Say goodbye to loud and disruptive bowstring noise with our selection of top-rated string silencers. Whether you’re a hunter or a recreational shooter, a noisy bowstring can be a nuisance and take away from the overall experience. But with our list of the best string silencers, you can easily and affordably reduce the noise and vibration from your bowstring release. From simple rubber silencers to more advanced options, we’ll guide you through the different styles and recommend some of the best options on the market. Don’t let a poorly tuned instrument ruin your shooting experience, try a string silencer today.
How to Silence your Bowstring
What makes a bow string noisy?
The unwanted noise from your bowstring can be caused by a variety of factors. The fundamental principle at play is that when a taut string, like a bowstring, is vibrated, it produces sound waves, which can be heard as noise. However, when it comes to your bow, you don’t want the string to continue vibrating after you’ve taken a shot.
One reason for this unwanted noise is if the arrow being fired is not heavy enough for the bow. When the force from the string is too much for the arrow to handle, some of that energy is transferred back into the bow, causing the string to vibrate and the limbs to flex, resulting in a twang. To minimize this noise, it’s important to use an arrow that is heavy enough for your bow’s draw weight.
Another reason for unwanted noise can be inefficiencies in the bow design. Just as it can be difficult to find the perfect arrow weight, it’s also impossible to have a perfectly efficient bow. Inefficiencies in the bow design can cause some of the stored energy to be absorbed by the limbs, causing them to flex and spring, which in turn puts energy back into the bowstring and causes it to vibrate and produce noise.
Best bow string silencers
Why do I need a quiet bow string?
The sound of a bowstring releasing an arrow can travel faster than the arrow itself, alerting potential targets of your presence. For hunters, a quiet bow is essential to avoid spooking animals like deer, as they may “jump the string” and evade your shot. In addition to being a disadvantage for hunting, string vibrations also put unnecessary wear and tear on the components of a bow, causing them to fail sooner than expected. This is why it is advised to not dry fire a bow, as the limbs can’t handle absorbing the full energy of a shot without first releasing some onto an arrow. To extend the lifespan of your bow and improve your chances for successful hunts, it’s important to address and reduce string vibrations.
What does a string silencer do?
String silencers are a device that help to absorb the excess energy in the string, reducing the unwanted noise that it produces. The video below showcases the effectiveness of one of the most popular types of string silencer, the Beaver Balls. The video demonstrates the difference in sound produced by a Bear Grizzly 45# with a brand new string, both with and without the Beaver Balls installed. As you can see, the difference is quite noticeable
Alternatives and Additions to String Silencers
Install Limb Dampeners
String silencers are not the only solution for reducing unwanted noise from a bow. Excess energy from a shot is also transferred into the limbs of both recurve and compound bows, which can cause vibrations and noise. To further reduce this noise, many people also install limb dampeners in addition to string silencers. If you’re looking for more information on limb dampeners, we have a separate article that covers the top picks, as well as tips and reviews on the best options available. Check it out after you finish reading this article
String stops, also known as suppressors, are typically found on compound bows. They are mounted at the same level as the stabilizer and are designed to “catch” the string as it reaches the end of the release. If you’re interested in learning more about the different components of a compound bow, including what a string stop looks like and where it is located, we have a separate article that goes into greater detail on the anatomy of a compound bow.
Recurve, Compound and Crossbow String Silencers
String silencers can be used to reduce noise on any type of bow, but typically they require the ability to remove the string from the bow in order to install them. Keep this in mind before deciding to use one
How to install Best bow string silencers
The installation of bow string silencers can vary depending on the type of silencer and the bow it is being installed on. Generally, the process involves removing the string from the bow and attaching the silencer to the string. Here are the general steps for installing a bow string silencer:
First, remove the string from the bow. This can be done by either unstringing the bow or by carefully cutting the string.
Next, attach the silencer to the string. This can be done by threading the string through the silencer or by tying the silencer onto the string.
Once the silencer is securely attached to the string, re-string the bow. Make sure that the silencer is positioned correctly on the string and that it is not in the way of the arrow or the bow’s components.
Finally, test the bow to ensure that it is working properly and that the silencer is effectively reducing string noise.
It’s important to read the instructions that come with the silencer you purchase, as the instructions may vary depending on the specific product.
The optimal placement for a string silencer on a compound bow is typically 2-3 inches from the tip, where the cam meets the string. On a recurve bow, due to the longer string, the best location is usually around 10 inches from the limb tip. However, since all bows have different brace heights and AMO lengths, it’s important to experiment to find the most effective spot. Avoid installing silencers in the middle of the string as this can add drag, slowing down the string speed and overall bow and shot speed. Additionally, some compound archers also install string silencers on the buss cables, as they can also contribute to noise on certain bows
Installing a bow string silencer is a straightforward process, but it can vary depending on the type of bow you have. To begin, you need to unstring your bow and take one end of the silencer and place it between the string strands. Some bows may require a bow press to dismantle or reassemble them, so make sure you have the proper tools for your specific bow. Once the silencer is in place, wrap any excess string or material around the string to prevent it from obstructing your motions when aiming. Keep in mind that some string silencers come with specific instructions for installation, so make sure to read them before you begin. Additionally, not all string silencers are compatible with every type of bow, so make sure you choose a suitable one for your compound bow.
What To Look For When Purchasing A Bow Silencer For Your Compound Bow?
When choosing a best string silencers for compound bow, it’s important to prioritize performance over appearance or price. Opt for a lightweight and unobtrusive silencer that effectively dampens oscillation. Consider the compatibility of the silencer with your bow type and string size. It’s also important to check the durability and ease of installation of the silencer. Research the product and read reviews to ensure that it is the best option for your specific compound bow.
Final thought
As a hunter, it is important to have a quiet bow in order to successfully make a kill. With so many options available for both compound and recurve bows, there is no excuse for a loud bow. Researching different types of string silencers, such as LimbSaver Broadband Limb Dampeners, Sims LimbSaver S-Coil Stabilizer, TruGlo Deadenair String Dampeners, Bowjax Ultra Jax String Dampeners, and String Leeches, can help you find the perfect fit for your bow and shooting style. Remember, every bow and archer is unique, and it may take some time and practice to find the best setup for you, including the use of a drop away arrow rest, regular arrow rest, bow mounted quiver, and type of bow sight. To become an excellent bowhunter, it is essential to minimize noise as much as possible.