On a hunting bow, how much stabilizer is really needed to be effective. I see 12"+ on many bows, I'm not sure those are making it into too many treestands though.

Thoughts?

I don't use one anymore. I feel like I can shoot just as well without one.

Interesting...you're the 2nd guy I have heard say that.

I run an 8" front bar and 6" back bar. Went to 2 stabs 3 yrs ago. I won't shoot a bow without them. Hunt treestands and ground blinds. Never an issue

At 20 yards with a calm wind I can shoot just as well without one too. But add WIND and little distance and that changes in a hurry. The stabilizer really calms it down in the wind.

Never tried a back bar. Think I need to!

So what length/brand do you run out the front?

B Stinger Sport 10" with all three provided add on weights (1 oz each). Total weight is 7.45 oz for 10" and total weight is 6.85 oz for 6" so the physical weight difference between long and short is negligible. I haven't found 10" to be hindrance from a mobility standpoint but have found that I have less pin float with the longer.

For me, it depends on what length/weight it takes to balance the bow, and the limitations of the treestand.

Agreed, in a Summit Viper with the full rail, where you generally have to stand to shoot, a short stab is preferred.

In my Lone Wolf Hand Climber, there is no rail, and you could swing a door without issues.

I run between 3-4 and 10-12 inches depending on what the balance needs for the bow are. I tend to run a light stab if at all possible.

The Z-7 wears a X-Factor stab, and is very light. With the shorter ATA, it does help me a bit with "wobble".



The Obsession has a Limbsaver, but it's really just for a bit of vibration dampening, and anchoring the wrist sling. I could get the same results with a hex-head bolt.

You don't really NEED a stabilizer, but it doesn't have a negative, other than weight. It does help vibration and I am all about "quite".

I am not a bow hunter so take this for what it is. Bows have sure got ugly since they moved away from a recurve. miles

Stabilizers are meant to do what their name implies...stabilize pin float to "keep you in the moment longer" so you can accurately deliver your arrow to the target. Folks that need them for "vibration" and "quiet" need to give their equipment a good going over. Today's bows should be whisper quiet and vibe free if set up correctly. As for brands of stabilizers, Dead Center Archery Products is the way to go. They are out of PA. You won't find better quality or service anywhere. That's why we sell them at our shop.

Generally the longer the stab the less weight required. My setup I run 1oz on my 8" front bar and 4oz on 6" back bar. I absolutely hate a top heavy bow that wants to tip forward in my hand. The side bar eliminates that and the bow just sits there after the shot. Plus it's nice to shoot with a relaxed bow hand and my sight bubble automatically hits dead level without any input from my bow hand

Absolute stabilizer perfection

This^^^

When it comes to that, ill take a guin.

Agreed Doc! I'd even rather hunt with my old .54 cal Hawken than hunt with a new "superbow" or a damn crossbow!

To each his own. I play for keeps. Precision is the name of my game. Still like my shots inside 30yds on game. But yeah I practice out to 70/80yds

For January Arizona rutting mule deer you wont.

Archery presents opportunities that gunpowder denies.

BTDT, but i wont hunt with a contraption like that.

It's bad enough having a bum elbow and having to shoot a compound rather than my old Wing bow.

However, my Drenaline is a deer, bear and elk killing machine.

What makes my bow a "contraption" vs yours?

I use an 8" B Stinger.
Honestly I am not sure it helps a lot, but it looks sexy and holds on my wrist sling.

+1

-Ken

Being that I just cannot make myself shoot very far anymore since the deer can move vs the slow speed of the arrow, I have not used one for years.

Especially on my recurves.

For pure accuracy yes, I do remember those years when I shot extremely well, out to longer distances and thought that anyone should be able to do the best and make shots at 50 yards with a bow very easily. And I have.

But I now know better and owe more to my deer personally, as such no need for a stabilizer.

When I did run hunting ones, fronts were the only ones, and appx 8-12 inches.. I had a couple of heavier shorter that I did not think did much or enough to be using.

I liked the twin v rear facing ones for target bows. But not hunting.

I shoot an 8" T-bar from Vendetta Archery. A total of four ounces at the end of that carbon bar balances and levels things out nicely. Plus I can set my bow down and the T stab holds it up perfectly without laying over on the side, no bow holder necessary.

pretty cool...looks like a hammer