Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Hey all,

I've been bouncing around the idea of trying out an STS type string suppressor to see how it works so I decided to make my own and I wanted to tell anyone who is interested how to do it....cheap!

First of all you must have a bow with a rear facing bushing to do this. If you don't you're pretty much S.O.L. as far as this "do it yourself" project is concerned.

The first thing you need to do is go out and get one of these:



They are pretty inexpensive (about $8.00 to $10.00) and you can get them at pretty much any Pro Shop. All it is, is an old style cable guide rod that screws into your bow. Once you purchased this you need to go out and also purchase this:





This is (obviously) the packaging for an STS end piece. You know, that rubber string stopper at the end of the rod. It cost me $6.95 at my local Pro Shop. This along with the rod, Ihave a whole $14.95 invested into this project!

Next, I simply measured the distance from the rear bushing to the string and cut the rod to that length. Remember to take into consideration the amount of the overall rod length that screws into the bushing as well as the thickness of the rubber stopper when cutting the rod. Take your time and make sure your measurements are correct.

Once done you simply slip on the rubber end and install it on the bow like this:




And this:




And this:






And there you have it! The whole project took me about 10 minuets to do....Very simple! If you want, you can add a "Bow Jack" to the rod or any other kind of dampener or just leave it plain. Now this obviously is going to be black in color unless you can find a camo guide rod. I've seen them before but they are not that common. These black aluminum rods are all over the place.

So if you ever wanted to try out one of these STS/MeanV type string suppressors but don't want to cough up the big money for one, here is an extremely cost efficient way to get the exact same thing!

Good luck and good shooting.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

You are going to put them out of business with that learn along:D

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Tell me about it....I couldn't believe how cheap the parts were.....makes you think huh?;)

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Just another note about cutting the rod. You will have about 1/2 in of adjustment so as long as you are within 1/8 of an inchwith your cut you will be fine. In other words your measuring doesn't have to be perfect. The rubber stopper in my project was about a half inch thick, so I cut my rod 1/2 in shorter than my measured distance tothe string. Once I slipped on the rubber endIscrewed on the rod thenI locked down the rod with the locking nut. Mine ended up screwing in about half way before I cleared the string.Anyone who has ever had an older bow with one of these rods knows what I'm talking about. If you never had, once you see how it's attached you will understand pretty quick, it's pretty easy to install.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

BigJ71

Thanks for the tip, I will keep that in mind when I put one on my next bow, sounds easy also will keep an eye out for a camo rod now I know what to watch for. How's it dampen the shock and sound on your Mathews?
Rocky

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I haven't even shot it yet, I just made it and put it on a few minuets ago (just before posting). I suspect it will be the same as any other suppressor of it's type....It's made from the same materials.;)I'll shoot it this weekend and report my findings....

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I'm SOL[&o]

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Very nice BigJ, I may give that a shot, thanks!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

WOW! thats a great job! Looks good! How does it work?

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

interesting i'll be waiting bto hear the results after you shoot it

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

That's really cool. Thanks for sharing!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Nice one BigJ, ya gotta love the build along threads and the satisfaction of actually making something for yourself, seems like it was about as easy to make as it gets! Ya probably saved a bunch of cash as well!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Wow thats cool thanks for sharing...I might have to try that!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I made mine for my LD the same way. All for less then 15 bucks. It made a pretty good difference in the noise. I don't have any other suppressors on the bow at all.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

nice work, I have no bones with Mean V's prices though. I thought they were reasonable and he custom camo matches. let us know how it works.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Thanks guys,

Like I noted, if you want it in camo then you're going to either find a guide rod in camo (they're out there) or you will have to bite the bullet and pay retail for one. My Mathews has all black components so this fit in just fine.

As far as how it works, I have absolutely no worries. It will work exactly as all the other ones do......Why? Because it's made with the same components. In fact the rubber bumper is an STS component.Take a close look at the MeanV and STSsuppressors and you will see what I'm talking about. STS uses a bracket so you can mount it to either the front or back but other than that it's basically the same thing. I'm not aware if the MeanV is available for a forward mounting system like the STS buttheir rear mount suppressors utilize pretty much the same components as what I purchased right down to the locking collar, the only difference is the camo finish. All I need to do is go out and get a Bow Jack dampener for the rod and it will look very similar. There is one big difference however.....I wonder if you can guess what that is.;)

If your bow has a rear facing bushing and you don't mind the black finish this will only take you 10 minuets, a hack saw, some sand paper (to smooth out the cut) and a wrench....that's it.....Oh and about $15.00.:D

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Looks good..nice work

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I second everyone else here, thanks for sharing. Looks better than a origional STS and a bunch cheaper too.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Looks great BigJ, nice work and thanks for sharing the info and pics! Seems like a very easy project just about anyone can do save some cash and feel good about yourself!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Agreed I have done the same. I work in an aluminum Factory,If I could find the rubber stoppers at a deal. I could make these basically for the cost of that stopper..and of course any time and labor I wished to add.

Custom colors would be as simple as finding an anodizer/painter/powder coater. It's not rocket science as they say.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I won't go so far as to say"snake oil" :D...but it makes ya wonder, huh?

