If you are not going to use them again, just cut them off. The string dampener is better, especiallly if you have a bow with a short brace height. They make a front, side and back dampener. STS model can be used both front and back, I think that is the ones I carry. STS also puts a tamer on the rod itself to take out some of the string shock, which I think is a great idea! Let me know if I could be of some more help, and buy the way-welcome to the addiction. You now have become an addict! lol Congrats on your first!