Materials and Design
The construction, materials and design of the stabilizer play an important role in the overall effectiveness of the stabilizer. At first, stabilizers were made from metal that extended away from the bow. These materials were heavy and have been replaced with lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber, aluminum and rubber. Today's stabilizers outperform older materials by blending these high-tech materials together for unique combinations that achieve the desired purpose. For example, Fuse Archery--a manufacturer of archery accessories and stabilizers--blends lightweight carbon fiber, aluminum and rubber to maximize performance while keeping the stabilizer lightweight.
Vibration
Every time the bow releases an arrow, there is a series of vibrations that resonates through the bow components and into the shooter's arm. The vibrations lead to shock and noise. A bow stabilizer is designed to reduce the bow vibration and movement after the arrow is released, which results in a reduction of shock and noise. The vibrations are absorbed through the length of the stabilizer that takes the vibration away from the limbs of the bow. Rubber pieces, such as the shock rods on the Fuse stabilizers, are also added to the carbon fiber or aluminum rod to absorb the shock and vibration.
Counterbalance
Holding the bow steady to prepare for the shot is difficult and the stabilizer acts to counterbalance the weight of the bow away from the body. By counterbalancing the weight, you can hold the bow steady as you prepare for the shot. The farther away the stabilizer gets from the body, the better it stabilizes and counterbalances. Target shooters will typically have longer stabilizers--sometimes up to 3 feet in length--for increased accuracy and balance. Bowhunters, on the other hand, use shorter stabilizers--typically 1 inch to 8 inches--with built-in shock absorbers to easily move through timber and reduce noise.
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