RE: chek-mate firebird
Moose, here is what I do when I am tuning a new bow. Start with a naked string (no silencers), and gradually raise the brace height until you find the "sweet spot). On a Firebird, it will probably be around 8 1/4" to 8 3/4"--it will vary from shooter to shooter, different strings, etc. Then, put the silencers on at either the 1/3 points or the 1/4 points on the string, and slide them up or down an inch or less at a time until you find the spot where they work best. Worst case scenario, put a set on both the 1/3 and 1/4 points. A well made string will be quieter than one that is not; flemish strings are generally quieter than endless. If you have a problem with limb slap, invest a couple of bucks in "Bow Hush", or buy a skein of wool yarn at Wal-Mart and wrap the part of the string that contacts the limbs. I wouldn't put mole skin or anything like that on the limb itself.
The short bows can take a little more tinkering to quieten down, but that should help a lot.
Chad