String Silencers (Do you tie on with serving or split sting)

[Hummer3T]

Just wondering what is the best process for putting on string silencers, both cat whiskers and/or wool puffs.  I have done some both ways and what to know if they is an advantage either way or if in some way it affects the string etc.   

I know splitting strings for muskrat balls and beaver ball is very common.

What is your preference and why????   

[McDave]

My preference is to put the silencers in between two bundles (split the string).  Usually this is enough to hold them in place, but occasionally the string doesn’t have enough twists in it to hold the silencer in place by itself, and I have to also tie it on with serving.  With the wooly balls I prefer, you kind of have to decide this up front, because once the wool starts to spread out, it becomes difficult to separate into two halves.

[SteveB]

My raw wool mufflers and the Bow Hush Hush Puppies I put between the bundles and tie in with the tag ends holding them together. They are secure but can still be slid if needed.

Cat whiskers get wrapped around the string and tied on.

[Keefer]

I make my own puffs and use a thin pc. of 450 plus and wrap the center of puffs and slip in between my two Flemish string lays then I serve the tag ends on both sides and have absolutely no problems at all.

[Hummer3T]

Thanks, good info.  If I separate and have three distinct strand bundles, are you separating even further  or doing a split of material between the stands evenly or is it ok to just put between one and two.

Likely over thinking but ?

[Keefer]

I would keep it even or in other words if you have a 12 strand string made with three bundles just go between 6 strands 16 strand just slide between 8 ...Tie off or serve the tag ends if long enough but most just tie. I just prefer serving mine . 

[Bisch]

I use wool yarn puffs, and I split the string (I only use 2 bundle strings). I also use the tag ends of the thread that is tied around the puff in the center to tie the puff to the string after I insert it between the string bundles.

So, I guess my answer is: BOTH!!!

Bisch

[Ronnie Newell]

I do what Bisch said

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[J. Holden]

I use the string scallops from Two Tracks.  Based on his design the string has to be split.  I do my best to split the string evenly then insert the scallop.  No tie needed.  But when I have used the wool puffs or yarn bundles I've tried both ways.  I preferred splitting the string.  It seems they stay put better, to me anyway's.

-Jeremy

[acolobowhunter]

I also split the string strands using my wool puffs.  I have used these wool puffs for many years.  The last ones I purchased only lasted about a week and were gone.  I tried another pair and the same thing happened.  Got to checking and the sewing stitches were to wide apart and didn't hold the yard tight.  So, I started making my own.  Shortened the stitching very short and hand cranked the sewing machine.  Used two layers of the yard and double stitched them.  The worked great.  Seems we just can't get good workmanship in items we purchase now.

[bigbadjon]

For puffs I would split the string. I mostly use cat whiskers though and I tie those on. Sometimes I can't pull the knot tight enoung to keep them in place and in that case I tie a nocking point on the string and butt the silencer up to it.

[stagetek]

I attach my Cat whiskers with small tie wraps.

[Roger Norris]

I usually split the string. Once in awhile I will tie them with serving or dental floss.

I see someone posted about using tie wraps. I received a bow once that had the silencers attached with tie wraps....I noticed wear on the string at the point where the hard plastic tie wrap touched the string.

[joel0711]

Cat Whiskers--- tied with dental floss

[M60gunner]

I use cat whiskers. I follow a “do along” and tie them on string using bowstring material. The “do along” is kind of lengthy but when done I get perfect cat whisker balls.
 I used Beaver Balls years ago. I would split the string according to the directions.

[azhunter]

This has been my experience from trying all types of silencers, both tying on and splitting the string. I have come to like the wool scallops from Two Tracks the best. Wool scallops weight next to nothing. You can put them between the sting by splitting the string in half, I use 2 bundle strings. You can move them to different spots on your string within seconds and the twist of the string keeps them on well. The string twists nicely around the thin scallops. They really quiet the bow. What sold me on them was when I decided to test them verses several brands of wool silencers where you split the string and cut the ends to make puffs, I also bought my own yarn wool and made my own puffs. What I found was they effected my tune. I think the reason is that you have a few inches where the strings are separated where the wool puffs are on the string. I think maybe after shooting them for a good while and they wear and end up being a good puff ball and the strings settles maybe there isn't a big difference, but I don't want to have to do that to break them in. As soon as I took them off and put the wool scallops on immediately I got perfect arrow flight again. I have tried this several times and did this again the other day as I really like the looks of the wool puffs. I know I am going to have a lot of guys that disagree with what I am saying because the wool puffs are so popular but this has been my experience. On my recurves I use 2 string scallops at top and 2 at bottom. Now I'll sit back and let guys tell me I don't know what I'm talking about but try them and see.

[Keefer]

Mark (azhunter),
  Where you installed the "Puff" style silencers they can leave an opening in the string a inch or so But have you ever tried taking the tie ends assuming you tied with some sort of string around the puffs and serving above and below each puff to close the string gap?
  Reason I ask is I used to have a problem as well with a small opening "until" I started serving above and below. I also didn't use as much yarn and that really helped in keeping the string seperations closed.
  I only do about 5 wraps as far as serving go's...

[Don Stokes]

It's important to keep the weight of string silencers as light as possible, and as close to the tips as they will be effective, or they rob energy from the arrow. I cut a 4-6" piece of old bowstring and insert it between the strands. It will separate into its strands and puff up as you shoot, and the residual wax will keep the silencer from absorbing moisture. I have trouble with wool or yarn picking up beggar's lice, and getting hit in the eye with one that popped off the silencer was enough for me!

[Joe2Crow]

I really like Big Jims string silencers. Effective, very easy to install - split the string, compact and look good, many color options, relatively cheap. I also like cat whiskers but tying them on with dental floss is a pita compared to splitting the string.

[BowHunterGA]

Split string except on low poundage bows.......under 30 pounds I will usually tie them in.