if you're an inch longer ata that's really weird. the serving seperating a bit is no big deal, although some guys will have a heart attack over it. hard to believe it stretched that much though. imho you should change strings every year, or more if you shoot all the time. its better than a blown up bow. i do know some guys that have been shooting the same one for 3 yrs. would i shoot their bow? no way. i had one pro-string and wasn't pleased, but lots of guys swear by them so go figure.