Posted by Stokerized on 12/20/2021 to
Bows tend to be lightweight. As a result, most models are easy to maneuver and handle. The drawback, though, is that they can be tougher to keep still as you load, aim, and fire an arrow. You could line up your shot perfectly and still miss because of one small fidget in the last milliseconds before release.
Bow stabilizers are excellent accessories for staying steady from notching the missile to letting it fly. Experts and novices alike enjoy the benefits of using them. However, which one is right for you? We’ll help you make an informed decision by listing several key factors to consider when shopping for stabilizers.
Basic Information
You can choose from a wide variety of stabilizers out there. The vast selection may be overwhelming to indecisive newcomers, but you can split them into categories based on their position on the bow. You can choose from stabilizers that go on the front, the rear, or even the side. Each has its own purposes and benefits.
They also come in a diverse range of lengths and weights. Some stick out six inches, and some extend to ten inches or longer. Some are only a few ounces, while others are heftier. As you shop for bow stabilizers, start by looking at all these different aspects.
Experience Level
Stabilizers are great for archers of all skill levels, but they can prove especially useful for rookies. As they start out, the tool helps them find their balance more easily. They can then train everything else related to archery with less worry. Moreover, some types can provide even further assistance.
If you’re just starting out, we highly recommend a front stabilizer. They’re more forgiving to those who are still learning the proper form, which can take some time. The stabilizer’s weight and position help offset the imbalance you may have and help you learn.
Length-Weight Balance
An important thing to understand about the length and weight of a stabilizer is that they’re directly related. See, a stabilizer can keep a bow steady through sheer length alone. As a result, longer ones do not need as much weight. That’s great news for those who want to minimize how much they’re lugging around.
As you can guess, that means shorter stabilizers must compensate with more weight. Many archers appreciate the additional heft because it’s better for absorbing shock. Both types are effective in their own way, so you should make your choice based on your own priorities.
Front-Rear Ratio
Another relationship worth understanding is that between front and rear stabilizers. Many seasoned archers have found it best to equip both on their bows to reinforce their steadiness. However, having both of them be just as long as each other can impose too much weight and throw off your balance.
With that said, we offer you the front-rear ratio. Simply put: if you have both a front and a back stabilizer, the latter should be half the length of the former. This approach should maximize their collective strengths and minimize their drawbacks. We’ve found that it works well for us, so we’re passing the advice on to you.
Noise-Reducing Material
You may be surprised to learn that bow stabilizers can do so much more than stabilize bows. When one releases the bowstring and launches an arrow, the forces involved may prove quite loud. The stabilizer’s ability to reduce vibrations can extend to reducing the noise from said vibrations.
Some stabilizers lean more into this aspect than others. As you browse, check if the products before you feature any noise-reducing material on the ends. It’s not that important if you don’t use your bow for hunting. If you do, though, it can decrease the chances of scaring away game at the last second.
Accessories on One Side
Stabilizers are not the only accessories that archers use to assist them. They may attach arrow rests to the bow to help them hold their missiles in place. They may also use sights or optics mounts to grant them greater sight of their targets along great distances.
In our experience, these specific accessories work best when put to the same side. However, that means increasing the weight on that side, which can complicate your balance. Sticking a side bar to the opposite side can serve as a consummate counterweight. Just make sure it weighs about the same as the other attachments.
Obstacle Navigation
Much of the thrill of the hunt lies in the pursuit of game. Stalking targets through hill and plain and forest with only a bow and arrows can be exciting on a deep level. Once you enter thicker woodland, though, be careful with your stabilizer. If that jutting extension taps a tree, your hunt may end prematurely.
If you know the terrain and anticipate thick woods, navigating them is easier with a shorter stabilizer. It’ll still stick out like a sore thumb, but it’s more manageable to maneuver than its longer counterparts. The additional weight may be negligible next to the goal.
Forward-Heavy Design
There is no single bow stabilizer, or even type of bow stabilizer, that’s objectively better than the rest. All have their advantages and disadvantages, and what may not suit one person’s style may be ideal for another’s. If you want our opinion, though, we recommend looking into forward-heavy stabilizers.
This term doesn’t simply refer to front stabilizers, but rather to those with more weight on the side facing away from you. That weight distribution offers greater stability and easier aim to archers who normally swerve up or to the sides. If they have too much weight, though, a back stabilizer can help offset it without diminishing its usefulness.
Trustworthy Bow Stabilizer Supplier
All the advice we just gave can help you whittle down your criteria, but you may still find yourself with many options. For our last tip, we suggest finding and sticking with a business that you can trust to consistently supply you with great bow stabilizers.
That is our goal here at Stokerized Stabilizers, home to top-notch stabilizers and other archery equipment. Now that you can make a more informed decision, check out our line-up and see what we have for you.