How Loud are Crossbows? Tips To Make It Quieter
If you’re considering purchasing a crossbow, you may have some concerns about the noise level of the weapon.
How loud are crossbows?
It’s a valid question, as the sound of a crossbow can make or break your hunting trip. The loudness of a crossbow can affect your accuracy, as well as your ability to remain undetected by your prey.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the noise level of a crossbow, and provide some tips on how to choose a quieter one. Let’s dive in!
How loud are crossbows?
Crossbows can produce noise levels that can vary widely depending on several factors.
A crossbow’s noise level can be measured in decibels (dB), with a higher dB indicating a louder noise. The typical noise level for a crossbow is around 80-90 dB, which is roughly equivalent to the sound of busy traffic on a highway.
However, some crossbows can produce sounds as loud as 100 or 120 dB or more, which can be even louder than a chainsaw.
Let me give you some real-world examples of sounds that fall within the range of 80-100 decibels so that you can get an idea of sound volume that a crossbow produces:-
- Busy traffic on a highway: 80-90 decibels
- Motorcycles or lawnmowers: 90-100 decibels
- Concerts or music festivals: 100+ decibels
- Power tools such as drills or chainsaws: 90-110 decibels
- Emergency sirens or alarms: 110+ decibels
The sound produced by a crossbow isn’t typically loud enough to cause harm to your ears, but it is often loud enough to startle and alert your intended target, causing them to flee before the arrow reaches them.
One of the main sources of noise in a crossbow is the release of the bowstring.
When the bowstring is released, it produces a loud “snap” or “pop” that can be heard at a significant distance.
Other factors that can contribute to crossbow noise include the weight and design of the crossbow, the arrow speed, and the type of arrow being used.
It is important to note that the noise level of a crossbow can also depend on the shooter’s skill level.
An inexperienced shooter may produce more noise when firing a crossbow than a skilled and experienced shooter who knows how to properly handle and shoot the weapon.
The noise level of a crossbow is an important consideration for hunters and shooters, as it can affect their ability to remain undetected and can alert game animals to their presence.
To address this issue, crossbow manufacturers have developed various methods to reduce the noise level of their products, which we will discuss in the next section.
Factors Affecting Crossbow Noise Level
Crossbow noise level is influenced by several factors, including:
Draw weight: The higher the draw weight of a crossbow, the more energy it requires to fire an arrow, and the more noise it generates. Therefore, crossbows with lower draw weights tend to be quieter than those with higher draw weights.
Arrow weight: The weight of the arrow can also affect the noise level of a crossbow. Heavier arrows tend to produce less noise compared to lighter ones since they absorb more energy upon release.
Bowstring and cables: The quality of the bowstring and cables can affect the noise level of a crossbow. Strings and cables made of high-quality materials tend to produce less noise than those made of low-quality materials.
Limb quality: The quality of the limbs also plays a role in the noise level of a crossbow. High-quality limbs tend to produce less noise compared to low-quality ones.
Brace height: The brace height is the distance between the bowstring and the grip of the crossbow. Crossbows with higher brace heights tend to be quieter than those with lower brace heights.
Crossbow design: The design of a crossbow can also influence its noise level. For example, crossbows with longer power strokes tend to generate more noise than those with shorter power strokes.
Check: Reverse-Draw Crossbow vs Regular Crossbow
How to Choose a Quieter Crossbow
When choosing a crossbow, there are several factors to consider if you want to minimize the noise it produces. Here are some tips on how to choose a quieter crossbow:
Consider the Limbs
The limbs of a crossbow are responsible for generating the force that propels the arrow. They also create a lot of noise when they snap back into place after a shot.
Therefore, you should look for crossbows with limbs made from noise-reducing materials, such as carbon fiber or laminated wood.
Pay Attention to the String
The string of a crossbow is another component that generates noise when it snaps back into place.
You can reduce the noise by using a crossbow with a string made from noise-reducing materials, such as braided synthetic materials like Dacron or Fast Flight. Also, keep the string properly maintained.
Look for a Dampening System
A dampening system is a component that is added to the crossbow to reduce noise and vibration.
It typically consists of rubber or other materials that absorb the energy generated during the shot.
Some crossbows come with a dampening system built-in, while others may require you to purchase and install one separately.
Check the Weight
A heavier crossbow will generally be quieter than a lighter one. This is because the extra weight absorbs some of the vibrations generated during the shot.
However, keep in mind that a heavier crossbow may be more difficult to carry and maneuver in the field.
Consider the Brand
Some crossbow brands are known for producing quieter models than others.
Do your research and read reviews from other hunters to find out which brands are the best when it comes to minimizing noise.
