Crossbow limb dampeners reduce movements before and after the shot. And yes, crossbow limb dampeners work well.
LimbSaver Broadband Dampener for Solid Limb Crossbows
- Superior vibration and noise reduction for solid limb crossbows for a smoother, less disruptive shot
- Made from LimbSaver's proprietary NAVCOM material to dampen vibration and unwanted noise
- Counters the loud crack produced from a high-powered crossbow firing
- Easily attaches to solid limb crossbows with high-grade self adhesive
- Includes two Broadband crossbow dampeners; for use in all harsh weather conditions
Based on experience, limb dampeners work well. There is, however, one downfall to them. Limb dampeners tend to slow your bow down.
Some limb dampeners work better than others. But all are the same when it comes to this downfall.
Consider yourself buying your crossbow.
The crossbow can come with all its parts. One thing is inevitable when you take it out for a test shot. And that is, it can be loud. It can vibrate big time.
Now, here comes the limb saver.
You might ask yourself. What is a limb saver?
A limb saver can have a significant positive impact on the bow’s noise and vibration.
Once the limb saver is in place, take it for a test shot again.
The difference will be like night and day. Limbsavers can save a bow that is badly out of tune.
However, as earlier mentioned, limb savers tend to slow your bow down. And that is something you must accept when you have a limb saver.
Contents
Do limb dampeners slow crossbows?
Limb dampeners work to reduce unnecessary movements during and after the shot. However, the downfall of using dampeners is it slows the crossbow.
Sims Vibration LimbSaver Broadband Dampener for Split Limb Crossbows
- Superior vibration and noise reduction for split limb crossbows for a smoother, less disruptive shot
- Made from LimbSaver's proprietary vibration- and noise-dampening NAVCOM technology
- Counters the loud crack produced from a high-powered crossbow firing
- Easily attaches to split limb crossbows; requires an Allen tool for installation
- Includes two Broadband crossbow dampeners; for use in all harsh weather conditions
Using a dampener means adding mass or a specific weight to the limbs. When you add weight to the limbs, it will slow down. And yes, it is a natural effect.
However, over the years, dampeners proved themselves helpful in the archery world.
Most would use PSE, Bowtech, Hoyt, and many other Limbsavers. The crossbows would lose speed. The speed lost would usually be around 1 to 2 FPS.
There will be brands where the speed lost comes to around 3 FPS. But most would amount to about 1 or 2 FPS.
However, despite the speed lost, most would use limb savers. The trade-off in quieting and the reduction of vibration is worth it.
A limb dampener and positioning it close to the cam will slow down the bow. The speed we are talking about here may be a little.
Also, you will see most brands sell with limb dampeners in place. Most of these brands have their limb dampeners positioned away from the cams. The positions are usually close to the riser.
What is the purpose of limb savers?
Limb savers help decrease the noise and vibration of limbs and risers during the shot. Limb savers help increase a bow’s stealth-like characteristics and minimize pain and fatigue in shooters.
Compound bows are great inventions. These bows are inventions of great magic, beauty, and incredible power.
Bows can take 400-grain arrows and have them fly through speeds that are fast enough to cover a whole football field. And yes, it can do this in less than a second.
The materials used are aluminum, high-tech composites, carbon fiber, and polymers. All these are for strength, rigidity, and weight reduction of the bows.
But along with the incredible speed comes another power. And this power comes with tons of energy, some of which gets converted into noise. The rest of the point goes into your joints and muscle tissue.
LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener
- Reduces noise and vibration by up to 70 percent
- Fits 95 percent of all standard and wide split limb bows
- Two orientation options for either wide- or narrow-spaced limbs
- Made from LimbSaver's proprietary NAVCOM material to dampen vibration and unwanted noise
- Package includes two SuperQuad dampeners
And this is where the limb savers come in.
Limbsavers minimize the noise and vibration of the limbs and riser.
These devices also increase the stealth-like qualities of the bow. Also, these limb savers minimize the pain and fatigue that a shooter experiences during the sport.
As soon as archers put them in the bow, most would notice that the vibration is gone. They have a limb saver that results in a quiet crossbow. It also increases a shooter’s confidence in making the shot whenever necessary.
Let us take a good look at Limbsavers and everything it comes with.
Packaging
LimbSavers are famous for their W&B-themed packaging. And it looks good on the shelf.
Some other brands come with packages that come with pegs. And they don’t look good on your shelf.
Limbsavers have had their products packaged this way since about 2015.
Quality and Design
I have a little to say about the product’s build and design.
The product is great looking. It can be squishy. However, the product can lock itself intensely on your bow without hassle.
Once locked, there is no sense of any movement either way.
And yes, the Limbsaver looks excellent. Your bow looks cooler with it attached.
