Bowhunting Stabilizers
WHAT IS A STABILIZER? A stabilizer is a simple screw-in device that attaches to the bow’s riser (handle) just below the grip. The function of the stabilizer is to provide counterbalance to the bow (so the bow doesn’t tip forward or back when held at arm’s length) and to absorb noise and vibration. The issue of counterbalance is a simple matter of weight and length. The longer and heavier a stabilizer is, the more counterbalance it provides. Across the entire market, stabilizers can range from just a couple inches to over three feet long – and they can be made of anything from plastic tubing to stainless steel. But for mainstream bowhunters, the typical stabilizer is 4-8″ long and weighs 4-12oz. Bowhunters don’t usually like extra-long weighted stabilizers (mostly because it makes them look like a “target shooter” and because long stabilizers have to be removed every time you put the bow in its case). So the 4-8″ models endure in the bowhunting market.
ANTI-VIBRATION CLAIMS` Of course, every stabilizer model claims to have solved the riddle of bow noise and vibration. Sometimes they incorporate carbon rods, soft rubbers, acrylics, vented/fluted tubes, harmonic dampeners, particles of voodoo magic, etc. Frankly, we’ve been testing stabilizers for 16 years, and we’re not entirely sure any of them can really quiet a noisy bow or eliminate hand-shock. Nevertheless, they do help … some. Unfortunately for stabilizer manufacturers, the modern parallel limb compound bow architecture doesn’t leave much work for the dubious dampening services of a stabilizer. Quality compound bows, at least today, simply don’t have enough shock and vibration to get excited about. Still, you need a stabilizer, if for no other reason than you need something to keep your wrist sling mounted into place. If you’re buying a new bow, get a stabilizer – but don’t get too carried away about the anti-vibration voodoo. The counterbalance is what counts.

G5 A.S.D. Flip Tool
Huntworth Performance Lubec Balaclava
Warne Weaver Horizontal Scope Rings, High
Avalon Classic Hip Quiver
Buck Gardner Ultimate Coaxer -fox call
SITKA Neck Gaiter
Reese Outdoors Foxinator
Meat Seeker Arrow Puller
Buck Gardner Big Water
B3 Alpha Flex Release
QAD Rest Shield by Total Peep
Helle GT H3LS Knife - puukko
Trophy Ridge React H4 Sight - Black
Avalon Bow Square
Warne Weaver Scope Rings, Medium
Reese Outdoors Blue Vixen
Alps Outdoorz Torrent 20L Dry Bag
Dead Center XD4