Best String Silencers for Compound Bow: Noise and Tuning Guide

Quick answer: the best string silencer for a compound bow depends on where the noise is coming from. For bowstring noise on a press-installed setup, compare the LimbSaver Super String Leech. If you want a simpler string leech, look at the LimbSaver Everlast String Leech. For cable noise, the LimbSaver Super Cable Leech is built for that job specifically. For a no-press option that covers both string and cable, compare the Pine Ridge Wishbone Dampener. For limb rattle on split-limb bows and crossbows, the LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener targets a different noise source entirely.

This guide covers the common categories of string silencer: press-installed string leeches, no-press string and cable dampeners, lightweight string buttons, classic rubber cat-whisker silencers, and split-limb dampeners. Each product below was checked on the live Amazon listing for current stock, price history, and verified customer review counts before it was added to this page.

Tuning caution: adding mass to a bowstring or cable can change arrow speed, point of impact, peep rotation, nock travel, and tune. After installing any string or cable dampener, recheck clearance, shoot groups, and confirm your sight marks before hunting.

Quick Picks Table

How We Chose

Every product on this page had to clear a few checks before it made the list. First, the listing had to be live and in stock at the time of this update, not a discontinued or search-only result. Second, we favored products with a real, verifiable review history on the retail listing itself rather than manufacturer marketing copy alone. Third, we made sure the lineup covers the actual noise sources archers deal with: bowstring oscillation, cable oscillation, nock pinch, and limb rattle, instead of just stacking similar string leeches. Finally, we kept a mix of press-installed and no-press options so the guide works whether or not you have shop access.

We did not include products based on price alone, and we did not rank purely on star rating. A product with fewer reviews but a clear, specific use case (like a cable-only leech) is listed next to a product with a thousand-plus reviews because they solve different problems on the same bow.

Best String Silencers and Dampeners

String silencers are small parts, but they can affect bow behavior. The right choice depends on whether you need string dampening, cable dampening, nock-pinch help, limb dampening, or a no-press option. Do not stack parts randomly just because they are inexpensive. Start with the noise source, install one change at a time, and confirm tune afterward.

1. LimbSaver Super String Leech

The LimbSaver Super String Leech is the press-installed bowstring option in this lineup. It is engineered for high-poundage compound bows and crossbows, installing directly between bowstring strands, which is why a bow press or string separator and proper string knowledge are required. This is the cleaner choice if you want a more integrated string dampener and have access to a qualified bow shop or the correct press setup.

Best for: compound bow and crossbow owners who want a press-installed string dampener on a high-poundage setup.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): made from LimbSaver’s NAVCOM noise and vibration control material, sold in 2-pack and 4-pack styles, roughly 1.2 inches long and 0.77 inches wide per piece, about 1.1 ounces per package, installs between bowstring strands.

Pros

• Rated 4.4 stars on Amazon with reviewers specifically noting little to no speed loss
• Stops string oscillation and cuts string noise on hard-shooting setups
• Weatherproof, durable material built for outdoor use
• Low-profile design does not add bulk to the string

Cons

• Requires a bow press or string separator, not a drop-in fix
• One reviewer reported a 4-pack arriving short a piece, worth checking the count on arrival
• Does not address cable noise at all

Skip this if: you do not have access to a bow press or string separator, or you are trying to solve cable noise instead of string noise.

2. LimbSaver Everlast String Leech

The LimbSaver Everlast String Leech is the simpler string-leech alternative from the same manufacturer family, built for both compound and recurve strings. It uses the same NAVCOM material as the Super String Leech but is positioned as an easier day-to-day option rather than a high-poundage specialty part. Even with a simpler installation path, treat this like a tuning change: check that the leech clears cams, cable guard, rest, and sight housing through the shot cycle.

Best for: buyers who want a proven string-leech option with a large review history behind it.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): NAVCOM material, sold as a 4-pack (2-pack also available), about 1.12 ounces per package, designed for compound and recurve bows, bow press or string separator recommended for install.

Pros

• 4.5 stars from 275+ ratings, one of the better-reviewed string leeches on this page
• Works on both compound and recurve strings
• Reduces string oscillation and noise without a specialty press setup
• Sold in weather-resistant material rated for outdoor use

Cons

• Still needs a string separator or press for a clean install, not fully tool-free
• A handful of reviewers report leeches splitting after a season of heavy shooting
• Does not address cable-side noise

Skip this if: your bow already has enough string dampening, or you are trying to fix cable noise instead of string noise.

3. LimbSaver Super Cable Leech

The LimbSaver Super Cable Leech is built specifically for cable noise and cable oscillation, not for bowstring problems. Cable accessories deserve extra care because cable path and timing matter on compound bows. After installation, check for clearance at full draw and during the shot. If you notice new contact, a timing change, or a point-of-impact shift, stop and retune.