Functionality
We installed it fast. From its packaging, you can install it in about two minutes. You can even install it in less than that time.
LimbSaver Broadband Dampener for Solid Limb Compound Bows
- Superior vibration and noise reduction for solid limb compound bows
- Made from LimbSaver's proprietary NAVCOM material to dampen vibration and unwanted noise
- Helps produce a smoother and quieter shot by greatly reducing vibration caused from your limbs
- Low-profile, lightweight design that's quick and easy to install; for use in all harsh weather conditions
- Includes two Broadband dampeners; personalize with choice of 9 interchangeable color rings
There is also a significant improvement in the overall noise performance. Before, bows used to have vibrations in the grip. And these vibrations were noticeable.
With the updated Limbsaver Riser Damper, there is only a slight amount of vibration with every shot. It can even be something you would not notice at all.
Per the box, there is about a 75% reduction in limb vibration. And that is a decent enough claim because the arrow’s flight is as smooth as silk with these beauties installed.
There is no stress, no fatigue, and no buzz.
What is an archery dampener?
One of the most common types of archery dampeners is the rubber block. The rubber block is something you screw to the bow or an associated component. This tool is to reduce bow movements during and after your shot.
Rubber blocks usually come with a weight. It is something you attach to the opposite side of the bow.
The weight that comes with the rubber block, when set in vibration after that shot, can reduce possible bow movements. The reduction of bow movements is noticeable during and after the shot.
Using a damper is to reduce possible vibrations to the bow. The ultimate goal is to eliminate these vibrations.
Here are the most popular archery dampers in the market.
Rubber Block
The most popular type of archery damper is a rubber block. The rubber block is a damper you screw to the bow or any associated component. It comes with a weight you attach to the opposite side of the bow.
The weight of the damper reduces or eliminates possible bow movements that happen during and after you shoot.
And this is the most common type of damper.
CenterPoint Archery C0007 Wrath 430X Crossbow
- Wrath 430X Crossbow - 430 fps, with silent crank, durable Cnc-machined aluminum rails and cams for smooth draw
- Dry Fire Prevention Technology
- 9-Inches Cocked - Compact for ease of movement in field
- Full Bearing Cam System - For added energy in a compact crossbow design
- Includes - Silent crank, rail lube, 4.32 illuminated scope and 3 20-inch arrows
There are many manufacturers. And depending on which manufacturer it is, the damper can vary in shape, design, or color.
As mentioned, there are several types of dampers.
The most popular variation is the one that you screw to the end of the stabilization systems. It is in this part of the bow that you can screw additional weights.
It is because the more significant the inertia of the whole system, the smoother the movement once you shoot.
Dampeners for Sight and String
There are also specific dampers for the sight.
There is a damper for the limb and another damper for the string. Anything that you can mount to the bow, a drag is available.
Most of the time, only one thickness of the rubber is acceptable. However, the Beiter V-Box system comes with membranes that you can change. As such, you can tune the bow further depending on your weight at the bow’s end.
There are also many variations of sight dampers.
Sometimes, you screw these sight dampers to the free end of the threaded rod. This part is usually at the front sight tunnel. The purpose of this is to dampen the axis when you fire.
Compound shooters usually use dampers. The aim is for shooters to counteract the usually enormous scope.
Attached to the Sight
Also, there are dampers that you can screw into the free threads of the sight rail. Sometimes, you can attach them to the sight arm with the assistance of a corresponding bracket.
These types are smaller dampers. And these smaller dampers are the ones you attach to the sight rail work as you do to stabilize dampers.
Barnett Explorer XP400
- Compound crossbow with crank cocking device & hunting accessory package in Strike. Provides power & performance in one affordable package, shooting 400 feet per second
- Adaptable: Compound crossbow is completely customizable with an adjustable butt stock and cheek rest for an incredibly comfortable fit and overall shooting experience. The Explorer XP400 features dual laminated limbs, which makes it durable.
- Safety Features: Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (Adf) Trigger System, TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology
In summary, you should use dampers for the main reason that it is durable.
For example, putting dampers at the front sight of the compound provides excellent results.
Strong vibrations in this part of the compound occur every time you shoot. And you can reduce these vibrations with the use of a dampener.
Because of the minimized vibrations, you also increase the service life of the threaded rod at the front sight.
Limb Dampeners
Also, limb dampeners are usually made of rubber dampers. These dampeners do not have additional weight. Shooters usually glue these dampeners to the inside of the limbs.
There are times when shooters glue these on the outside. However, most of the time, you glue these dampeners inside the limb.
These dampers work in a way that they reduce the volume of the noise when you fire. The dampers also create a more pleasant noise. Dampers also make it smoother for the shooter to shoot.
We can describe the dampers as giving shooters a dead feeling to the shot. There is a reduction in launch shock.
