String breakage is rare as long as you maintain them properly. They do make portable presses but I don't think they would work with a crossbow, maybe if you took the stock off they might but I'm not sure if that's the safest way to press one? Also if you are looking for a compact xbow, look at the TenPoint Turbo. It's only 13.5" axle to axle when ****ed!!! Also don't forget TenPoint also makes recurve models.