Stabilizer Opinions...

[archery288]

I have been trying to put together an article on stabilizers and I'd like to hear some of your opinions on which stabilizers you like; why or why not, and your likes and dislikes of the one you have or some you have tried...  Or if you feel the need for one at all?  As some of you may know, some stabilizers are made for balance, others noise and vibration reduction, and some just for looks (well to an extent)!!    Let's hear your thoughts..

[DeKuma]

I have tried a few and settled on the Trophy Ridge Exchanger.  I like that I can adjust the length and thereby the balance depending on the situation.  For spots, I pull it all the way out for more balance as it is 10", for hunting, a push it in a bit so it does not hang so far off the bow, yet still provides balance.  It seems okay for suppression.

Have use the Limsaver mdular, which is nice for adding weight, but the modules themselves are heavy and I could not find the right mix of weight and balance.  The limsave S-Coil is great for vibe, but did not add anything for balance.

[bankwalker]

the main thing about a stabilizer is to make sure it balances out the bow BUT you do not want it to be to short. the longer you can get away with the better you are. you want to it counter-act the motion of the bow NOT just balance out the bow.

i went through 7 or 8 different ones before i finally found out that just because a short stabilizer balances out my bow doesnt mean it will make my shots better. imo a 10" stabilizer is about perfect. it cuts down the motion of the bow alot and you just gotta find one that you can adjust the wieght at the end to make it work for you and your bow.

[NoBark]

I prefer the light ones.

I use my more for shock/vibration than having a nice 'flop-over' on the followthru.


Course, I'm getting old and so I really like 'light' when out out hunting all day.


Small Sims stuff fits the bill

[PolarBear]

I personally think that there is too much hype to the whole stabilizer thing.  I've tried a bunch of them and like the one that I made myself the best.  Here is my "hillbilly" stabilizer made by welding a bolt to an implement hitch pin.  Really redneck but it works very well.



I have made several for my hunting buddies and they also prefer them, plus you can't beat the price.

[EastWaViking]

cool home made stabilizer! 
I have used Doinkers and the Sims modular stabilizers and I really like
the sims. It is short, but adds weight and vibration reduction.

[Bscman]

POSTEN!
www.jimposten.com

The woodsman I with a carbon insert, or his slim-jimz series ROCKS.
He makes some very fine stabilizers.
The best around, IMHO.

The B-stinger gets a TON of good reviews as well.
http://stores.b-stinger.com/StoreFront.bok
I've never tried it (ugly and spendy) but it's got a huge following.

You really notice the difference with a QUALITY stabilizer.
Those who think they are over-rated are usually the ones that haven't used a quality stabilizer.

No, the "S-Coil" from limbsaver does NOT qualify as a stabilizer!...

You want LENGTH--which is why pro target shooters use 30"+ stabilizers.
You want the weight concentrated at the END...something most of these inexpensive, shorter stabilizers don't offer.
You want ADJUSTABLE, so you can add or subtract weight to get the balance and effect you desire.
Go walk the isles or sportsman's or cabelas and you won't find many that meet all the above...and that's probably why people think they don't work--they've never tried a "real" stabilizer.

I don't find that 10-12" gets in the way while hunting.
Heck, most of the time I have an arrow knocked and resting in my W/B...it hangs out several inches further than most stabs, so I don't lose any real manueverability.

Just my 

[PolarBear]

I think that a lot of it has to do with the individual shooter and personal preference.  I have shot some of those so called "real" stabilizers and wasn't impressed.  I know too many folks who are all wrapped up in the "latest and greatest" bows and accessories and (from personal experience) can't out shoot some of us who have been shooting plain Jane stuff for 30 years.  I don't like the longer stabilizers due to the very thick brush I hunt.  I figure if I am not shooting competition and still can put 5 arrows in a 2" circle (with broadheads) at 50 yards, I must be doing something right with my equipment.  Too many folks blame their equipment instead of their own form and discipline.

[Bscman]

I agree that form and discipline are far more important than equipment.
...but you can't argue that a good stabilizer is useless.
After all, you still have one on your own bow.
Ya just gotta find what works for you. Personally, I've found the longer truly does improve consistency...and can also be lighter overall and get the same/better effect than a shorter, heavier unit.

IF they didn't work, then we wouldn't see all those olympic shooters using main stabilizers of 29-36", and bottom or rear stabilizers of 12-15" (X or Y pattern).


BTW, congrats on your 2" groups @ 50yds. Must get expensive ruining 3 or 4 arrows per group with those blades!
Best I can do is ~4" ! 50yds with field tips with my old bow (PSE Nova @ 190fps)

[PolarBear]

I never said that they are useless for one thing and b I believe that they have their place in competiton shooting but not as important for short range hunting.   I see these guys out in the woods with yard stick stabilizers who wont go into the brush. I want my gear to be as compact and functional as possible.  Most of my shots are under 30 yards ( more like 15-20) so an axe handle length stabilizer is plain over kill for me.  I guess if someone is roadhunting or hunting wide open range and is prone to take 50+ yard shots a totally balanced bow would be in order.   I dont tear up any arrows because I have 5 different 2" spots to shoot at and will only take a single shot at each, otherwise it would get really expensive. (common sense)  Bottom line, it all comes down to a well tuned bow, proper and consistent form and most importantly... Practice!  By the way, I practice out to 100+ yards with my hillbilly stabilizer and still can out shoot most folks shooting 40-60 yards.

[boneaddict]

I don't use them, obviously not the Trad bow, but not on the compound either.  Just adds weight.  Maybe I am old fashioned.  ANything that hinders my progress throught he woods in any shape or fashion, I don't want it.  Thats just me though.  I guess I learned to shoot without one.