More Forgiving Because Of Longer Axle To Axle Length?

Bob Arnold, Shreve, OH: "I'm looking at the Hoyt Vtec and the Mathew Switchback.I have a 30-inch draw length. Do you think the Vtec would be a little more forgiving because of its longer axle to axle length?"

Either bow you mention would be a good choice. In fact, I shoot a 30-inch draw and have been enjoying shooting both bows. I shoot the Switchback with no problems. I'm assuming you are shooting with a mechanical release, correct? If so, you won't have a problem. If you're shooting with fingers the Vtec would be a better choice of the two but other models, such as the ProTec would be better yet.

With a 30-inch draw and today's short axle-to-axle bows, your concerns are valid but if you are choosing between those two models you can't go wrong. The Vtec would be slightly more forgiving while the Switchback would be a bit faster. Your best bet would be to go to a pro shop and shoot both models. I guarantee one of them will jump out and make the decision for you. Good luck.

Recommended Arrow Manufacturers

Chuck Noffke, Neenah, WI: "I'm looking to buy some new arrows. Can you tell me which one out of these 3 manufacturers you would recommend? (1) Easton Axis Obsession (2) Gold Tip Pro Hunter (3) Carbon Express CX."

Those are all excellent arrow manufacturers. I've not shot the Gold Tips much but I've used the Easton Axis arrows for the past year, including a trip to Africa. They performed perfectly as I completely penetrated six of seven big game animals. I hit bone then heart on a gemsbok and he carried the arrow only 40 yards before expiring.

I didn't start shooting carbon arrows until they made them heavier than the aluminum arrows I was shooting. The first carbons were too light and didn't generate enough kinetic energy.

I also shot the Carbon Express Terminator Selects for several years and they were great. They were heavy, durable, straight and drove my broadheads deep without fail. If you plan to hunt from treestands for whitetails the larger Carbon Express Shafts will present fewer problems. The Axis arrows, with the thinner profile, are better for hunting in open terrain where the wind is a factor. You may have some match-up problems with some broadheads when using the Axis shafts because of the Hidden Insert System, but those problems are being overcome by both the broadhead manufacturers and Easton with some bushings.

In summary, I don't think one shaft is better than the next. You could compare price and that could be a factor, but which ever shaft you choose it'll be a good one. Take care and good luck.

Best String Silencer?

Art Forgione, Willow Gove, PA: "What is the best string silencer on the market? I'm looking at installing the TRU Spider String Silencer."

It's difficult to say which string silencer is "best" without having a decibel meter to see which is most effective in deadening string twang. Even then it would differ from set-up to set-up. The TRU Spider String Silencer should be a good one as long as it holds up to multiple shots.

The best silencers won't collect and hold moisture (the old yard silencers were bad for that) and they'll stay in your string over the course of the hunting season without coming apart. They take considerable abuse, particularly if you shoot a lot, so durability is also a quality to look for.

The best way to quiet a bow down is to shoot heavier arrows. If your set-up is one built for speed, a bow with a low brace height and light arrows, you'll need some quality string silencers. Other choices include the Sims LimbSaver String Leeches and the Martin Speed Lizard. Your choice is also a good one and if you go to the TRU Spider Speed Silencer you won't lose arrow speed because it incorporates speed balls which help reduce the loss of speed experienced with most silencers. Hope this helps and good luck.

Difference Between Split And Solid Limbs

Ronnie Payne, Washington, DC: "There are so many bows to choose from, can you tell me the difference in shooting a split limb and a solid limb bow."

For the most part, the difference between split and solid limbs comes down to aesthetics. The split limbs may be somewhat lighter because there is less limb material but that difference is negligible. That said, there really isn't a negative with either style. The split limbs of the Hoyt bows have proven reliable and efficient so there is no real concern there. Every bow company will experience an occasional limb failure but those are not unique to any particular design.

In summary, choose a bow based on how it feels in your hand, how it draws and shoots and how it looks. No one likes a bow they consider ugly so choose your favorite and enjoy shooting and bowhunting. Good luck.