String not settling back into string groove (Recurve)

Kentucky Jeff · July 26, 2011, 08:10:00 PM

I just picked up a new to me recurve and it came with a pair of calf hair silencers on the tips of the limbs. Occasionally while shooting the bow I notice the string will not settle back into the string grooves and lays off to one side.

I'm not a fan of these calf hair things anyways. they seem to move around and aren't well fastened.
I have a pair on my Hoyt Buffalo and they have not presented me with the problems I'm seeing on this bow...

Any suggestions?

McDave · July 26, 2011, 08:52:00 PM

String out of the grooves is a bad sign that there could be a twisted limb, or it could cause the limb to start twisting.

Check your bow by holding one end in your hand and letting the other end lay on the floor in front of you. Sight down the string and see if there is any bend where the string meets the recurve. If there is, then there is limb twist and you need to do something about it before it gets worse.

Some bowyers put calf hair or velcro on the limb tips, but most do not. Some specifically recommend against it, for the reason you specify.

It's certainly not going to hurt the bow to take the calf hair silencers off the limb tips, although you might pick up a little noise.

Kentucky Jeff · July 26, 2011, 09:46:00 PM

Interesting I took them off and went outside and tried the bow. Just a little more vibration but not more noise. Thing is my groups tightened up dramatically! So maybe that stuff was affecting the string more than I thought. Wonder what affect brush buttons will have on it?

McDave · July 26, 2011, 09:53:00 PM

I've also been recommended brush buttons as a way to reduce string slap noise and vibration, but I've never tried them. If you try them, let us know how it works out.

JimB · July 27, 2011, 09:32:00 AM

Any time I've ever tried brush buttons on any recurve,they came off immediately after shooting.For me,they have always increased noise.If you want something out there to tone down noise,get some Bowhush.It is New Zealand wool yarn,wrapped around the string from the loop out about 5".You won't find wool yarn with that kind of "body",elsewhere.Easy to install,stays in the grooves and looks cool.

JimB · July 27, 2011, 09:39:00 AM

Bowhush

Trumpkin the Dwarf · July 27, 2011, 09:56:00 AM

My initial thought was a twisted limb. But it sounds like you don't have that problem. Maybe you should build a real heavy arrow up to get rid of that vibration.

JimB, judging by the pictures you post, it would seem you are blessed with a lot of beautiful bows.

PaddyMac · July 27, 2011, 10:45:00 AM

Jim, that does look cool.

bsv · July 27, 2011, 11:07:00 AM

Where cad we get some bowhush?

MJB · July 27, 2011, 11:50:00 AM

Terry Green's two beautiful daughters. They are a sponsor here.

Mike

JimB · July 27, 2011, 12:11:00 PM

I forgot to say the stuff comes in a few different,natural colors and the Hush Puppy string silencers in matching colors are as good as I've used.Go to the sponsor's list and check out the web site.

Kentucky Jeff · July 27, 2011, 09:32:00 PM

I ordered a set of hush puppies and string silencers. Is there anyone who has used them and does NOT like the wrapped on string silencers?

JamesKerr · July 28, 2011, 12:44:00 AM

The string slipping out of the string groove most often indicates a twisted limb.

Earl E. Nov...mber · July 28, 2011, 07:42:00 AM

What is "String slap?"

Kentucky Jeff · July 28, 2011, 11:03:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by JamesKerr:
The string slipping out of the string groove most often indicates a twisted limb.

OK, After I removed the calf hair I no longer have this problem. The string stays in the groove. I triple checked and the linbs aren't twisted. Not even a little. The problem was the calf hair. It moved around some and never seemed in the same place.

I'm shooting 560 grain arrows out of a 59 pound bow. So I have enough weight in the arrows.