You know Sag......I don't know if Summit puts a time frame on cable replacement?? I know that they say to look for broken strands.....These cables are pretty tough, and though I always check them I could never see ANYTHING that would indicate a safety problem. I would tend to think (no offense to the API guys Frank) that it would be much easier to damage or wear out a chain with individual links than a braided steel cable rated for 8,000lbs? No little pins or links to bind or break. To me a chain will take stress at different amounts and in different spots due to binding and the way it is made........a braided steel cable accepts a load the same no matter what angle you put on it, or if it rolls a bit.
This was one of the main reasons that I went with Summit over API the year that they came out with the cable style climbers.

I need to go look and see if I can find any factory recommendations.
Maybe Will "Summitman" from Summit will see this and fill us in.
I haven't needed to actually replace one myself yet as I'm on my 3rd different cable STAND in as many years. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Actually I do have 2 new replacement cables handy if I feel the need to change.....I know I'm putting a bit more stress on a stand than the average guy.