Best for: cable vibration or cable noise, including binary cam setups where reviewers specifically report success.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): NAVCOM material, sold as a 4-pack in black, package dimensions around 6 by 4 inches, low-profile design meant to slide onto the cable without added bulk.

Pros

• 4.9 stars on Amazon, the highest-rated product in this lineup
• Reviewers specifically note it works well on binary cam bows
• Low-profile design keeps cable bulk to a minimum
• Quick to install without special tools

Cons

• Only addresses cable noise, it will not quiet a noisy bowstring
• Smaller review count than some of the other picks here, though ratings are consistently high
• Needs to be paired with a string-side product if you have both noise sources

Skip this if: you are not sure whether the sound is coming from the string, the cables, the limb pockets, the rest, or loose hardware. Figure out the source before buying.

4. Pine Ridge Nitro Button

The Pine Ridge Nitro Button is the lightweight string-button option in this guide. It is built to help with nock pinch and minor bow noise while adding very little mass to the string. The advantage of a lighter button is that it should have less impact on speed and tune than heavier accessories, but that does not mean it has no effect. Install carefully, keep the nocking point and serving area clean, and shoot enough arrows to confirm consistency.

Best for: light string-button use and nock-pinch relief where minimal added mass matters.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): about 2.2 grains per button, sold in a pack of 6, cotter pin included, made in the USA, available in multiple colors.

Pros

• Very light, so it has a limited effect on arrow speed and tune
• Pack of 6 gives you spares or extra colors for less than most single-pack accessories
• Quick install with the included cotter pin
• Helps eliminate nock pinch, not just noise

Cons

• Minimal mass means limited noise reduction compared with leeches or whiskers
• Not a cable-specific product
• Smaller review count on this listing than the more established leeches

Skip this if: you need a heavier dampening effect or a dedicated cable product.

5. Pine Ridge Nitro Button XL

The Pine Ridge Nitro Button XL is the heavier button choice in the Nitro Button line. That extra mass can help some setups reduce more noise and vibration, but it also makes the tuning caution more important since more mass on the string can shift point of impact more than a lighter button. Use this when you have a reason to add a heavier string button, not just because it looks more substantial.

Best for: archers who want a heavier string-button option and are prepared to recheck sight marks after install.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): about 19 grains per button, sold in a pack of 2, tool-free install, available in a wide range of colors including olive green and lime green.

Pros

• 4.4 stars from 47+ ratings
• Reviewers report a noticeably quieter shot compared with the standard Nitro Button
• Tool-free setup, no bow press required
• Wide color selection to match string or accessory colors

Cons

• Added mass can shift point of impact, a sight-mark recheck is required
• A few reviewers mention it can slip on certain string diameters
• Not intended for cable noise

Skip this if: you want the smallest possible effect on speed and sight marks.

6. Pine Ridge Wishbone String & Cable Dampener

The Pine Ridge Wishbone String and Cable Dampener is the no-press option in this guide, and it has the largest review base of any product here. It does not require a bow press, so anyone can add a set to their bow without shop access. Clearance still matters, so check it at rest, at full draw, and after the shot. A no-press install is not the same as no tuning responsibility.

Best for: no-press string and cable dampening for archers without a bow press or shop access.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): about 14 grains each, no bow press needed, available in more than a dozen colors plus clear, works on both string and cable.

Pros

• 4.6 stars from over 1,000 ratings, the deepest review history in this guide
• No bow press required, install by hand or with pliers
• Reviewers report a noticeable noise drop on premium bows including Hoyt models
• Manufacturer states it can add speed rather than slow the bow when placed correctly

Cons

• Several reviewers say it is tricky to pull through and install without tearing
• Less integrated-looking than a press-installed leech
• Durability opinions are mixed, with some reviewers reporting it breaking off over time

Skip this if: you want a fully press-installed, integrated string solution instead.

7. Pine Ridge Nitro Whiskers

The Pine Ridge Nitro Whiskers are the classic rubber cat-whisker style silencer in this guide. Unlike a leech or button, whiskers can be tied directly onto the string with serving thread, without a press, or installed between strands during a press session if you prefer a more integrated look. They add color to the string while dampening noise and vibration.

Best for: archers who want the traditional cat-whisker style silencer with flexible tie-on or press-in installation.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): 5-inch whiskers sold in packs of 2, install with or without a bow press, available in many color combinations.

Pros

• 4.5 stars from 336+ ratings
• Can be tied on without a press using serving thread and an overhand knot
• Long-standing design used across recurve, longbow, and compound setups
• Wide color selection for a custom string look

Cons

• Some reviewers report color accuracy does not always match the listing photo
• Whiskers can fray or separate with heavy shooting over time
• Less concealed than a low-profile leech if you want a cleaner look

Skip this if: you want a fully concealed, low-profile dampener rather than visible whiskers on the string.

8. LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener

The LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener addresses a different noise source than everything else on this page: limb rattle and limb vibration on split-limb compound bows and crossbows. If your string and cables are already quiet but you still hear a rattle or feel vibration through the riser, this is the category to look at instead of adding more string accessories.

