Bow Stabilizers

Anatomy of Stabilizer

The main body of most stabilizers typically consists of a solid piece of material shaped like a tube. In the past, many stabilizer bodies were made out of metal, despite the fact that metal can be very heavy. Undoubtedly, stabilizers will add weight to a bow. However, you don’t want to add too much weight, and if any weight is to be added, it should be done in the right place.

The vibration and noise dampening component

One of the most important ingredients found on a stabilizer is its dampening device. Most companies use a type of rubber, gel or sand to serve as the dampening component.

With a stabilizer, it’s important for dampening to occur where it’s most beneficial and effective. Vibration must be transferred properly away from the bow and out of the stabilizer end. By strategically placing the dampening materials away from the bow end of the stabilizer and toward the portion of the unit furthest away from the bow and after the stabilizer’s body, it will maximize the dampener’s effectiveness.

A weighted front end

A weight can be found on the front end of many of today’s stabilizers. In order to maximize effectiveness, the weight should come after the rubber material at the end of the stabilizer where it is furthest from the bow. An extremely efficient stabilizer is not set up this way accidentally. The weight is in the front of the stabilizer, serving as a counterbalance, and is what keeps the bow stable when being shot.

This design can also be seen on high-end target rifles, where the stock of the gun is usually lightweight and the barrel is very heavy, helping increase accuracy, effectiveness and aiming. This allows the shooter to aim the gun while the heavy barrel keeps the gun extremely steady.

Choosing the right length

Another thing to consider is the stabilizer’s length. Target archers use long stabilizers because the extreme length gives tremendous stability while shooting. Bowhunters do not need as long of a stabilizer due to shooting requirements and conditions, but undoubtedly still benefit from what a stabilizer has to offer.