String silencer FPS loss- I'm confused?

[Rangeball]

I have a pack of leeches, the pack says each weighs 24 grains. I threw them on a scale, and they're right

Putting a set on a string would add 48 grains to the string. Granted, they would be placed far away from the center so their weight effect would be minimized, but Sims is advertising only a 2 fps estimated loss.

I haven't weighed cat whiskers, but I guess they would weigh no more than the leeches, and probably less. Yet they often get knocked for causing a 10 fps or so loss. Assuming similar placement on the string, why would that be? Lost fps would primarily be due to the product weight added to slow down the string, wouldn't it?

[BGfisher]

I can't rightly answer why the difference but I have put different ones on my string and chrono'd some. The leeches do only give about 2-3 fps loss, as do the Alpine string things. I use Puffs for hunting. The speed loss is greater but I have a feeling that, although they may not be any quieter, they add a little more stability to the string thus reducing string oscillation and vibration. For hunting I think cat-whiskers may be just as good as anything considering the cost and reliablity. And for normal deer hunting distances speed is not all that important anyway.

[Rangeball]

Thanks. I'm really not looking at this from a speed freak angle, but more just trying to understand the physics involved. For what it's worth, the only thing on my Diamond Hornet string currently is a Speed Nok, and an ibo arrow is whisper quiet. So is one at 7 grains per pound, no noticeable difference to me.

[IndyHunter]

Could the difference be the amount of "drag" created?

--Man who fish in other man's well often catch crabs--

[Sooner_Hunter]

what about the spiders? anyone tried them?

Hey, size may not matter but it sure IS nice!

[CAJUNBOWHNTR]

The string is the vehicle for transferring energy from the limbs,
cam(s) to the arrow.Anything(weight) on the string will tend to slow down and rob energy from the arrow.Now,by strategically placing weight at a certain point on the string(a certain distance from the cam)you can actually increase arrow speeds.You need a chronograph to experiment and find the sweet spot.Several manufacturers have included these on bows from the factory.The theory here is that at a certain point the weight will affect string vibration and increase the efficency of energy transfer to the arrow.

Billy

WHACKEM N STACKEM