Side Stabilizers....+/-?

[Mark]

Just curious if anyone uses a side stabilizer on regular basis? I just added one and while it's added weight my bow is MUCH more stable and levels out almost instantly. It's improved my long range shooting for sure......but.....as with anything I'm sure there is going to be a trade off. Weight is definitely one, perhaps some maneuverability.....tbd.....

Not having used this set up in the field I wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has. Love/hate?

Thanks!

 

[Bonecollector]

I have a Hoyt, where it's built into the riser. I like the idea, and it has to help. However, I never had a problem in the past without it.
A lot of times, I take the quiver off while tree-stand hunting, but leave it on for spot n stock. I much prefer having it because it makes sense.

 

[25contender]

Weight has always been my pet peeve on my bow especially carrying it up and down the Mts. I try to get by with the lightest stabilizer I can.

 

[Bonecollector]

Sorry, I mis-read the question. I thought you were referring to off-setting stabilizers.

I agree with 25C's reply on bow weight and choose not to add anything additional. When hunting close to home, I only carry a 4 arrow quiver to save weight as well.

 

[Mark]

I suppose I should clarify. My question was around the offset stabilizers like the one pictured.

 

[Mark]

Its experimental at this point. I wasn't having issues shooting but my curiosity got me thinking...could it be better?

 

[WapitiBob]

The back bar offsets the sight weight helping to level out the bow. Additionally, for rotational stability your bow doesn't know the difference between a front bar or back bar. It only knows the length of the weight from the axis of rotation. You could use for example, a 12" back bar that offsets the sight weight and provides the rotation resistance of say an 8" front bar, all with the back bar. The downside would be that your bow may be back heavy depending on sight weight and extension distance. Not really a shooting problem as the arrow is long gone before the bow starts to tip back.

 

[Mark]

Thanks WapitiBob, Bonecollector and 25contender. I've got the balance dialed in. Just haven't used it outside the range. I don't see many guys that hunt with them and was hoping one of the members may have experience with and without in a hunting scenario. Minimal tree stand hunting for me, mostly ground blind and spot and stalk.

 

[25contender]

I don't see a down side if you are hunting stands and blinds or tournaments. But stalking and carrying that extra weight and maybe getting caught on something would be a deterrent for me. I take it you shot pretty good before? I would start back at the basics and work out the problem before adding a bunch of really un-necessary weight to the bow.

 

[Work2hunt]

I couldn't find the issue, but I recall seeing one of the EBJ writers (Yahsti Perkins) shooting with one and portrayed in a hunting situation. I remember this because it was the first time I had seen one used outside of a tournament.

 

[25contender]

I think my main concern besides weight would be the effects of the side stabilizer on different angles in the Mts. If its on the down hill side you might shoot different then if it is on the uphill side.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Just more crap we are being told we need.

 

[N.Y.ArcheryMadMan]

I've used one on my hunting Bow for A while know and enjoy the feel of the bow in my hand... The Balance of the Bow is Assume..... I have Really Never noticed anything Negative with it.... The Little Extra Weight has Never bothered Me...

 

[Murdy]

Seems like it would be one more thing to catch on and bang into stuff in a tree stand