silencers between string bundles?

Kris · July 01, 2015, 11:55:00 AM

I am not new to this game (40+ years) but am not too proud to always reconsider the way I do things.

I always place my string silencers AROUND my Flemish strings (wrapped & tied) rather than WITHIN or between the bundles.

Two questions:

1. Which method has a greater silencing capability?

2. Does placing material i.e. wool, cat whiskers between the string bundles have an affect on performance. My reasoning would tend to think so, introducing forgiveness within the string.

I would love to hear from someone who has chrono-ed strings both ways, all other things being equal (to the best of ones ability).

Most important to me is the silencing potential.

Kris

July 01, 2015, 11:57:00 AM

I have always put my wool silencers between the bundles. Don't know if it makes any difference in performance, but I be t the difference would be very miniscule.

Bisch

Pete McMiller · July 01, 2015, 12:22:00 PM

Kris,

I always put my strips of beaver pelt between the bundles and wrap them around one bundle several times. My bows do have different personality with them than without. Of course they are quieter with silencers, as far as speed - have no idea.

JRY309 · July 01, 2015, 03:52:00 PM

I have always put my wool puffs or that type between the bundles on a flemish.I would tie cat whiskers around the string whether flemish or endless.Those I could slide them up or down the string to find the best spot.I have nevered chrono'd them but I think you would find there is minimal difference if at all.

Kris · July 01, 2015, 04:45:00 PM

Agree with all above, however...

In placing material between bundles it would seem counter to the concept of a low creep/low stretch string I think?

I will see if placing wool between bundles, plus tying helps silence any better than just tying around string. It may attenuate vibration better?

I'm not totally satisfied in the silencing of my 3 pc. ACS. I theorize the aluminum handle may be "louder" than a wood handled model. I have tried a wood riser and it does seem quieter. Others?

Kris

Kris · July 01, 2015, 04:47:00 PM

JRY309

I also slide/adjust my puffs around to find the "sweet spot" as both a tuning aid and a silencing tool.

Kris

LBR · July 01, 2015, 05:25:00 PM

As noted, placing silencers around the string allows for moving them to tune, so they will work better. I don't think it will affect performance one way or the other.

Bladepeek · July 01, 2015, 05:59:00 PM

I place my wool silencers between the bundles and can still move them by twisting them with the string as I slide them, but they definitely stay in place better than if I tie them around the string.

TOEJAMMER · July 01, 2015, 07:22:00 PM

Between for m also.

Bud B. · July 01, 2015, 07:47:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Bladepeek:
I place my wool silencers between the bundles and can still move them by twisting them with the string as I slide them, but they definitely stay in place better than if I tie them around the string.

^^this^^

Sirius Black · July 01, 2015, 08:13:00 PM

Between.

Orion · July 01, 2015, 08:54:00 PM

I've been tying my wool silencers between the bundles forever. Even did that with cat whiskers when I used those a few years.

Tying a silencer to the string often makes for more weight on one side of the string than the other unless one is very careful to separate and evenly distribute the silencer material fibers around the string. Whether that would help or hinder I have no idea.

I think size of silencer, type of material, and most importantly, position, have a greater effect on silencing properties than how the silencer is incorporated into the string.

Likewise, silencer weight and placement, can have a minor effect on performance, but usually not enough to worry about, IMO. And, I seriously doubt the method for affixing the silencer to the string has any effect on performance, not enough so one would notice anyway.

Grey Taylor · July 01, 2015, 10:45:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Kris:
In placing material between bundles it would seem counter to the concept of a low creep/low stretch string I think?

For the life of me I can't think of how this will make any difference in the string. I just can't see this changing any aspect of the string.

Guy

BAK · July 02, 2015, 08:30:00 AM

Always between.

ChuckC · July 02, 2015, 08:50:00 AM

I also can't follow any concern for string stretch or creep. It either stretches or it doesn't and some yarn tucked in between won't affect that. I tuck the silencers ( wool puffs of some brand) and have noted no difficulties at all.

Do whatever works well for you but keep your mind open for other possibilities I guess.
ChuckC

Kris · July 02, 2015, 09:45:00 AM

Creep or stretch wasn't the term I should have used.

Limb Saver String Leaches have a thickness to them of a few millimeters I imagine, when the string hits home and the arrow is released from the nock, don't you think that rubber is compressed. I actually think that is how they silence to some degree? The same phenomenon occurs possibly when leather strips from beaver/otter balls are tucked between the string, or any other material, that creates less string tension, slight as it may be. The string, in affect, is not as taught as it would be with nothing between the bundles.

Anyone who makes strings, me included, tries not to have too many twists in their strings to decrease the springiness or forgiveness in that string, once shot in. This is my only point. Whether this affects performance by any measurable degree...I doubt it as well.

I am beginning to think though, that material between the bundles may have a greater silencing affect, in part, for the reasons described above.

Kris