String silencer - along

[elk ninja]

The topic of string silencers come up quite a bit.  What constitutes a good silencer?  Obviously it dampens the sound.  Cheap is good.  field repairability is good, but durability is better.  weather and bur resistance is nice.  Nobody likes a facefull of rainwater when they shoot.  So here is my simple and effective silencer recipe.  I modeled it after some silencers a buddy had on his training wheels bow.  Don't know if it is actually the same thing, but close.  They was called tarantulas.

Cut up a scrap of fleece into a "square spider" shape.  The number of legs is up to you.  Mine was camo, but anything would work I am sure.  Cost, $2.00 for enough to do 20-30.  Baseball shown for size.
 

Wrap it around the string tightly, and tie it on in your preferred way.  
 

Close up.
 

Next step.... shoot away.  Mine have lasted several thousand shots.  No burrs, no snow, very minimal rain... lightweight for the repair kit to stuff an extra in there.  No affect on speed, but more importantly, (hopefully) the animal won't hear you shooting at it, and speed won't matter.  Good luck.

[Dave2old]

Jarhead -- I am left to wonder why fleece, in a prolonged rain, wouldn't soak up enough water to be annoying when you shoot. But I'll follow your lead and give it a try, as I am still searching for the "perfect" silencer. The heavier rubber jobs don't work so well on FF string. The thin rubber sileners, catwhiskers or whatever, quickly self-destruct, and my favorite -- mink fur -- is worse than useless when it gets wet. Now, to find a scrap of fleece. Thanks, 'nuther Jarhead

[Sawtooth]

Dave2old,

I have a Mountain Muffler string on one of my bows, and it has puffs made out of wool.  Ever tried that?

[sticshooter]

Well if them don't look cool. I'll have to give that a try. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.<><

[Terry Green]

Dave,

Silencers aren't the only thing that will slow your arrow down when its raining, don't you forget that water will gather up on your arrow, bow limbs, Bhead, feathers, and bow string when its raining.

Your whole set up is going to gain water weight....not just the silencer.  If you have a 100% water proof silencer, you've only solve a fraction of the problem....and the rest wont be solved......and so you'll still have a slower arrow.

Best to cut your distance about 5 yards and pick a spot a little higher on the vitals....that way you'll have all the other wet variables covered.

[bentpole]

Thanks for sharing elk ninja. Hey did you ever do anything with that saw blade I sent you?

[elk ninja]

Nope, still sitting there, waiting for me to get off my duff.
Mike