The
biggest source of vibration in the bow is the string and is arguably,
the most effective area to focus your effort when it comes to reducing
the sound of the shot. When you release the string of your bow, the
stored energy from the limbs and cams is transferred into the strings,
which, in turn, causes the arrow to propel in a forward direction. Any
remaining energy not successfully transferred to the arrow is now
reverberated back into the string in the form of vibration and
oscillation—or sound.Installing
rubber string dampeners or traditional cat whiskers can make huge
differences in the sound of the bow. These will not only reduce the
volume of the shot, but will also reduce the length of time that the
sound lasts. Be aware that adding any additional weight to your string
will slow the speed of your arrow though this is generally fairly
negligible at only 1 to 2 fps (feet per second). Placing string
dampeners in the cables, while not as effective, can also cut string
noises with no speed penalty.
Velcro in string grooves. yes
you put it right into the string grooves and it does make a difference
in noise - I have used it on several different recurves over the years
and I like it much better than that bowhush yarn stuff on the strings -
for some reason that seemed to effect accuracy.
2x yarn wrapped strings (one yarn ball = 100s of strings and works)
I use either that or moleskin. I lap mine about 1/4" past where the V starts to branch out.
I
like wool yarn wrapped around the string instead of moleskin on the
limbs. Both work. You can use Bow Hush or just buy a skein at a fabric
store. The same wool yarn works great for string silencers too.
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It
is undeniable that a heavy arrow will simply absorb more energy (and
potential noise) on the shot and quiet the bow down. Hunters do not need
to go to an absurdly heavy arrow to accomplish this. In fact, I’ve
found that with my setups, using an arrow above the six grain per pound
range (420 grains at 70 pounds) generally produces a very quiet setup
while still allowing me to maintain speed and performance.
32 lb bow 192 grains
Mole
skin and other silencing materials should be applied anywhere your
arrow may make contact. For this, I like to nock an arrow and move it
around it’s entire range of motion while noting contact areas with the
riser, arrow shelf and sight. These contact areas can then be silenced
by applying silencing material as needed. Be mindful of arrows that may
come into contact with the bow and accessories as you move the arrow
from the quiver to the string as well. Pay special attention to your
rest, specifically if your rest’s launcher arm is made of metal. Carbon
arrows that drag across metal launchers are one of the loudest sounds
out there.
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