AeroBump™

What do string stops look like today? In terms of material, a good string stop involves some light weight structural material connected to a piece of rubber. Examples of that “lightweight structural material” include a bent rod made of aluminum or a straight rod or tube made of graphite or carbon. And, finally, usually, those rods/tubes are attached to one’s bow by one or multiple set screws.  For the AeroBump however, we take all of those notions and flip them on their heads.

Now that we know what string stops are usually like, its important to understand that the main problem that arises with traditional string stops can be described in one word: vibration. The cause of this problem however, is multi-faceted. The table below attempts to organize how and why vibration is precipitated and how the AeroBump can alleviate or even completely eliminate that vibration. US Patent: 10,215,521

 

Problem   Solution(s)
Material

Aluminum, graphite, and carbon, the most common materials used to make a string stop, all have a high vibrational energy transmission rate. This means that during launch, most excess energy will be transferred right back to your riser.

 

The Z-bar of AeroBump is made entirely of a solid, machined piece of titanium. For titanium, unlike any other regularly available materials, actually consumes instead of transfers energy.

Shape

The bent or straight shape of most string stop bars do little to nothing to mitigate the vibrational energy output of the string stop to the bow.

 

Vibration, like sound, travels in a linear fashion. Our Z-bar is designed, as its name suggests, in a patented “Z” shape, with double 91 degree turns, to reduce any residual vibrational energy that travels down the titanium. Further this unique shape also allows the rubber bumper to be closer to the center of the bow, where there is the highest magnitude of play.

Note: It is crucial for the AeroBump to be swung towards the true center of the bowstring to be most effective. Further, the bumper itself can and should be rotated to accommodate for the minor offset from the bowstring’s vertical center as well.

Length

There is no universal string stop attachment location. Manufacturer to manufacturer, even bow to bow, anchor points can be anywhere, requiring different lengths of string stops. Without an ensured contact point, vibration cannot be managed.

 

The AeroBump’s Z-bar is available in four sizes: 3.5" - 4", 5" - 5.5", 6.5" - 7”, and 8.0”-8.5”. To clarify, these sizes are ranges because the Z-bars, ultimately, will be threaded inside the riser as well as inside the bumper. Further, as aforementioned, the Z-bar is made of titanium. Specifically, GR2 Titanium, which has the same relative softness as brass and therefore allows for further length modifications. The provided GR5 Titanium sloped nut should cover any exposed threads to give the system a finished look.

Installation

The fasteners used to unite the rod/tube of the string stop with your bow amplify the vibrational energy output because they act like a stylus or focal point for energy to build.

 

All AeroBump Z-bars are machined with 5/16"-24 threads, removing the necessity for any fasteners.  For bows with a 3/8" straight hole, we offer an aluminum collar adaptor for a clean connection.

Adaptability

Bow risers do not all have 5/16”-24 threaded holes. In some cases, there are even no threads at all.

 

Although the AeroBump series is recommended for use without fasteners, two adaptors are available to suit such cases. The custom GR5 Titanium bow riser threaded insert, for example, has an 7/16” OD and a 5/16” ID. This insert can be machined into the bow riser for a clean connection. The custom 3/8” aluminum collar, on the other hand, does not involve machining and can be added to the Z-bar for use with set screws then cut to a specific, desired length.