Otter Hair Silencers: Recurve Bow Installation Guide

Otter fur is a popular choice for bow string silencers, as it is effective at reducing noise caused by the vibration of the bowstring. This guide will explain how to install an otter hair string silencer on a recurve bow.

Tuck one end of the fur strip between the string strands

To install an otter hair string silencer on a recurve bow, you must first unstring your bow. Then, take one end of the fur strip and tuck it between the string strands.

To do this effectively, separate the bowstring, then put one end of the bow string silencer into the gap. You can then wind the string silencer onto the string, ensuring you pay attention to the direction during winding. To make the silencer wrap more neatly around the bowstring, you can wind it while blowing. Finally, put the other end of the bow string silencer into the gap after winding.

It is important to note that the direction in which you wind the string silencer does matter, so be sure to check this before you begin.

Wrap the rest of the fur strip around the string

To wrap the rest of the fur strip around the string, you can start by unstringing your bow. Then, take one end of the fur strip and tuck it between the string strands. You can then wrap the rest of the fur strip around the string, ensuring that you wrap it tightly and evenly. This will help to create a ball shape that sits neatly on the string. Finally, tuck the end of the fur strip into the string, just like you did with the other end.

When wrapping the fur strip, it is important to pay attention to the direction of your wrapping. You may also find it helpful to blow on the fur as you wrap to avoid clamping it. This will help ensure that the fur is wrapped neatly and evenly around the string.

Some people also prefer to cut the fur strip in half, as they find that this is enough to silence their bows. This is, of course, a matter of personal preference and depends on how much fur you want on your string.

Tuck the other end of the fur strip into the string

To tuck the other end of the fur strip into the string, you can follow a similar process as you did with the first end. Start by pushing the end of the fur strip up tight and close to the wrapping. This will help create a ball-like shape that will be more effective at dampening the sound and vibrations of the bowstring. Then, tuck the end of the fur strip into the string, securing it in place.

It is important to note that you should try to avoid trapping a lot of hair under your wraps. Instead, spread out the fur as you wrap, allowing the full effect of the fur to show when you're done. The mass of the skin and the aerodynamics of the fur combine to effectively silence the hum of the bowstring.

Additionally, you can cut the fur strip in half if you find that it is too long for your bow or if you want to create a smaller "ball" shape. This can also help reduce sound and vibration without significantly impacting the speed of the arrow.

Shave the hair off the tucked-in parts of the fur strip

Otter fur is a popular material for bow string silencers, as it is effective at reducing noise and does not hinder bow performance. When installing an otter hair string silencer on a recurve bow, it is important to ensure that the fur strip is securely attached to the bowstring.

To achieve a neat and secure installation, it is recommended to shave the hair off the tucked-in parts of the fur strip. This step ensures that the fur strip can be wound tightly and symmetrically around the bowstring without any loose hair getting in the way. By removing the hair from the parts of the strip that will be tucked in, you can achieve a smoother and more compact wrap. This also helps to avoid any hair getting caught or trapped during the winding process, resulting in a cleaner final look.

When shaving the hair, use a sharp razor or scissors to carefully trim the fur. Take your time and work slowly to avoid cutting too much hair or accidentally nicking the strip itself. You only need to shave a small portion of the fur, just enough to ensure that the strip can be easily tucked in and wound around the bowstring without any bulk.

Once you have shaved the hair, proceed with the installation by separating the bowstring and tucking one end of the fur strip into the gap. Wind the strip neatly and tightly around the string, ensuring that it is symmetrical and secure. Finally, tuck in the other end of the strip and adjust as needed. This process will help to reduce noise and enhance your archery experience.

Push the end of the fur strip up tight before tucking it in

To install an otter hair string silencer on a recurve bow, you will need to separate the bowstring. Then, put one end of the silencer into the gap in the string. Next, wind the silencer around the string, paying attention to the direction during winding. You can blow on the string while winding to help the silencer wrap more neatly. Finally, put the other end of the silencer into the gap in the string.

When pushing the end of the fur strip up tight before tucking it in, make sure that the fur is evenly distributed and not bunched up. This will help ensure that the silencer wraps neatly and securely around the bowstring. Use your fingers to smooth out any fur that is sticking out or uneven. You can also gently stretch the fur strip to keep it flat and prevent it from sticking to itself.

It is important to ensure that the fur strip is tight and secure before tucking it in. This will help prevent the silencer from slipping or moving around on the string. You can also apply a small amount of adhesive or tape to the end of the fur strip to help keep it in place.

Additionally, when tucking in the end of the fur strip, make sure that it is aligned with the rest of the silencer. You may need to adjust the positioning of the fur strip to ensure that it is tucked in neatly and securely. Once the end is tucked in, give it a gentle tug to make sure it is secure.

Frequently asked questions