String noise is cause by string vibration - and yes I think it makes its way to the riser.

its the limbs and the string that cause most of felt vibration. Thats why limb savers and leaches can take most of it away.

Don't worry about bashing - you felt vibration and I believe you. My point is that just a small change (like sliding a leach or squid up an inch can completly take it away. A string vibrates in a sign wave. If the string supressors happen to be place at a "node" they will not work as well. And many other factors can come into play to cause any one bow to have more vibration than another.

Its just hard to get a full feel of a bow with a few shots - without making sure apples are being compared to apples.

Good luck with the Outback