Posted by Stokerized on 5/5/2022 to
Cardboard is great for packaging, but not for a building’s support structures. Sand is great for sculpting little castles on the beach, but not for making a seafaring vessel. Titanium is great for making airplane turbines, but not for serving as flotation devices. Our point is that different materials are great for different situations, their distinct properties giving them both advantages and disadvantages.
We delved into that topic before when comparing carbon archery products to ones made from aluminum. The scope was broad, and focusing on a specific type of tool may prove illuminating. That is why this time, we are comparing carbon fiber and aluminum stabilizers — which are, after all, our specialty.
Weight
-A curious thing to note about the debate between carbon fiber and aluminum stabilizers is that fans of the former often rely on aluminum anyway. Manufacturers often use the metal for the end caps. On top of that, archers may insert additional aluminum weights to it for greater stability.
Then why not make the whole stabilizer out of aluminum? Some archery enthusiasts would say it is for the same reason they do not make the whole airplane out of the black box’s indestructible material. In other words, aluminum is too heavy for their tastes. The average one made from this metal weighs more than the average carbon stabilizer.
With that said, other archers would contend that carbon is not necessarily that much lighter. In fact, modern technology and techniques allow for the construction of aluminum stabilizers with extremely similar weights. They might still be heavier, of course. However, if one usually adds aluminum weights to the end of their carbon stabilizer, a newer all-aluminum model might be more efficient and economical.
Rigidity
Most laypersons would expect a carbon fiber rod to be less rigid than an aluminum one. Metals do not exactly have a reputation for flexibility. However, we are talking about the same metal used for soda cans. You have likely crushed a few of those in the past after guzzling their contents. While aluminum stabilizers are definitely denser, they are still more prone to bending.
Rigidity is an important factor for any stabilizer of any material. This quality enables the accessory to live up to its name and balance out the bow. More importantly, it determines how much vibration resistance it offers. The more, the merrier — especially for your hands and wrists, which can feel numb or even take damage from too many tremors.
In this department, carbon fiber stabilizers are usually the better option. The compound material is designed for enhanced stiffness, which helps the stabilizer do all the things a stabilizer should do. High-quality aluminum products can offer a significant boost in rigidity. If you want to enjoy the benefits of aluminum, look for the best stuff on the market. If you want something with reliable rigidity, go with carbon.
Noise Reduction
A common joke runs among detractors of aluminum stabilizers. They ask uncertain buyers to tap one against a wall, then repeat the action with a carbon stabilizer. Then, they ask them to decide which one is better for hunters trying to conceal themselves as they stalk game in the wild. If every joke should contain a kernel of truth to work, this one hits a bullseye.
To be clear, no, a ten-inch long bar of solid metal is not the stealthiest choice of stabilizer for hunting purposes. This quality may be disqualifying, as protruding parts like this tend to bang against trees in vibrant and crowded environments. With prey animals evolving to listen for unusual sounds and sprint at any sign of trouble, sport shooters strive to minimize their volume however possible.
While carbon fiber stabilizers may be a better choice in this regard, we should note that noise reduction must not always be a priority. When one is simply aiming at target boards and other objects on the range or in a competition, making a sound is fine. The quality of the stabilizer itself will make or break your performance more than any racket it may produce.
Cost
-Money is often at the front of people’s minds while shopping for archery products. This sport is not as simple as soccer, where all you need is a ball and some imaginary lines. It requires equipment — namely, plenty of arrows and a bow for firing them at high speeds. Various accessories boost your chances of nailing the shot, practically making them necessities for serious shooting.
Aluminum generally costs less than carbon fiber. We say “generally” because that is just that — a generalization. You will find a wide range of prices for a wide range of products. Even so, carbon fiber stabilizers usually require more labor to make, especially with the compound material. Meanwhile, aluminum is easier for engineers to work with, and the metal itself is often cheaper.
Many people say that carbon fiber’s benefits make the increase in cost easier to swallow. It also helps that it is not that much more expensive compared to aluminum stabilizers of similar quality. That is what it should come down to: quality. While we would never discourage archers from sticking to a budget, we still advise prizing value over price. Let cost be one factor in your decision, not the sole factor.
High-Quality Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Stabilizers at Stokerized
The last time we compared carbon fiber and aluminum archery products, we concluded that the former is often superior. When looking specifically at stabilizers, we realize that the winner is less clear-cut than we thought. Both materials have their pros and cons, and each can benefit an archery enthusiast based on that individual’s needs and preferences. Learning yours will help greatly in making the right choice.
Whether you prefer carbon fiber or aluminum stabilizers, we carry both here at Stokerized Stabilizer. Our selection includes the Edge Aluminum Hunter Stabilizer, firm proof that well-made metal balancers can hold their own against their carbon counterparts. This is just one of many excellent products available at our online store.