Stabilizer?

[The big greasy]

What’s everyone thoughts for a hunting/target stabilizer. What length, and which one gives the best stabilization and dampening. I know the longer the better for stability, but would hunt with it too. I was looking at the axcel antler ridge or cbe torx. Thanks.

 

[jonesn3]

One general rule I’ve seen is a basically length by weight equilibrium calc for front to back balancing. So a 12” bar with two ounces would need three ounces on a 8” bar. But I’ve notice guys typically add 50% more weight to the back than that calc would suggest. In the end it will be entirely about feel. Would recommend starting with some weight on the front, and tuning with weights in the back until it feels balanced and shoots holes through paper.

 

[The big greasy]

One general rule I’ve seen is a basically length by weight equilibrium calc for front to back balancing. So a 12” bar with two ounces would need three ounces on a 8” bar. But I’ve notice guys typically add 50% more weight to the back than that calc would suggest. In the end it will be entirely about feel. Would recommend starting with some weight on the front, and tuning with weights in the back until it feels balanced and shoots holes through paper.

Right or wrong I was thinking about just a stabilizer on the front, for now anyway. Is just one out front no good? I’m new to these things.

 

[jonesn3]

Gotcha. Yeah nothing wrong with using just a front bar. I’ve done that for the most part until recently (wanted to try a back bar setup, liking it allot so far). Again going to be mostly feel so difficult to say what you will prefer. I’ve used 10” and 12” on the front and prefer 12”. 2-4oz is what I have used on the front. Personally I wouldn’t really go less than 10” but hunting from a ground blind could be reason to go shorter. In my case, that length of bar also helps with propping up the bow which for me is a side benefit. A front 12” bar hasn’t been an issue for me weight or mobility in the field.

 

[roosiebull]

Right or wrong I was thinking about just a stabilizer on the front, for now anyway. Is just one out front no good? I’m new to these things.

Some bows are negatively affected with a front bar only, Especially if it is a top heavy bow to start. Counter slides might be a decent option for you, you can at least balance the weight of your accessories with one, and mess around with positioning until it holds the best.

I hate back bars on hunting bows, and generally don’t hunt with any stabilizers. I mess with a front bar on every bow I’ve owned, but generally don’t use them. My current bow is like many of my past bows with an S coil in the front stab hole, but it does nothing to stabilize the bow.

My current bow doesn’t hold well with a front bar, and shoots better nekid

 

[Yooper]

Only one real way to decide if it's worth it or not to you and that's to test out a myriad of solutions. Back bars, front bars, side bars, combinations of all of the above. It's ideal if you have friends that shoot who already have some gear to try out before you buy. My $.02 is too many people buy stabilizers because they think they look good and don't give a second thought as to whether or not they help you shoot. I've done that myself and really came full circle back to little or no additional stabilization.

Another thing to think about is what's your normal shot look like in a hunting situation? Tree stand whitetail hunting with shots 25 yards and in are much different than western big game hunting where you're potentially shooting out at longer distances with a fully loaded bow.

 

[The big greasy]

It will pretty much all be ground spot and stalking.

 

[butcherboy]

I don’t shoot with a stabilizer anymore. I did once about 13 years ago but got tired of packing that thing around in the mountains. I saw no difference with it vs not. Target shooting or 3d competition is a different story.

 

[The big greasy]

Ok, so do they take any vibration away, or is that not really happening with them?
Had one on my old bow and didn’t see much difference.

 

[180ls1]

The longest you can tolerate for hunting is probably best for accuracy.

Buy an 8/10/12, play around with them and sell the one you don't use.

 

[wyelkhunter]

I use a conquest 12" front stabilizer with 4oz of weight, with a 10* angled down quick disconnect. I angle it to what ever side I need to get my bow to hold level. Have had no problems with it hunting.

 

[Swampwise]

Ok, so do they take any vibration away, or is that not really happening with them?
Had one on my old bow and didn’t see much difference.

Axcel Antler Ridge are the best at eliminating any vibe and actually help tone down sound imo.

 

[Swampwise]

I use a conquest 12" front stabilizer with 4oz of weight, with a 10* angled down quick disconnect. I angle it to what ever side I need to get my bow to hold level. Have had no problems with it hunting.

Dollar for dollar the best stabs for the money. Bought some Cutters but couldn't tell any difference from the Conquest, they are sharp looking though.

 

[Swampwise]

I've never understood why the Stokerized Stasis stabs aren't more popular. They help with offsetting heavy sights and quivers in a more compact setup. I like them more than front and rear bars but do run both.

 

[tdoublev]

Don’t know why it isn’t talked about more among hunters - I use a Crossroad Archery stabilizer which is collapsible. There’s 2-piece and 3-piece telescoping options. It gives me the best of both worlds - long when I want it, short when I want it. I use the 2-piece fully extended most of the time since it acts as a brace on my arm when carrying it at my side. Pretty reasonably priced in my opinion as well given the utility.

 

[The big greasy]

Axcel Antler Ridge are the best at eliminating any vibe and actually help tone down sound imo.

I’ve read if you buy an 8 inch axcel it actually turned out to be around 10 inches when the dampener and weights are installed, is this true?

Also what length does a vibration killing device become a stabilizer? Would 8 inch do both, or is that too short?