Silencing Your Shot: Tips for Reducing Vibration in Your Compound Bow


Oh boy when I go back and look at some of the older videos of me shooting that puppy used to rattle a lot! Nowadays I have it under control and you will too by the end of this article. 

Reducing vibration in a compound bow is important for accuracy and comfort, and one effective way to achieve this is by using shock absorbers. In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to reduce vibration in your compound bow using shock absorbers. We’ll also cover common mistakes and misconceptions to avoid, as well as safety precautions to take.

This article will include

  • Check Your Bow’s Specs
  • Choose the Right Shock Absorbers
  • Install the Shock Absorbers
  • Test and Adjust
  • Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Check your bow specs

Before you start installing shock absorbers, it’s important to check your bow’s specs to ensure that it is compatible with shock absorbers. Lots of the shock absorbers that tread into your bow or your stabilizer will be a 5/16 “ thread. However if you are going to install little shock absorbers to your sight you must make sure the threads will accept the shock absorber.

Choose the Right Shock Absorbers

Once you’ve determined the appropriate size and configuration, you can choose the right shock absorbers for your compound bow. There are a variety of shock absorber options on the market, including limb dampeners, sight dampeners and stabilizer dampeners. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the type and number of shock absorbers.

Install the Shock Absorbers

Now that you have your shock absorbers, it’s time to install them on your compound bow. Start by removing any existing dampeners, if applicable. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the shock absorbers. Generally, this will involve attaching the shock absorbers to the limbs, sight, or stabilizer of the bow, depending on the type of absorber you’re using.

Test and Adjust

Once the shock absorbers are installed, test your bow to ensure that the vibration has been reduced to your desired level. If necessary, adjust the shock absorber placement or configuration until you achieve the desired level of vibration reduction.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake when trying to reduce vibration in a compound bow is not checking the specs of the bow. It is crucial that your bow is up to spec, I have found that when it is not it can often lead to extra vibration. Go ahead and check your bows axel to axel length and your bows tiller. These would play a part in the vibration of your bow. 

Safety Precautions

When installing shock absorbers on your compound bow, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions and take appropriate safety precautions. Wear eye protection, use a bow press if necessary, and always check that the bow is unloaded before working on it.

Reducing vibration in your compound bow using shock absorbers is a simple and effective way to improve accuracy and comfort while shooting. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes and misconceptions, you can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable shooting experience.

Happy shooting! 

Rogan Cunningham

Rogan Cunningham is an archer and writer for shootingcabin.com. He's a proud member of the National Archery Squad. He writes about his archery training, shooting, and traveling with the national archery team, and he also reviews all kinds of archery kit. He only writes about archery, what can I tell you?..... He's an Archer!

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