| EVALUATION: SIMS Vibration
Laboratories Products
by Dave Conrad
I remember my first occurrence of the dreaded deer ducking the arrow. I was situated on the edge of a pine thicket overlooking a hay field on a cool October evening. It was just getting into that magical moment just before dark when trophies make their presence known. Now he was no giant but a good respectable Pope and Young buck. My movements went into autopilot as I came to full draw. I remember thinking, “it is now or never”, as he stopped with his front leg forward exposing his vitals. It was a medium range shot of maybe 25 yards. As I released the arrow I clearly remember watching its path. As the arrow flew over his back I was dumbfounded and could only think, “How did he do that?” How did he manage to drop a full body’s length by the time my arrow had arrived? How was he alerted to my presence? Well, I know today that if I would have had my bow equipped with SIMS Limb Saver products perhaps that buck would be adorning one of the walls of my den. The pioneer in vibration and noise suppressant technology, SIMS is the clear leader in this field. The secret behind many of their products is their revolutionary and proprietary NAVCOM (Noise and Vibration Control Material) material. Tests have shown that the latest products reduce shock and vibration by a MINIMUM of 80% and noise by as much as 20db. New for 2004 is the redeveloped LimbSaver called the Ultra.
Installation is very easy with both products. For solid limbs you simply peel off the adhesive label and press the LimbSaver firmly and directly onto the inside face of each limb. The split limb model is attached using an Allen or Hex screw. Position the Hex screw mounting bracket on the outside of the limb and tighten firmly. For best results I recommend placing either style device within the first two inches of the limb directly below the cam. You can definitely feel the difference in hand shock and noise.
The String Leeches are simple to install and should take less time than shooting a couple rounds on the indoor range. Equally divide the strands of the bowstring and slip the Leech in until the string is positioned in the groove between the two sets of centering nubs or bumps. You may need a bow press but I have found I can usually install with my fingers or by utilizing a string spreading device. Carefully position the Leeches on the string by moving (not sliding) to the desired location. Sliding the Leeches may cause the string to cut or tear them. When satisfied simply serve into place. When attached to my bow string I was jubilant on the total deafening effect they had on that annoying “string twang”. The only blemish I see with the product is inspecting every 5 to 20 shots is recommended. I am more apt to check after every shoot or practice outing.
Upon installation the devices main objective is to effectively reduce bow jump in addition to the shock and vibration mentioned earlier. I however found the devices, although effective, to be a little on the heavy side at around a pound total weight. The overall weight of the Xtreme system seems to “outweigh” the benefits. Besides with Limbsavers and String Leeches applied you pretty much alleviate most of the vibration and noise already. SIMS Accessories I am familiar with but were not evaluated SIMS also offers a number of other archery product which also help in reducing vibration or aid in bow handling. Mini and Accessory Limb Savers address the vibration problems linked with integral bow components such as sights and quivers. They are manufactured from the same NAVCOM material and reduce noise and vibration by as much as 12dB and 65% respectively.
Conclusion
Design 4.0 of 5
Quality 4.5 of 5
For information on these and other products
contact:
Email: sales@limbsaver.com
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“Silence
is golden!” This could be no truer than when releasing the string
on a trophy whitetail, ‘cause we have all been there.
String
Leeches have become the norm for silencing string oscillation causing
that unmistaken twang as you release the string. The Leeches are
served onto the bowstring about three inches down from the cam. The
reverse swept arms remind me of a starfishes two arms pointing in opposite
directions. The midsection over previous years models have been elongated
to not only cover more surface area but to aid in strength.
Xtreme
Limb Savers are classified as the ultimate shock and vibration dampening
device. The two 2” inch diameter devices attach directly to the limb
bolts of your bow. The Xtreme device does require a bow press or
installation at your local Pro Shop.
Continuing
within the quiver, new for this year, SVL has developed Quiver Inserts.
The NAVCOM Quiver Inserts fit into the hood and cut down on noise, vibration
and extends the life of your quiver. No more replacing foam like
material broadhead covers within the head of the quiver. The material
is flexible and will not dull broadheads the way typical foam inserts will.
If
comfort during cold weather is a concern you may want to try the Insulator
Wrap. The insulating node design aids in comfort by keeping the
grip warm as well as reducing hand fatigue.
Or
if you don’t want to affect the size of your grip try the Insulator
Strip. A friend of mine has one on his bow. This
narrow strip of NAVCOM attaches directly to the riser and keeps the finger
tips insulated. I like the fact that I can place my fingertips against
the strip to aid in balance in an open handle design. I find it also
aids in hand placement from shot to shot. Before this season rolls
around I may have to pick one of these up.