What material is your favorite string silencer?

olddogrib · March 16, 2014, 09:48:00 AM

When I shot long bows...homemade wool yarn, for recurves...whiskers and yarn wrapped loops. This has been debated here and other sites so much that I think we could entertain the possibility that "one size may not fit all". While many materials can be entirely adequate across the board, when you start considering harmonics of recurves vs. long bows, refex vs. deflex, string materials, # of strands, split vs. 3U, brace height, tuning and individual form idiosyncracies (and more factors I don't have time to list)I'd be stunned if some materials didn't outshine others for a given combination. Unfortunately, it may only be that one. Obviously, none of us are going to live long enough to do objective, controlled scientific testing covering all the exponential combinations of above listed variables, even if only half of them are relevant. So, feel free to tinker with yours and, like the snowflake, take comfort in the fact that there's not another exactly like it, lol!

Rustic · March 16, 2014, 10:38:00 AM

I used cat whiskers for several years now I'm using Beaver Fur.

Rudy Cariello · March 16, 2014, 10:46:00 AM

Otter fur strips

Reaper TN · March 16, 2014, 11:16:00 PM

I make my own puffs with Wool-Ease, a wool/acrylic blend yarn. I treat them with Water Shed to weather proof them. Water Shed is a dry fly treatment. They work and look excellent.

Stumpkiller · March 16, 2014, 11:24:00 PM

Wool yarn puffs.

hitmantoto · March 17, 2014, 03:37:00 AM

100% wool yarn

Izzy · March 17, 2014, 07:27:00 AM

Muskox was my favorite for utility as well as cool factor until I tried bowhush. Just as good for a fraction of the price.

TRAP · March 17, 2014, 07:52:00 AM

100% wool yarn puffs or muskrat, I like muskrat because the leather is thin and adds less weight.

March 17, 2014, 09:30:00 AM

Wool, wool, wool. I have liked the look of the Navajo Silencers until the price doubled recently-- woolly whiskers, Bowhush, Musk Ox--all work well. Best Buy is still Bowhush.

Owlgrowler · March 17, 2014, 12:33:00 PM

I second the alpaca "fur/fleece", but, it picks up every burr and even dried weed leaves etc. So, early season I use catwhiskers, then when it's colder and the leaves and weeds are down and the sound of the shot isn't getting absorbed by foliage I'll use the alpaca, I think it's quieter. And, I've been using a Kanati strap on quiver that I swear helps absorb vibration/sound.

britt · March 17, 2014, 01:43:00 PM

Homemade yarn balls. Cheap, easy and alot colors to choose from.

Echo62 · March 17, 2014, 01:45:00 PM

Cat whiskers.

nineworlds9 · March 17, 2014, 01:45:00 PM

Just plain old 100% wool. If getting fancy, the Navajo wool Jim Neaves sells. Don't mind a rubber whisker on occasion either.

LongStick64 · March 17, 2014, 01:51:00 PM

For a while I was ok with the homemade yarn, but I have a bow that is particularly loud, Beaver fur muffled it pretty darn good !

mcgroundstalker · March 17, 2014, 02:31:00 PM

I tried moth balls, but they didn't work too good.

duffer1565 · March 17, 2014, 02:42:00 PM

Homemade yarn balls. Any works ok but like Merino wool the best .

tracker12 · March 17, 2014, 03:27:00 PM

Wool for me. I like the way in works and looks.

Stump73 · March 17, 2014, 04:18:00 PM

wool yarn

Rock 'N Bow · March 17, 2014, 04:33:00 PM

Wool yarn for relatively quiet bows, Hush Puppies when more silencing is required.

stagetek · March 17, 2014, 05:04:00 PM

Cat Whiskers. Impervious to weather. Plenty of colors to choose from...and they work.