Anyone hunt with a stabilizer on their recurve?

Joe2Crow · June 22, 2015, 05:27:00 PM

I recently bought a howatt hunter off of the big auction site and the seller sent the bow with one of those cheap 4", 12oz stabilizers. I set it aside and didn't give it much thought. After I had the bow set up and tuned, I shot it for awhile. Then, on a whim, I put the stabilizer on it and shot some more. WOW!. I have never tried a stabilizer on a recurve because it didn't feel "traditional" enough, like it was cheating. But talk about a stable bow hand. I don't think I would carry the bow around with it on there, but I just might stick it in the fanny pack till I get into the tree or ground blind. But if I post any pictures of a kill, I'll take it off the bow first so you guys don't make fun of me! lol. Would be interested in hearing some thoughts on using one. Thanks - Jeff

twitchstick · June 22, 2015, 07:09:00 PM

I have on some recurves

reddogge · June 22, 2015, 07:52:00 PM

I used to shoot Damon Howatt Super Diablos from the early 70s and they came with one. It really helped smooth out the shot.

Caleb Monroe · June 22, 2015, 07:57:00 PM

I have one on my recurve right now. I'll probably hunt it this year if I'm not using one of my longbows. For me the bow its on needed more weight. Made it balance better also.

If it helps you shoot better ( And fill the freezer) I'm not sure why you wouldn't use it. Just my $.02

dbd870 · June 22, 2015, 08:33:00 PM

Never used a stab but I do use the threaded hole for them in my Grizzly to attach a wrist strap.

M Beach · June 22, 2015, 08:37:00 PM

I have a 4 inch limbsaver on my Super Grizzly and it helps with the vibration/noise.

katman · June 22, 2015, 08:59:00 PM

Use them to help balance the bow better, extra weight is plus. