How To Silence A Recurve Bow?
Archery is a sport enjoyed by many around the world.
Recurve bows are popular among archers due to their simplicity, portability, and versatility.
However, one drawback of using a recurve bow is the amount of noise it produces when fired.
This noise can be disruptive to other archers, as well as spooking game while hunting.
Fortunately, there are several ways to silence a recurve bow to reduce its noise output.
What a recurve bow Is?
A recurve bow is a type of bow that is made up of a handle, limbs, and a string.
It is so called because of the curve at the end of each limb, which gives it its distinctive shape. Recurve bows are known for their power and accuracy, making them a popular choice among archers.
Understanding the Noise
To effectively silence a recurve bow, it is important to understand the noise it produces and what causes it.
Types of noise produced by a recurve bow
A recurve bow can produce several different types of noise when fired.
The most common noise is a “twang” or “snap” sound, which is produced by the bowstring vibrating against the limbs.
Additionally, the limbs of the bow can produce a “whirring” or “whooshing” sound as they flex and return to their original position.
How the noise is produced
The noise produced by a recurve bow is the result of the energy released when the bowstring is released.
As the bowstring moves forward, it creates vibrations that travel through the limbs and into the handle of the bow.
These vibrations can produce a variety of sounds depending on the design and materials used in the bow.
The factors that contribute to the noise
A recurve bow can produce noise due to several factors. Here are some common causes of noise in a recurve bow:
1. Poorly-tuned bow:
If the bow is not tuned correctly, it can cause unnecessary vibrations, leading to noise.
Also, When the strings of a recurve bow are wound incorrectly, it can result in a loud and unpleasant sound.
During the drawing back of the bow, the string transfers energy to the arrow. If the strings are not lubricated, it can cause excessive noise.
Check Walk-Back Tuning Vs. Paper Tuning: Which Is The Best?
2. Loose components:
Loose components on a recurve bow can create vibrations, leading to noise. Here are some components that can be loose:
Limbs: The limbs are the most crucial part of the bow and can create vibrations if they are not securely attached to the riser. Loose limbs can cause the bow to make noise.
Bowstring: The bowstring needs to be tightly secured to the bow’s limbs and the nocking points. Loose bowstring can cause noise.
Nocking points: The nocking points attach the bowstring to the bow and need to be tightly secured. Loose nocking points can create vibrations and cause noise.
Arrow rest: The arrow rest supports the arrow and can create noise if it is loose or not installed correctly.
Stabilizer: A stabilizer can help balance the bow and reduce vibration. However, if it is not securely attached, it can cause noise.
Sights: The sight helps the archer aim the bow, and if it is not tightened correctly, it can cause vibration and noise.
3. Unbalanced Tiller
Tiller refers to the balance of the bow limbs in a recurve bow. The tiller measurement is taken by comparing the distance between the bowstring and the bow grip on both the upper and lower limbs.
A balanced tiller ensures that both limbs flex evenly during the shot, which can help improve accuracy and reduce noise.
If the tiller is unbalanced, meaning one limb is flexing more than the other, it can result in noise during the shot.
This is because the limb that is flexing more will release energy at a different rate than the other limb, causing the bowstring to oscillate or vibrate unevenly. This uneven vibration can produce a distinctive “twang” or “buzz” noise when the bowstring is released.
In addition to noise, an unbalanced tiller can also affect the accuracy of the shot.
If one limb is flexing more than the other, the arrow may not be released with a consistent amount of force, leading to inconsistencies in the trajectory of the arrow. This can result in decreased accuracy and consistency in shooting.
Therefore, it is important to regularly check the tiller balance on a recurve bow and make adjustments as necessary to ensure both limbs are flexing evenly during the shot. This can help improve accuracy and reduce noise during shooting. If you are unsure about how to check and adjust tiller, it is recommended to seek advice from an experienced archery technician.
Check: Canting a Bow: Is it necessary?
4. Short String or Loose String
A short or loose string can cause noise in a recurve bow because it creates excessive vibrations.
- Short string: When the strings on a recurve bow are too short, they can detach from the groove and limb, leading to various issues that can cause noise.
- Loose string: If the bowstring is too loose, it can cause the limbs to move more than necessary during the shot, resulting in excessive vibrations that can cause noise. The string needs to be tight enough to keep the limbs in place during the shot.
5. Incorrect Brace Height
A low brace height can also cause excessive vibration during the shot. When the bowstring is released, the limbs snap back to their original shape, causing the bow to vibrate.
If the brace height is too low, the limbs will not fully flex and absorb the energy from the shot, resulting in increased vibration that can be felt in the bow grip and even in the shooter’s hand. This can lead to discomfort or even pain, and can also affect the accuracy of subsequent shots.
On the other hand, if the brace height is too high, meaning the bowstring is too far from the bow grip, the arrow will be shot at a higher speed than expected.
However, a high brace height can cause other problems, such as increased stress on the bow limbs and a higher likelihood of the bowstring hitting the shooter’s arm during the shot.
6. Runway Strand
While not a frequent occurrence, a runaway strand can generate excessive vibrations in a bow, which poses a problem.
This happens when the woven string has loose strands and is not spun tightly enough, resembling a braid where hair pops out and is not properly secured.
Understanding these factors can help archers and hunters identify the areas that need to be addressed when silencing a recurve bow. In the next section, we will discuss methods to silence a recurve bow.
Methods to Silence a Recurve Bow
There are several methods that can be used to silence a recurve bow.