Yes, there is an impact on the speed. But the effect is minimal.
There is also a different type of damper for compound bows. In this type, the drag comes with a metal rod.
You will find the metal rod screwed centrally into the bend. At the end of the rod sits a kind of rubber block.
After the arrow leaves this part of the compound bow, the string hits this damper. Once it hits the damper, the string stops any form of movement.
Killer Instinct Boss 405 Pro Package
- Quick And Deadly: Tough and agile mechanism helps you hit small, quick game as well as larger, tougher animals
- Adjustable Design: 6-position adjustable butt-stock comfortably fits a variety of users while the aluminum barrel stock is designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Power And Speed In 1: Fires at a rate up to 405 feet-per-second and generates up to 134 foot-pounds on a hit, blending accuracy and striking power
- Stealthy: Built-in Dead Silent limb and string suppressors reduce noise and prevent prey from noticing you as you track them
The primary purpose of the string stopper is to minimize the vibrations that transmit from the bow when you release the bowstring.
There is another possibility with the string damper. You will find a small rubber adhesive pad on the limb. It sits right above the area when the string rests on the limb.
Traditionally, you can see dampers attached directly to the string. The material is always out of fur. It also looks like a pompon.
However, these silencers result in the string speed slowing down a lot.
After many years, several compound bows or recurve risers come with dampers that manufacturers incorporate into the design.
Sometimes, these dampers are simple rubber ones. At other times, these rubber dampers come with an integrated weight. These are the ones manufacturers embed in the milled areas of the middle section.
The newest riser from Win & Win is an excellent example of this.
Also, there are V-Bars where small rubber dampers are integrated into the design.
Now, there are dampers for the bow. And these dampers come in many sizes and shapes. These dampers also come in different colors.
Choosing the perfect damper can be complicated.
At what point in your shooting career would you find the bow damper helpful?
Most of the time, the answer to this question would be subjective. It would always depend on the material that you use. It can also depend on the archer and their feelings.
These dampers, however, will have a positive influence on the movement of the bow.
And this is due to something other than the actual function of the damper you are using. The influence is due to the changed mass and how evenly distributed the mass is.
Some coaches will not recommend you use dampers.
Ravin R29X Sniper
- Helicoil Technology: Fully assembled, pre-tuned, 340-degree cam rotation for accuracy.
- Versa-Drive Cocking System: Eliminates over-cocking, allows stopping/resuming.
- Trac-Trigger Firing System: Silent cocking, balanced draw, straight-line accuracy.
- Frictionless Flight System: Astounding target accuracy.
- Kings XK7 Camo: Concealment inspired by North American terrains.
At times, dampers will not gain you points. But the actual score here is the psychological push that the dampers bring.
Dampers can boost the archer’s confidence with their effect on the sound and the feel of the shot.
It reduces the noise or the chaotic expressions you find at the bow as it goes through stress when you launch an arrow.
Dampers also allow you a certain level of tuning. This effect will enable you to produce your bow and your sound.
These two are parts of the more extensive process of your development. And yes, these two can gain your confidence in the sport.
Editor’s Conclusion
Limb dampeners are a topic of interest and debate among bow and crossbow users, as they may have different effects on speed, vibration, and noise depending on various factors.
Limb dampeners may not have a universal effect on all bows and crossbows, as different models and specifications may require different types and positions of limb dampeners.
Limb dampeners may have different benefits and drawbacks for different users, depending on their personal preferences and expectations. Some users may value speed over noise, while others may prefer a quieter and smoother shooting experience.
Limb dampeners may require testing and experimentation to find the optimal combination and placement for each bow or crossbow. Users may need to use objective measurements and equipment to assess the impact of limb dampeners on speed, vibration, and noise.
Limb dampeners may have implications for warranties and limb failures, as some manufacturers may not recommend or allow the use of limb dampeners, and some users may experience limb failures in the spots where limb dampeners are attached.
Some insights that support the editor’s conclusion
- Using limb dampeners near the cams resulted in a speed loss of 5 to 6 feet per second, while using them near the riser had no effect on speed.
- Using limb dampeners on a crossbow reduced vibration and decibels by 1, while having no significant effect on speed.
- Adding mass to anything that moves, such as string or limbs, should slow it down, but the trade-off for a quieter crossbow with less vibration is worth it.
Bear X Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow
- Measures 10” wide cocked and 14” wide uncocked
- Delivers intensely powerful performance in a compact platform
- 12. 7” power stroke delivers hard hitting power at 400 feet per second
- Anti-dry fire mechanism helps prevents dry firing
- This ready-to-hunt crossbow package includes 3 Bear X TrueX arrows, illuminated scope, 4-arrow quiver, cocking rope, and rail lube / string wax
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