Thanks for the tip, BigJ;)

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Alright kudos there jim if thats what you want to hear. It cost you $15 to build right, right. You had to drive to a shop that "hopefully" has the parts you need. If they dont you drive to another. For me that would be 40 miles round trip to the first an 55 to the second. MeanV will ship the same thing tyd for $35. My time is worth more than a 20 spot. But congrats.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I agree TeeJay, maybe it's just us, but I will order from MeanV my next unit also. When I buy anything, I just figure, "Is it worth the price they are asking?". If it is, I buy, if it's not, I don't buy. Sometimes building the "same" mouse trap is not worth it time wise. I own my fab shop and I will buy from MeanV, if that says anything.
Just MHO.
Is it September yet??

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I don't know if anyones bashing anything commercially available. Some take pride in do-it-yourself stuff.

Heck why buy bare shafts and cut and fletch them?
Why make your own lighted nocks?
Why do some come up with ingenuis targets?

Few of these are truly cost effective, if youbreak down time materials, learning curve (read, scrapped trials..etc)but it keeps you active in your hobby when not shooting.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

GREAT IDEA......THIS IS THE TYPE OF STUFF I ENJOY ON THIS SITE....

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Good point GR8. I cut and refletch my own. It saves me about $4 an arrow. With 4 of us in the house flinging arrows it does save some money at the end of the year. Plus I mail order all my arrow stuff and it may be tuff to order the sts stuff idk. I build alot of my own stuff also. From stands to a bow press. Half of them I could buy cheaper when its all done.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I do agree, on some things I want to change, I build my own. But......to "save" $20, in this case, I will buy rather than make. Although I did have to make an adapter for my older Reflex, so I could move the cable guard above the grip and have room to use the rear bushing for my MeanV CSS. I guess I see it both ways and I do like to do things myself, but in this case i will buy. Kind of like changing my own oil, I could do it, but it's not worth the savings IMHO.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Exactly what I was getting at. Great point.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

For most, changing oil isn't fun! Anything to do with hunting is, at least in my book!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

TeeJay do you take that 2 wheeler into the local quick lube??? That sure would be a sight to see, you rolling in there with those big ole monkey bars!!!!!!!!;):D:D:D:D

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

John, thanks for the tip that is great. MeanV might not be too happy about it, but I have a feeling he'll still see plenty of business. Heck, if guys want to make their own and have it camoed they could send it to him for dipping. So, he could still make some $$ on this.

MeanV, maybe you could send out a DIY kit offered in your camos for a couple bucks less. Hmmm.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

There are plenty of companies that camo dip just about anything if you feel the need! Do a google search!

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I wonder why MeanV hasnt dropped in to compliment BigJ....?:D[:-]

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I know that, but I figured since this idea would obviously take some business away from MeanV maybe plant some seeds to still help a brotha out with the DIY guys.;)

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Meanv has sold over 1500 items on ebay alone with only 1 negative feedback. His Rating is 99.9%

Add in what he has sold here and on AT..These 30 (now 31) replies are of little concern to him. He makes a quality product love'em or hate'em on a personal level, his quality product will continue to sell. Because customer satisfaction and word of mouth is king.

I would imagine if he addresses this post at all it would be in a positive fashion..maybe even add some helpful hints for the DIY'r .

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

True, which is why I still like to help a brotha out.;) And I like to say help a brotha out.

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Hold on there folks...My post has NOTHING to do with MeanV...STS...or any other string suppressor in particular. I wasn't "targeting" anyone business, LOL get real. All I did was post an easy "Do It Yourself" job that pretty muchanyone with a hacksaw can do.

TeeJay,

You trying to tell me you never go to a Pro Shop? If you don't want to make a special trip, then just wait till the next time you go. Or, order the parts on line if you're so fond of that method.

I like to change my own oil and I like to tinker with stuff, that's all I did here. I was in a shop and saw a string suppressor on the rack, I had posted that I was milling around the thought of trying one out, so while I'm looking at it I thought to my self "hell you can make this....it's just a cableguide rod with a rubber stopper on the end!" That's how I got the idea.

It's not about money for me, I played enough in the NFL to not have to worry about money, but that doesn't mean I have to throw it away either does it? I thought this was a very viable "DYI" projectfor someone who doesn't want to spend the money on a brand new commercial suppressor..... and it is!

This wasn't meant to diminish MeanV or STS or any other suppressor manufacturer, I'm sure they make a fine product that I might even purchase one day.

What's wrong with someone showing others how to build a better mousetrap....or in this case a less expensive one?

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

I hear ya John, I go to another site where they hare a forum with step by step build along threads that are the coolest threads there are. Picture by picture as well, for me I get complete satisfaction doing something for myself! I for one never thought you were doing anything but helping out other members who might like to try and do something for themselves and get some satisfaction from it and save a buck or two to boot! Some folks just don't get it! ;)

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Thanks for the tip, John!

YA know....somebody might just see this thread and start their own business. It's probably happened before;)

RE: Made My Own STS/MeanV String Suppressor....Cheap!
 

Thanks BigJ.