These include the use of string silencers, limb dampeners, arrow rest silencers, and bow grip silencers.
A. String silencers
- Explanation of string silencers: String silencers are small accessories that attach to the bowstring and absorb the vibrations produced when the bow is fired. They can be made from materials such as rubber, fleece, or leather.
- How to install string silencers: To install string silencers, simply slide them onto the bowstring, positioning them near the limbs of the bow. Make sure they are evenly spaced and securely attached.
B. Limb dampeners
- Explanation of limb dampeners: Limb dampeners are another accessory that can be used to reduce the noise produced by a recurve bow. They attach to the limbs of the bow and absorb the vibrations produced when the bow is fired. Limb dampeners can be made from materials such as rubber or silicone.
- How to install limb dampeners: To install limb dampeners, simply attach them to the limbs of the bow using the included hardware. Make sure they are evenly spaced and securely attached.
C. Arrow rest silencers
- Explanation of arrow rest silencers: Arrow rest silencers are small accessories that attach to the arrow rest and help to reduce the noise produced when the arrow is released. They can be made from materials such as felt or rubber.
- How to install arrow rest silencers: To install arrow rest silencers, simply attach them to the arrow rest using adhesive. Make sure they are evenly spaced and securely attached.
D. Bow grip silencers
- Explanation of bow grip silencers: Bow grip silencers are accessories that attach to the handle of the bow and help to reduce the noise produced when the bow is fired. They can be made from materials such as rubber or leather.
- How to install bow grip silencers: To install bow grip silencers, simply wrap them around the handle of the bow, ensuring that they are securely attached and do not interfere with your grip.
By using these methods, archers and hunters can effectively silence their recurve bows, making them quieter and less likely to spook game or disrupt other archers.
It is important to regularly check and maintain these accessories to ensure that they continue to effectively reduce noise.
Tip: To suppress the noise of a recurve bow, archers can employ various accessories, such as dampeners & silencers. However, it is essential to inspect and adjust the bow beforehand to ensure that all components are correctly installed and not creating excess vibrations.
Other Tips to Reduce Recurve Bow Noise
In addition to using accessories to silence a recurve bow, there are other tips that can be used to reduce bow noise.
A. Proper bow maintenance
- How to maintain your recurve bow: Regular maintenance is important for any piece of archery equipment, and a recurve bow is no exception. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage, unstringing when not in use, keeping the bow clean and dry, and tightening any loose screws or bolts.
- The benefits of regular maintenance: Regular maintenance helps to keep the bow in good condition, which can reduce the likelihood of noise or other problems developing. It can also help to extend the life of the bow.
B. Use of string wax
- Explanation of string wax: String wax is a type of wax that is applied to the bowstring to help protect it from wear and tear. It can also help to reduce noise by reducing the friction between the string and the bow.
- How to apply string wax: To apply string wax, simply rub a small amount onto the bowstring, making sure to cover the entire length of the string.
C. String Adjustments
In order to reduce the noise of a recurve bow, it is necessary to adjust the string tension so that the bow is securely held in place.
Below are the steps
- You can do this either manually using your hand, or with a bowstring winder.
- If using a bowstring winder, hold the string in one hand and turn the winder knob with the other hand.
- If doing it manually, hold the string between your thumb and first two fingers and apply pressure to keep it in place while turning the thumb screw at the base of the handle.
- Be careful not to stretch the string too far and keep your fingers close to the string to avoid any accidents.
- Ensure that the strings are properly tightened to reduce noise and improve the performance of your bow.
D. Proper form
- How proper form can reduce noise: Proper form can help to reduce noise by ensuring that the bow is held and released in a consistent manner. This can help to reduce the amount of vibration produced when the bow is fired.
- Tips for proper form: Proper form includes maintaining a stable stance, keeping the bow arm steady, and using a consistent release technique. Practising these techniques regularly can help to improve form and reduce bow noise.
E. Adjust Brace Height
To adjust the brace height on a recurve bow for less noise, you can follow these steps:
- Determine the correct brace height for your specific bow model. This information can usually be found in the manufacturer’s instructions or on their website.
- Use a bow square to measure the distance between the bowstring and the bow grip at the center of the bow.
- Adjust the brace height by twisting or untwisting the bowstring. To increase the brace height, twist the bowstring, and to decrease the brace height, untwist the bowstring.
- After making the adjustment, check the brace height again with the bow square to ensure that it is at the correct level.
F. Arrow Used
One way to reduce the noise of a recurve bow is by changing the arrows used. One of the first changes to consider is switching to heavier arrows, which can help reduce the amount of stress on the bow and limbs, leading to a quieter shot.
By following these tips, archers and hunters can effectively reduce the amount of noise produced by their recurve bow, making it a more effective and stealthy hunting tool.
It is important to remember that reducing bow noise is not only beneficial for hunting but also for the enjoyment of archery and the safety of other archers nearby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reducing the noise produced by a recurve bow is essential for archers and hunters who wish to remain stealthy and not scare off game or other archers.
The methods discussed in this article, including the use of string silencers, limb dampeners, arrow rest silencers, and bow grip silencers, can all be effective in reducing the amount of noise produced by a recurve bow.
Check: What are Bow Risers: How To Choose The Best One!
Additionally, proper bow maintenance, using string wax, and practicing proper form can also help to reduce bow noise.
By utilizing these tips and methods, archers and hunters can improve their accuracy and have a more enjoyable and safe experience while using their recurve bow.
