String tracker & speed

[TooManyHobbies]

I'm wondering if anyone has chrono'd their set up with and without a string tracker attached? Besides the extra noise of the string, there has to be some drag too. How many fps are we losing by using a tracker and is it hurting shot placement? I've only killed one deer with a tracker attached to my recurve, and just put one on my LB.
Just a conversation starter, I won't be taking either one of them off.

[BAK]

I put one on a bow when I went bear hunting the first time.

Took it off and will never use one again.  It does affect accuracy and they are noisy.  Can't imagine really needing one.

[Jerry Russell]

I have shot them for over 25 years and taken 150+ animals without a single failure.  When properly set up they have a very minimal impact on accuracy.  In fact, I make no allowance for them when shooting.  Again, proper set up is critical.  Most every malfunction  with a strong tracker can be traced back to shooting it right out of the package without pulling 300' of line from the spool before using.  

Again, the single most common mistake made is shooting it right out of the package.  This causes significant arrow drop and confidence issues that will not occur if you do it right.  

We have recovered countless deer, bear, turkey and hogs that traveled great distances without bleeding due to the trackers.  They are a valuable tool when used properly.  

Here is a video that can help with setting one up.  

   

[Kopper1013]

BAK, just wondering did you follow the preparation they recommend before hunting with it? I tested my broadheads both with and without tracker out to 20yards (my effective shooting range) and saw no difference....I have yet to kill an animal with one since this is my first year having one so I'll be interested how animals react as they do add noise.

I haven't run it through a crono yet but since I saw no difference (or precived no difference) I imagine it's very little.

[stagetek]

I've put 5 shots at 20 yrds. thru mine. The arrows are still hitting low, and the wooshing noise is way too loud. I won't be using it. I used one back in the eighties, and don't remember it taking so many shots to get it running smoother and quieter.

[Tim Finley]

We first used them back in the early 70s for bear hunting and I still use them for hogs. The early ones we made from an electricians string they used for shooting through pipe and a pill bottle, it is the same string now.  After a certain distance the arrows really drop from the drag, but they certainly could mean the difference between a recovery or not  !

[TooManyHobbies]

Originally posted by Tim Finley:
 but they certainly could mean the difference between a recovery or not  !

I guess that's my point. Yes, they aide in recovery, of course. BUT, can they also be the reason that it's needed? For me, too many lost animals over the years almost requires it        , it may put arrows where he wouldn't otherwise hit.
Thanks for the replies.

[kskickapoo]

For those of us who are red/green color blind, they are a blessing if you have no one to blood trail for you...

[Littlejake]

I must be doing something wrong, I've shot mine a bunch and have never really noticed any noise from the string and my arrows seem to hit where I'm looking.    

If you are hunting Whitetails they can easily hear the "noise" when shooting with a tracker string...the deer can hear it even if you can't. If you're shooting inside of 15 yards it will not necessarily be an issue.  Beyond that is is.  Beyond 20 yds your arrow will start to drop (trajectory) and you will notice the deer will easily duck and ditch your effort.