FF or non FF option on SilverTip?

[Sawpilot 75]

I have a Tip on order and was curious to see what most of you are shooting on your SilverTips in regards to strings. Should I go with the FF option? I guess my question is there really a advantage? It has been my experience that FF strings make a bow have more noise but the ones I have shot have been thin low strand count strings. Any thoughts and or opinions would be helpful as I am down to this FF option or not and weather to go with a checker grip over stippling.

[pdk25]

There is no downside to having FF capability.  You don't have to use a FF string if you don't want to, but it will sure make it easier to sell the bow if you ever want to.  I think if you do some experimenting, you probably could shoot a FF string that was as quiet or more quiet than what you are shooting now.  Good luck.  I am sure that you will love whatever bow you decide on.

[Ragin Bull]

I have never tried a stippled grip so I can't comment but I absolutely love the checkered grip on my Silvertip longbow and would never consider ordering one without it.
I know that's just my opinion but I hope it helps.
Be sure to share pictures of your tip when it arrives.

[nineworlds9]

What pdk' said.

Dave's checkering is outstanding and very comfortable on bare skin even at higher poundages.  If you go with stippling I recommend the small over the large size and if Dave's not doing it then I hope it isn't anyone other than Jim Neaves at Centaur LOL, and if it is someone else, no caffeine for them! LOL

Having a FF string that's quiet is a matter of it being made by a maker that does it right, that it has enough twists in it, made from a decent material (There are better things than D97), and time taken to tune and use quality silencing materials.  

Like the others said, you can order it FF and shoot B50 if you want to, but sheesh...

[TimDougan]

I have FF on my silvertip and its real quiet. Dave says you gain about 8 fps. My bow really cranks a arrow and hits hard. I think its worth it for the added performance in my book. Do you have to have it heck no! But it don't hurt to have a little extra mustard on the hotdog. TD.

[LBR]

I won't buy any new bow if it's not compatible with high performance materials.

For me, it's not about gaining a few fps.  I like the increased durability and stability, along with the lack of stretch and creep which means consistency.

A quiet string, from any material, is one that is made properly then tuned properly.

[Dirtybird]

Many good choices in high quality strings from right here on TG.  Aaron you know I like the checkered grip.  Personal preference but I do like the way it feels in my hand to not being checkered.

[JD Page 1965]

Get the FF you wont regret it.

[JamesKerr]

Originally posted by LBR:
I won't buy any new bow if it's not compatible with high performance materials.

For me, it's not about gaining a few fps.  I like the increased durability and stability, along with the lack of stretch and creep which means consistency.

A quiet string, from any material, is one that is made properly then tuned properly.

X 2

[cacciatore]

Like other I don't consider any bow that can't handle a FF string. My Silvertips are already quiet with the factory string but with a well made skinny you can't tell the difference from Dacron,noise wise. I had bows with Dacron that were noisy.
About the checkering, once again when you try one you don't want to come back,one of the main features you can desire in a handle

[Al Dean]

Not having FF is like throwing way 5# of performance.

[Sawpilot 75]

I appreciate all the input guys. I have decided to go with the FF option and a checkered grip.. She should be a pretty one as all the ST's are. Walnut riser, medium grip with Russian olive limb veneers and elk antler tips. 60" 56#@28. Should be geeting it in late summer.

[Jayrod]

Sounds good Aaron ...congrats on the new bow coming I can't wait to see it hopefully at ETAR!

[Diamond Paul]

I would never choose dacron if I had a choice.  Too much vibration and noisier to my ears.  I don't care about the performance difference as much as the vibration difference.  Dacron seems like it takes five minutes to quit humming.

[The Whittler]

I have never shot a Silvertip but maybe this will help. The few bows I have shot with dracon string had a lot of hand shock but when I used FF string it was like shooting a different bow.

No hand shock and the bow just preformed so much better. I would never shoot a bow without FF.

[threeunder]

I've been fortunate enough the past year to add 3 Silvertips to my bow racks.  I can't imagine, though, owning one that is non-FF.

I find FF to add some speed and decrease noise significantly on most bows.  I also have very little patience for brace height creep.  But it is just a personal preference.

There are some deals that can be had on non-FF 'Tips.  Not sure that FF compatible 'Tips command a premium, but I do believe a non-FF 'Tip takes a hit in resale value unless the riser wood is spectacular.

[overbo]

Owned both and I preferred B50. Never had any issues w/ getting either one quiet or one having more hand shock but I do shoot 9+grs per #. I just like the all around feel of the Dacron.

[Keith Zimmerman]

I shoot FF on everything except my Selfbow.  Even bows that arent FF.  Just use padded loops.  I use strings by SBD, Steadman, and Hunters Choice.

[Tim]

I always had a problem with Dave's dacron bows hitting my arm.  Once I went to a FF string the arm slap stopped.  I think you made a great choice going with both the ff and checkered grip.  It adds a few more bucks to the tab but well worth it in the end.

[Jack Whitmire Jr]

I'm not sure you can get exotic wood with the FF option in  a ST can you ?

I dislike FF , but go with it you can always shoot dacron .

If you don't get the checkered grip you will regret it IMO .