Stabilizers on trad bows?

wbyrd · January 26, 2011, 12:26:00 PM

I've noticed that a lot of bows (specifically Bear's) have got a threaded hole for a stabilizer on them. Does anybody actually use these? I was thinking of using mine to add some decorations to the bow, maybe a little leather lacing with beads and some feathers? Would sure make that ugly hole in my bow look much better!

Manitoba Stickflinger · January 26, 2011, 12:32:00 PM

I think many of those are also for bowfishing reels.

buckeyebowhunter · January 26, 2011, 01:04:00 PM

All of my bear bows are from the Early to mid 70's and all have the stabilizer bushing, when i hunt with my bear bow i will use the stabilizer becuase I like the weight that it adds and it also absorbs some of the shock. Like Stickflinger said they are also very nice for bowfishing because I dont really care for those gadget adapters which just get in the way.

KumaSan · January 26, 2011, 01:09:00 PM

My first Widow and Bear bows had the stabilizer hole. I was taught to use the stabilizer for shooting, and I believed it helped to steady the bow and absorb shock. The last I saw was on a 87' Widow I had.

Jeremy · January 26, 2011, 01:13:00 PM

How about this one

I don't usually use the stabilizer hole on my Bear Mag T/D. The bowfishing reel goes there nicely though (if'n I ever get to go)

KAZ · January 26, 2011, 01:16:00 PM

I use mine... I have a 1987 HS Black Widow takedown recurve and I put a Doinker Chubby Hunter or something like that on it. I got the stabilizer on clearance, it's real short so it doesn't interfere with anything but I do think it helps balance AND dampens the vibrations a little. Not necessary, but I like it. My riser is flat black aluminum so it certainly doesn't detract from the overall appearance...

JOEBO · January 26, 2011, 01:38:00 PM

Use it for a bowsling

Archer Fanatic · January 26, 2011, 04:02:00 PM

I use mine on my 76 Super Kodiak.

Thumper Dunker · January 26, 2011, 04:24:00 PM

I use one on my wing.

stevewills · January 26, 2011, 04:41:00 PM

i use one on my recurve not my trad bows.my recurve is set up for target and my tradbows are for hunting..

January 26, 2011, 04:47:00 PM

I had a 3 footer on my heavy target bow. It shot an arrow faster than my take down that was 12 pounds heavier, but man that stabilizer was a pain to hunt with.

bentpole · January 26, 2011, 05:14:00 PM

bigbadjon · January 26, 2011, 05:28:00 PM

Jack Howard seemed to think a stabilizer didn't do anything, I tend to agree with him.

TWarrows · January 26, 2011, 05:30:00 PM

just so no.

reddogge · January 26, 2011, 05:35:00 PM

I've always used them on Howatt Super Diablos from 1972 on. Whether they work or not doesn't matter, I like them on this one particular bow.

Stone Knife · January 26, 2011, 05:45:00 PM

If you get a heavy enough one, it will make a man out of you

Hoyt · January 26, 2011, 09:01:00 PM

I use a little short one of some type on my Quinn Stallion...mainly to hold my wrist sling I made.

Charlie Lamb · January 26, 2011, 09:30:00 PM

here's a picture from back in the eighties some time. The bow is a Kittredge Signature (basic Howatt Hunter) with eight arrow Bear snap on quiver and bear stabilizer.

It was so accurate I thought anyone who shot without one was silly. Eventually my tastes changed, but that doesn't change how that bow would shoot.

To get the very best out of a stabilizer one "must" shoot with a loose and slightly open grip.
The Bear Stabilizer could "wiggle" because the bolt was set in rubber and not metal to metal.

It also helped quiet the bow. More suited to a deliberate style of shooting.

lpcjon2 · January 26, 2011, 09:32:00 PM

Charlie you must have had a great life of hunting from the pics you post.Warning I may idolize you.

Ben Maher · January 26, 2011, 09:44:00 PM

I grew up shooting old Bears Hoyts and Howatts , many of which had a tapped thread for a stabiliser. I used them on and off , but favoured them for my shorter bows .

They shot really well with one on and my new ILF rigs all carry a short one.