Best for: split-limb bows and crossbows with limb rattle or vibration, not string or cable noise.

Key specs (from Amazon listing): NAVCOM material, fits about 95% of standard and wide split-limb bows, two orientation options for wide- or narrow-spaced limbs, sold as a pack of 2, each piece measures roughly 1.47 by 1.89 by 1.41 inches.

Pros

• 4.7 stars from 1,260+ ratings, the most-reviewed product in this guide
• Reviewers report a real drop in limb vibration and noise, including on crossbows
• Fast install, often under a minute per side
• Two orientation options cover most split-limb spacing

Cons

• Does not address string or cable noise on its own
• A few reviewers say the noise cut was smaller than expected on already-quiet bows
• Only fits split-limb designs, not solid-limb bows

Skip this if: your noise is coming from the string or cables rather than the limbs, or your bow has solid limbs.

Buying Guide

Types of String Silencers and Dampeners

There are four common categories covered in this guide. String leeches sit between the bowstring strands or clamp around the string and target string oscillation directly. Cat-whisker style silencers are rubber strands tied or pressed onto the string, offering a traditional look with flexible install options. String buttons are small, low-mass accessories mounted at a specific point on the string, mainly aimed at nock pinch with a secondary noise benefit. Limb dampeners mount on the limbs themselves and target rattle and vibration that has nothing to do with the string or cable at all. Identify which noise source you are dealing with before choosing a category.

How Installation Affects Speed and Tuning

Press-installed silencers can sit cleanly between string strands, but they require a bow press and proper string knowledge. No-press options are easier for most archers to install at home, but they still add mass to the string or cable, which can affect arrow speed and point of impact. Heavier accessories, like the Nitro Button XL compared with the standard Nitro Button, tend to have a larger effect on tune. After any install, shoot a few ends, check your groups, and confirm your sight marks are still accurate before you hunt with the setup.

How Many Silencers Should You Use

More accessories are not automatically better. Too much mass on the string or cables can reduce speed, shift point of impact, affect cam timing, or create new contact points with the rest, cable guard, or riser. Start with one change at a time: address the loudest noise source first, shoot it, and only add a second accessory if the bow is still noisier than you want. Stacking a string leech, a button, and whiskers all at once makes it hard to know which change caused any shift in your tune.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do string silencers make a compound bow quieter?
A: They can reduce string or cable noise when the accessory matches the problem. They will not fix every noise source, especially loose hardware, quiver rattle, rest contact, or limb rattle from split-limb bows.

Q: Will string silencers slow my bow down?
A: Any added string or cable mass can affect speed. The amount depends on accessory weight, placement, and bow setup. Recheck sight marks after installation.

Q: Do I need a bow press to install a string leech?
A: Some string leeches, including the LimbSaver Super String Leech, require a bow press or string separator for a clean install. No-press options like the Pine Ridge Wishbone Dampener are designed to skip that step, though a string separator can still make installation easier.

Q: What is the difference between a string leech and cat whiskers?
A: A string leech is a molded piece that sits between bowstring strands or clamps around the string to absorb vibration. Cat whiskers are thin rubber strands tied or pressed onto the string, offering similar noise reduction with a more traditional look and, in many cases, easier tie-on installation.

Q: How many string silencers should I install on one bow?
A: Start with one accessory targeted at the loudest noise source, shoot it, and only add more if the bow is still noisier than you want. Installing several accessories at once makes it hard to know which one changed your tune.

Q: Do cable dampeners work differently than string silencers?
A: Yes. Cable dampeners like the LimbSaver Super Cable Leech are built to reduce cable oscillation specifically, while string leeches, buttons, and whiskers target bowstring noise. They are not interchangeable, and using the wrong one for your noise source will not solve the problem.

Q: Can string silencers fix all bow noise?
A: No. String and cable accessories will not quiet noise from loose hardware, a rattling quiver, rest contact, or limb vibration. Limb dampeners like the LimbSaver SuperQuad address limb-specific rattle, which is a separate problem from string or cable noise.

Final Recommendation

Start by identifying where the noise is actually coming from. If it is the bowstring and you have access to a bow press, the LimbSaver Super String Leech is the more integrated fix, with the Everlast String Leech as a well-reviewed alternative. If the cable is the culprit, the LimbSaver Super Cable Leech is built for that job specifically and should not be swapped for a string product. If you want a no-press option that handles both string and cable, the Pine Ridge Wishbone Dampener has the deepest review history in this guide. For light nock-pinch tuning, look at the Pine Ridge Nitro Button, and step up to the Nitro Button XL if you want more noise reduction and are prepared to retune. If you like the traditional look, the Pine Ridge Nitro Whiskers give you a tie-on cat-whisker option. Finally, if your string and cables are already quiet but the limbs still rattle, the LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener addresses that separately. Whatever you choose, install one change at a time and recheck your tune before hunting with it.