We discover new things every day like you shot your bow and discovered that your bow has become very loud. So, like an archery enthusiast like me, you started searching for solutions to your problem.
Relax, it is a very common problem everyone faces in a while. The main reason behind this is the bow getting out of tune, changing strings, and changing any other feature of the bow like the draw weight or brace height.
I have faced such issues, my experiences will surely get you up and going on your journey. Having a bow is like having a car, you will have to maintain it. If your car shows some issues sometimes, you fix them. The same is the case with your bow.
Reasons Your Bow Is Loud
I have researched the reasons why your bow might be a bit too loud and found some great points. Also, I have added my experiences, that caused my bow to become noisy. I hope these suggestions solve your problems.
1. Out Of Tune Bow
One of the primary reasons for a loud compound bow is being out of tune. When the various components of the bow, such as the limbs, string, and cams, are not perfectly aligned and synchronized, it can lead to vibrations and erratic movements during the shot cycle. This misalignment causes energy to be dispersed unevenly, resulting in a noisy release.
I’ve found that regularly checking and adjusting the bow’s tune is crucial. This involves ensuring that the bow’s cams are synchronized, the string and cables are in good condition, and the arrow rest and nocking point are properly aligned. Personal experience has taught me that even minor deviations from the optimal tune can significantly amplify the noise generated during a shot.
2. Cam Problems
Speaking of cam synchronization, it is a major issue for noise on a bow. If the cams are not perfectly synchronized, it can lead to an uneven distribution of force during the draw, causing vibrations and noise upon release.
Cam timing matters because when one cam comes to a draw stop before the other then, the vibrations of the string and hence the harmonics are disturbed. This way, even the string silencers wouldn’t do any good.
If the cam is tilted, that can also lead to noise, so you might need to tune the cam lean. Another issue with cams is that if any module is loose, it results in noisy shots so you might need to tighten the cam’s accessories.
Check out this guide to solve all issues related to cams.
3. Not Using Recommended Strings
The manufacturer’s recommendations are based on the bow’s specifications and design, including draw length, poundage, and cam configuration. When alternative strings are used, they might not provide the optimal tension and fit, resulting in increased vibrations and noise during the shot.
I experimented with non-recommended strings, thinking it wouldn’t make a substantial difference. However, I quickly realized that these strings affected not only the noise level but also the overall performance of the bow.
4. Change In Brace Height
Brace height, the distance between the bowstring and the deepest part of the bow grip, is a critical parameter that affects the bow’s performance. A change in brace height can lead to adjustments in the bow’s draw cycle and power delivery, impacting the overall shot dynamics.
Reducing the brace height typically increases arrow speed but may also result in a louder shot. This is because a lower brace height can contribute to a more aggressive string slap against the bow, generating additional noise upon release. On the other hand, increasing the brace height may mellow out the shot but could sacrifice some speed.
In my own archery experience, experimenting with brace height allowed me to find a balance between speed and noise. It’s a process that requires careful testing and adjustment to achieve the desired combination of performance and quietness.
5. Loose Accessories
Various accessories, such as stabilizers, sight mounts, and arrow rests, play a role in the overall stability and performance of a compound bow. If these accessories become loose, they can introduce vibrations and rattling during the shot cycle, leading to increased noise.
I’ve faced instances where a loose stabilizer or sight mount resulted in an audible impact on the shot’s quietness. Regularly checking and tightening these components is a fundamental part of bow maintenance to prevent unnecessary noise and ensure consistent performance.
6. Adjustments of Silencing Accessories
Fine-tuning and adjusting silencing accessories have been pivotal in my efforts to reduce the noise generated by my compound bow. Silencing accessories, such as limb dampeners, string dampeners, and bowstring silencers, are designed to absorb vibrations and minimize sound during the shot cycle.
I discovered that these accessories can significantly contribute to a quieter shooting experience when properly adjusted. For instance, tuning the placement and tension of limb dampeners can effectively absorb vibrations, reducing the noise produced upon release.
Similarly, strategically placing bowstring silencers or dampeners can mitigate string oscillations, further minimizing sound.
7. Using The Wrong Arrows
Arrows are designed with specific spine, weight, and length specifications to match the bow’s draw weight and length. When arrows are too light or too heavy for the bow, it can lead to an inefficient transfer of energy, resulting in increased vibrations and noise upon release.
Using arrows that are too light may cause the bow to behave erratically, generating more noise during the shot. Conversely, arrows that are too heavy can dampen arrow speed, potentially leading to a quieter but useless release.
8. Stabilizer Weights Loose
Stabilizers have weights on them, and when they become loose it causes a rattling noise. There have been instances where it not only causes noise but also affects the effectiveness of stabilizers. So make sure to keep them tight.
How to Silence Your Bow
Okay so, until now you might have had an idea or an action plan on how to silence your bow with the above reasons I have listed. Inspect your bow for cam tilt, loose screws, and loose weights. Check if you are using the recommended string and cables. Measure your brace height to see if it hasn’t changed. Also, check if you are using arrows matching your bow’s specifications.
Go over to the archery range and test the change in noise by applying some changes. Tune your bow to get the maximum performance and minimum noise.
After making sure the bow is tuned and all other measures have been taken and you still want to quieten the bow, then invest in noise-dampening materials made for your bow. Get string dampeners, string silencers, stabilizers, and limb dampeners for silencing the bow.
Why Is A Silent Bow Better
New archers always ask if a silent bow is better than a bow with speed, and the answer is Yes. A silent bow is much more lethal in the hunting game.
The primary advantage of a silent bow is its contribution to stealth during hunting. In the quietude of nature, a noisy bow can be a giveaway to a wary game. A silent bow allows the archer to draw and release without alerting their target, enhancing the chances of a successful and ethical hunt.
The absence of noise during the shot cycle contributes to improved focus. A loud bow can be distracting, affecting an archer’s concentration. With a silent bow, there’s a heightened sense of focus, leading to more consistent and accurate shots. The quiet release allows the archer to maintain mental composure throughout the entire process.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have now all the knowledge you need. Over time you will get such issues with your bow. So, you have to be open to these things and try and fix your problems. Try all you can and reduce your bow’s loudness by applying the solutions I provided.