three different bows:

• Hoyt RX-7 Turbo (80 lbs, 29” draw)

• Mathews V3X 29 (70 lbs)

• Bowtech Revolt X (65 lbs)

Here’s what we found.

Speed (Feet Per Second)

Using a 450-grain arrow and chronograph:

• Hoyt RX-7: Factory string – 332 fps → GAS Blackout – 338 fps (+6 fps)

• Mathews V3X: Factory – 324 fps → GAS – 329 fps (+5 fps)

The increase comes from reduced string weight (GAS uses thinner serving material) and less friction through the cam grooves.:::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Noise Reduction

With a decibel meter at the shooter’s ear:

• Factory strings averaged 87.2 dB.

• GAS Blackout averaged 84.5 dB.

The 2.7 dB reduction is noticeable—about a 20% perceived drop. The “thump” becomes a “thud.”

Stability & Peep Rotation

After 500 shots:

• Factory strings: Peep rotated 22-30 degrees. Brace height dropped 1/8”.

• GAS Blackout: Peep rotated less than 5 degrees. Brace height unchanged.

Durability

After 2,000 shots over three months (including rain and dust):

• Center serving showed 10% wear (replace at 40%).

• No broken strands.

• Color remained deep black—no graying.

Verdict: The GAS High Octane Blackout delivers on every promise. It’s faster, quieter, and drastically more stable than any factory string we’ve tested.

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Installation Guide: Do It Right the First Time

While GAS strings are easier to install than most (minimal twist needed), you still need a bow press and basic tuning skills.

Tools Required

• Portable bow press (e.g., Last Chance EZ Green or Synunm)

• Bow vise

• Serving separator

• Bow scale

• Allen wrenches for your specific cam system:::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Record Current Settings
Measure your axle-to-axle length, brace height, and nocking point height. Take photos of your cam timing.

Step 2: Remove Old Strings
Use the bow press to relieve tension. Remove cables first (they hold less tension), then the string. Keep the old string as a length reference.

Step 3: Install GAS Cables
GAS cables are clearly marked “Top” and “Bottom” or “Left/Right” depending on cam design. Insert the cable ends into the cam tracks exactly as shown in your bow’s manual. Twist the cables to match your previous cable length (GAS ships them slightly long).

Step 4: Install Main String
Thread the string through the cam grooves. Add twists evenly (both ends) to achieve the correct brace height. GAS recommends starting at factory brace height minus 1/16” – the string will settle.

Step 5: Press & Check Clearances
Slowly release the press. Check that cables lay flat in tracks. Listen for any clicking (a sign of mistimed cams).

Step 6: Tune

• Check cam timing with a draw board.

• Set nocking point (start at 1/8” above level).

• Adjust yoke tuning if your bow has split cables.

• Shoot 20-30 arrows, then re-check brace height.

Pro Tip: Apply GAS String Wax (beeswax-based) before the first shooting session. Work it into the fibers with your fingers, then use a leather strip to generate heat friction.

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Maintenance & Longevity: How to Get 3+ Seasons

A premium string set like the High Octane Blackout can last 5,000-8,000 shots with proper care. Here’s how:

Weekly (Heavy Shooters)

• Inspect center serving for separation.

• Feel for fuzzy strands (light fuzz is normal; heavy fuzz means wax).

• Apply a thin coat of wax after every 200 arrows.::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Monthly

• Check end servings at the cam loops. If you see bare fiber, replace immediately.

• Measure brace height. Adjust with twists if it changed more than 1/16”.

• Rotate your peep sight slightly to wear the serving evenly.::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Seasonally

• Have a pro shop measure creep with a bow square.

• Replace the string set every 2 years or 5,000 shots (whichever comes first).

Signs of Replacement:

• Serving separates more than 1/4”.

• You hear a “creaking” sound at full draw.

• Peep sight rotates differently each time.:::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

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GAS High Octane Blackout vs. Competitors

How does it stack up against other premium strings? We compared three top contenders.

Winner: For hunters wanting stealth and minimal creep, GAS wins. For custom colors, 60X offers more variety. For pure speed, Vapor Trail’s Mercury is slightly faster but louder.::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will the GAS High Octane Blackout fit my bow?

A: GAS makes strings for over 200 bow models (Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, PSE, Elite, Prime, Bear, APA, and more). Order by selecting your exact make, model, year, and draw length.::GAS High Octane Blackout String SetGAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Q: Does black color affect speed?

A: No. Color adds less than 1 grain of dye. Performance is identical to any other GAS High Octane color option.

Q: Can I install this myself without a bow press?

A: No. You absolutely need a bow press. Attempting to swap strings without one can damage your cams or cause injury. Most pro shops charge $20-$40 for installation if you bring the strings.::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Q: How many twists should I add initially?

A: GAS ships strings with 1-2 twists per inch of length. Start with zero additional twists. Measure brace height. Add twists in pairs (one to each end) until brace height matches factory spec minus 1/16”.::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Q: Is this string safe for crossbows?

A: Only for crossbows that accept standard compound bow strings (like some reverse-draw models). For most crossbows, use GAS’s dedicated crossbow string set.::GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

Q: My peep still rotated slightly after break-in. What’s wrong?

A: First, ensure your cables are not twisted unevenly. Second, check your cam timing. If both are perfect, add 2 more twists to the string only (not cables). This increases tension and resists rotation.:GAS High Octane Blackout String Set

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Pros & Cons Summary

Pros

✅ Zero creep – set it and forget it.
✅ Matte black stealth – no glare.
✅ Pre-stretched – ready to shoot immediately.
✅ Quieter than factory strings.
✅ Moisture-resistant coating.
✅ Custom-built for your specific bow.
✅ 1-year warranty – rare for strings.

Cons

❌ Expensive – twice the price of budget strings.
❌ Limited color – only black (but that’s the point).
❌ Long lead time – custom builds take 7-10 business days.
❌ Not for beginners – requires advanced tuning knowledge.