The bow stabilizer is an extraordinary tool. This one accessory can give archery enthusiasts a significant boost in their accuracy. Anyone — novice or pro, hunter or range shooter — can seriously benefit from attaching one of these to their bow. With that said, we should warn that not just any bow stabilizer will suffice.
We gave advice on how to choose the right bow stabilizer for your needs in a past blog post. When selecting a stabilizer, though, it may help to know how to avoid choosing the wrong one. Here are some professional tips to help you do just that.
Do Not Get Just Anything
You might be wondering why this matter is even worth much thought and effort. Are all stabilizers that different from each other? If you compare and contrast their stats on paper, the distinctions may seem subtle — even negligible. Surely, you may conclude, one will suffice just as well as any other.
As people who work with these tools all the time, we can confirm that your choice of stabilizer matters. A variety of factors — length, weight, orientation, material, and more — can dramatically affect your performance. Think of it this way: would you choose a bow at random or your arrows? Not if you care about optimizing your performance. The same principle applies to stabilizers, as well as other accessories.
Watch the Bow’s Weight
Bows do not seem that hefty at a glance. They usually run between three and seven pounds. That number goes up when you add accessories. Then there is the draw weight — the amount of force required to pull the string and launch the arrow. Holding the bow steady with both hands suddenly sounds a lot tougher.
The whole reason people get stabilizers is that these tools help them balance their weight. The drawback is that their very presence adds weight to the bow. Getting one that is too hefty could leave you unable to even lift the bow, let alone use it. Take stock of how many pounds you are hauling and, if needed, look for stabilizers on the lighter side.
Look into Weight Sets
For that very reason, stabilizers are available in different weights. Some are heavier, which makes them better at maintaining balance but may be tough for big bows and skinny arms. Some are lighter, which reduces overall bow weight but does not do quite as much stabilizing. Neither is necessarily better or worse than the other.
The best approach would be to give yourself options. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck with the wrong one at the wrong time. You could own multiple stabilizers, or you could get yourself a set of weights. They can be added to or removed from the tool as needed. Beginners may want to keep it simple, but more experienced archers may appreciate the extra versatility.
Note Your Aiming Issues
Humor us for a moment by picturing this spooky scenario. Your arrows keep landing too high up the target board for your taste. You pick a brand-new stabilizer on a whim and latch it onto your bow. It feels different, so it is doing something. When you release the string, though, you watch in horror as the missile soars over the board.
Stabilizers are available in a variety of designs. We do not just mean that some come in different colors, either. We mean that they are built to modify movement in different directions. Forward-heavy ones, for example, dip the bow downward — a perfect solution to the problem in the example. Assess your tendencies and get the right stabilizer for your needs.
Watch Out for Wind
Wind may be the most reviled weather phenomenon for any archer. Just one quirk in the air could send a perfectly aimed shot spiraling away from its destination. Arrows are not the only potential victims of this element. Thinner stabilizers have less wind resistance and may bend back in gusty conditions, taking the rest of the bow with it.
Thickness is yet another factor to keep in mind when selecting a stabilizer. Products may vary between stout, solid hunks and thin, flexible sticks. Again, both have their advantages and disadvantages, including the example we just gave. The skinny ones may be perfectly fine, but you should avoid them if you anticipate many blustery days at the range or in the bush
Complement Your Accessories
Accessories can create an interesting silhouette for the bow. When faced from the front — or, in the archer’s case, the back — it is no longer just a straight line. All kinds of interesting shapes may jut from the center, including a line or block representing the stabilizer. However, be careful as you arrange them: if you put them all to one side, that bow will lean hard.
This should not be an issue. Stabilizers can serve as great counterweights to other accessories. Even with the additional weight, it can create a greater balance for the bow. This will only work as long as you can attach the stabilizer on the opposite side of those accessories. Before you purchase one, double-check its positioning.
Get One with a Dampener
One benefit to using stabilizers is their ability to absorb some of the vibrations that come from releasing the drawstring. As you should know by this point, though, not all stabilizers are created equal. You could get a real sturdy one and still be alarmed by the forcefulness of the throbbing.
If shock resistance is especially important to you, we recommend looking specifically for stabilizers that come with dampeners. These add-ons are made from a material that gives the whole stabilizer even greater absorbency. They are not necessary, but they can help greatly in preserving the health of your hands and wrists.
Try Selecting a Stabilizer with Stokerized
Selecting a stabilizer that meets your needs is easier when you shop at Stokerized Stabilizers. We are committed to offering an excellent selection of high-quality products. Visit our online store today and make a wise decision for yourself.