Stabilizers...

[cflhunter]

Just wanted to get some insight regarding stabilizers. I understand what a stabilizer is designed to do for the bowhunter. However, with so many shapes, lengths, and weights, how do you know what will work best for you? I currently have a an older model Trophy Ridge stabilizer on my Fred Bear Instinct. It's roughly 6 inches or so in length and I'm unsure of the weight. It came with the Primos package so I've never tried anything else.

I've seen some Doinker models that are only 3 inches in length. Anyway, I'm sure everyone can relate this question. Any guidelines that I can follow or is it simply a trial and error (what works for you)process?

Thanks!

[Leo]

Guys who shoot competition typically like a stabilizer that will cause the bow to tip forward on release. They depend on the wrist strap to catch the bow.

For hunting I much prefer a bow that is more balanced. IE. It sits in your hand level without touching the bow string.

I like this because the bow tipping forward in a treestand or blind is an unpredictable thing. It's seems to always hit something.

You can go to the hardware store get a spacer nut and set screw to adjust the distance on your stabilizer to get the balance right

[hutchies]

It's all trial and error. Target archers will tell you though that you want the weight out on the end of the stabilizer as much as possible. It helps to steady the bow. If the weight is all right base of the stabilizer it is defeating the whole purpose. This is the reason so many people shoot the Doinkers, Postens, and B stinger stabilizers.

[Guest ohbowhntr]

Most of the "so-called stabilizers" function far more as noise suppressors than true stabilizers. I have a few, and the one that I've found that does a nice combination of both is actually under $10 at my local. Eastman Outfitters Carbon Rod Stab is what I have on my Trykon, and it's actually better than Sims or NAP Shockblocker, and only $7.95 at my local pro-shop.

[cflhunter]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to check that one out!

[Turkeygirl]

I have a Limbsaver Mini-S Coil stabilizer on my bow...relatively cheap and works well for me! It adds just enough weight to balance well and makes the bow a little more quiet.

[Squirrelhunter91]

I put the 6" Doinker Chubby Hunter on my DXT and I find that it does a very nice job of balancing the bow, especially because of the A-bomb on the end.

[RangerClay]

I have a Limbsaver Mini-S Coil stabilizer on my bow...relatively cheap and works well for me! It adds just enough weight to balance well and makes the bow a little more quiet.

I have the same thing and I like it.

[M00N]

I have a Limbsaver Mini-S Coil stabilizer on my bow...relatively cheap and works well for me! It adds just enough weight to balance well and makes the bow a little more quiet.

This is the same stabilizer I shoot and it works great for my setup. I used to shoot completely without a stabilizer for years when I was younger and never had a problem. Infact I used to hate stabilizers with a passion because I was always told to buy a stabilizer that was weight-forward to make the bow tip forward on release. So, every stabilizer I've tried on my bows in the past have been weight-forward stabilizers. I actually shoot ten times worse with a weight-forward stabilizer than I shoot with no stabilizer at all or with one that keeps the weight closer to the base on my bow. My bow is very weight balanced already to start with, so I really don't have a need for using a stabilizer for the purpose of off-setting weight to balance the bow, but merely as a noise suppressor aid instead. I only added a stabilizer this year for the sole purpose of additional noise and vibration reduction. The Limbsaver Mini S-Coil stabilizer works perfectly for my needs. It wasn't too heavy, nor too long to get in the way when hunting, and it kept the weight it did add closer to the base preventing from adding too much front weight and throwing my already balanced bow off, and it does its job in the noise reduction and vibration supression department.

I highly recommend actually taking your bow to your local pro-shop and trying out each stabilizer you're possibly interested in to see if it gives you what you're looking to get out of a stabilizer and fits your shooting style.