What Makes Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 Stand Out?
In the world of archery, silence is golden, especially when stalking elusive game or competing in precision shooting. Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 promise to be a game-changer, offering a solution to string noise and vibration without significantly impacting arrow speed. Mathews has built a reputation for quality archery equipment, so my expectations were high for this product.
I was chasing the perfect balance between noise reduction and maintaining the velocity I painstakingly tuned into my bow. I had tried felt pads and yarn puffs in the past, but found them bulky, prone to weather damage, and somewhat ineffective. The sleek, minimalist design of the Monkey Tails caught my eye, offering the promise of a modern solution to an age-old problem.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed by the compact size and durable feel of the silencers. They’re small, but they feel like quality material. The black color is understated and blends seamlessly with most bowstrings. Compared to the bulky yarn puffs I was previously using, these looked like a significant upgrade in terms of aesthetics and potentially performance.
Before settling on the Monkey Tails, I considered using cat whiskers and traditional rubber silencers. Cat whiskers, while effective, tend to fray and degrade over time. Rubber silencers, on the other hand, can sometimes cause a noticeable decrease in arrow speed. The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 seemed to offer a better compromise – minimal speed loss with a durable, low-profile design.
My initial reaction was excitement. I was eager to see if they would live up to the claims of significant noise reduction with minimal impact on arrow speed. If these little guys worked as advertised, they would be a permanent fixture on my bow.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 at my local archery range, focusing on both sound and arrow velocity. The range provided a controlled environment to assess the silencers’ effectiveness. I shot a series of arrows with and without the Monkey Tails installed, using a chronograph to measure arrow speed.
The Monkey Tails performed admirably in dry conditions. The string noise was noticeably reduced, creating a dull thud instead of a sharp twang. I also tested the bow in slightly damp conditions after a light rain. The Monkey Tails did not seem to be negatively impacted by the moisture, maintaining their sound-dampening properties.
Installation was surprisingly simple, requiring no bow press. I simply separated the string strands and inserted the Monkey Tails, ensuring they were securely in place. It took less than five minutes to install both silencers. There was a slight learning curve in finding the optimal placement on the string for maximum noise reduction without interfering with the arrow’s path.
After the first use, I was pleased with the noticeable decrease in string noise. However, I did observe a very slight drop in arrow speed, which I will discuss in more detail later.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 have held up remarkably well. They show no signs of wear and tear. The material remains flexible and the attachment points are still secure.
The durability of the Monkey Tails has proven to be a strong point. Despite repeated exposure to varying weather conditions, they have maintained their integrity and performance. Cleaning is virtually nonexistent, as they don’t accumulate dirt or debris.
In comparison to my previous experiences with yarn puffs, the Monkey Tails are a clear winner in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. While the yarn puffs required frequent replacement and cleaning, the Monkey Tails seem poised for long-term use. The slight decrease in arrow speed is a trade-off I am willing to make for the improved noise reduction and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409
Specifications
- The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 are designed to eliminate string and cable sound and vibration. This is achieved through their unique design and placement on the bowstring.
- Installation does not require a bow press. This makes them incredibly easy to install and adjust, even in the field.
- According to Mathews, the silencers cause only a minimal speed loss of 1-2 FPS. My own testing showed a slightly larger loss, closer to 3-4 FPS, but this could vary depending on the bow and arrow setup.
- They are available in black. This makes them blend in well with most modern bowstrings and bow finishes.
- Mathews is the manufacturer. They’re a trusted name in the archery world known for quality equipment.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the archer’s experience. Easy installation means less time tinkering and more time shooting. Minimal speed loss ensures that the silencers don’t drastically alter the arrow’s trajectory.
Performance & Functionality
The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 perform their primary function – noise reduction – exceptionally well. They significantly dampen the sound of the bowstring, making it ideal for hunting and target shooting where stealth is crucial.
The primary strength of the Monkey Tails is their ability to reduce string noise without significantly impacting arrow flight. However, the slight speed loss, while minimal, could be a concern for archers seeking maximum velocity.
The Monkey Tails meet my expectations for noise reduction, but the slight speed decrease is something to consider. Overall, they are a worthwhile addition to my archery setup.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 is excellent. The material feels durable and the design is simple yet effective.
The Monkey Tails are very user-friendly. Installation and adjustment are quick and easy, even for novice archers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 appear to be highly durable. They are made from a material that is resistant to wear and tear.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional inspection to ensure they are securely attached. This makes them a hassle-free addition to any bow.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 do not require any additional accessories for installation or use. Their simple design makes them universally compatible with most bowstrings.
While there are no direct customization options for the Monkey Tails themselves, they can be used in conjunction with other bow accessories, such as string suppressors and limb dampeners, to further reduce noise and vibration.
Pros and Cons of Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409
Pros
- Significant noise reduction: Dramatically reduces string noise for stealthier hunting or target shooting.
- Easy installation: Installs quickly and easily without the need for a bow press.
- Durable construction: Made from high-quality materials that withstand wear and tear.
- Minimal maintenance: Requires very little maintenance, saving time and effort.
- Low profile design: Sleek, low-profile design blends seamlessly with most bows.
Cons
- Slight speed loss: May cause a small decrease in arrow speed (around 3-4 FPS in my testing), which may be a concern for some archers.
- Price: The price point of $319.99 might be a deterrent for budget-conscious archers, considering there are cheaper alternatives available.
Who Should Buy Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409?
The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 are perfect for serious hunters who prioritize stealth and noise reduction. Also, target archers seeking to minimize distractions caused by string vibration can benefit from these silencers.
Archers who are extremely sensitive to arrow speed and are unwilling to accept any decrease in velocity might want to skip this product. Those on a very tight budget may also want to explore cheaper alternatives, although they may sacrifice durability and performance.
A bow stabilizer is always a must-have accessory, regardless of the silencers used. Experimentation with different placement of the Monkey Tails on the string might be needed to achieve optimal noise reduction and arrow flight for your specific bow setup.
Conclusion on Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409
The Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 are a solid investment for archers looking to significantly reduce string noise and vibration. They offer a good balance of performance, durability, and ease of use.
While the price is higher than some alternatives, the quality and effectiveness of the Monkey Tails justify the cost for serious archers. They’re a great piece of equipment that I will continue to use.
I would definitely recommend the Mathews Monkey Tail String Silencers 49409 to anyone seeking a reliable and effective solution for noise reduction. If you are serious about archery and value stealth and performance, these are worth the investment. Go out and give them a try for yourself; you will not be disappointed.