How to Silence Parallel Limb Bows

The advent of parallel-limb bows is arguably one of the greatest advancements in modern archery. Parallel-limb bows feature limbs that lie nearly parallel to each other when the archer brings the bow to full draw. Upon release, the limbs oppose each other, canceling out much of the noise and vibration produced. As such, parallel-limb bows are much quieter than traditional compound bows. However, archers can still take measures to reduce vibration and the associated noise with parallel-limb bows, especially in the limbs and bowstring.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow
  • Stabilizer
  • String silencers
  • Bow press
  • Limb silencers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install a stabilizer. Most compound bows -- not just parallel-limb bows -- have a threaded attachment at the front of the riser that can accept a stabilizer. A stabilizer not only balances the bow, but it also greatly reduces recoil, noise and vibration. Simply screw the stabilizer into the stabilizer hole on the riser. Gel or rubber stabilizers are best.

    • 2

      Add string silencers. These greatly reduce string vibration. Some styles, such as elastic strips, can be tied on at the midpoint of the bowstring. Other varieties must be inserted between the intertwining bowsrtings, which requires you to take pressure off the limbs with a bow press.

    • 3

      Install limb silencers. Limb silencers are simply pieces of soft rubber that attach to the limbs and absorb vibration. For solid-limb bows, peel the backing off the limb silencer and stick it on the limb at the midpoint of the backside of both the top and bottom limb. For split-limb bows, slide the limb silencers in between the split in the limbs and screw them into each other on both the top and bottom limb.