In short, a crossbow can be a great hunting tool, but it can also be loud and noisy. By considering the limbs, string, dampening system, weight, and brand of a crossbow, you can choose a quieter model that will not scare away your game.
Remember, a quieter crossbow not only benefits you as the hunter but also shows respect for the animals you are hunting.
Some Quieter Crossbows In The Market
Let me choose some quietest crossbows in the market for you and elaborate why they are a good choice:-
- TenPoint Vapor RS470: This crossbow features a range of noise reduction technologies, including an integrated string stop system and a sound-dampening system. It is known for its quietness and accuracy.
- TenPoint Siege RS410 Crossbow: The TenPoint Siege RS410 crossbow is designed to be very quiet due to several features including the ACUslide cocking system, Vector Quad Cable System, parallel limb technology, Quiet-Range scope, and integrated string stop system. These features work together to reduce noise and vibration during the shot, making the TenPoint Siege RS410 crossbow one of the quietest crossbows available.
- Ravin R20 Sniper Package: The Ravin R20 comes equipped with an anti-dry fire system and noise dampeners, making it a relatively quiet option. It is also known for its high accuracy.
- Excalibur Micro Suppressor: This crossbow boasts a built-in sound suppression system that makes it one of the quietest crossbows on the market. It also has a compact design, making it easy to maneuver.
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR: The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR has a step-through riser design that helps to reduce noise and vibration. It also comes with a string-dampening system, making it a relatively quiet option.
- Wicked Ridge RDX 400: This crossbow features a reverse-draw design that helps to reduce noise and vibration. It also has an integrated string suppressor system and a noise-dampening rubber-coated foot stirrup, making it a quiet and accurate option.
Can You Make the Crossbow Quieter?
Many of you have purchased crossbow already. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the noise and vibration created by your crossbow.
Let me tell you how:
Use a Dampening System:
Install a dampening system on your crossbow to reduce noise and vibration during the shot. Dampening systems can include limb dampeners, string suppressors, and cable dampeners.
Choose the Right Arrow:
Select arrows that are properly matched to your crossbow’s draw weight and length. This can help reduce the amount of noise created when the arrow is released from the crossbow.
Adjust Your Crossbow’s Brace Height:
A shorter brace height can create more noise and vibration, while a longer brace height can reduce it. Check your crossbow’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the brace height.
Use a Crossbow Silencing Kit:
Consider purchasing a crossbow silencing kit that includes various components such as limb dampeners, string suppressors, and cable slides that are specifically designed to reduce noise and vibration.
Moreover, To reduce the noise and vibration produced by a crossbow, adding rubber to the strings, also known as damping, is a common method used.
Dampeners are archery accessories that reduce the vibration of strings and the sound that comes out with the shot.
However, adding too much rubber can reduce the power output behind the shot. It’s important to find the right balance between noise reduction and power output to ensure an effective shot.
Get High-Quality Crossbow:
Getting a high-quality crossbow can lead to quieter operation for several reasons.
High-quality crossbows often feature advanced technology and design, such as parallel limb technology, reverse draw designs, and vibration dampening systems, which work together to reduce noise and vibration during the shot.
Secondly, high-quality crossbows are often made with better materials and construction, which can lead to a more consistent and stable shot.
Also, high-quality crossbows often come with better quality accessories, such as noise-reducing scopes, limb dampeners, and string suppressors, which can further reduce noise and vibration during the shot.
Check for Loose Components & Lube Properly
Make sure that all components on your crossbow are tightened and secure. Loose components can rattle and create noise during the shot.
Regularly tightening the fasteners can reduce the vibration and noise produced by your crossbow. It’s important to keep an eye on the tightness of the fasteners over time, as vibrations can cause them to loosen and create more noise.
Quiver brackets, scope mounts, and rails can become loose frequently, causing a disturbance during the shooting process.
Applying a small amount of blue Loctite can go a long way in keeping these components securely fastened, reducing the chances of them coming loose and creating noise.
Also, One effective way to make a crossbow quieter is to apply lubricant to the rail. Doing so can help to deaden the contact noise between the bolt and the crossbow, reducing the amount
Shoot from a Stable Surface:
Shooting from a stable surface, such as a shooting rest, can reduce the amount of movement and vibration created during the shot, which can help reduce noise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crossbows can be quite loud, with an average noise level of around 80-110 dB.
However, there are several factors that can affect the noise level of a crossbow, including the type of limb, power stroke, arrow weight, and broadheads vs target tips.
When choosing a crossbow, consider these factors and look for models that offer noise-reducing features such as built-in dampening systems or accessories.
With the right choice, you can enjoy the power and accuracy of a crossbow without disturbing the peace and quiet of your surroundings.
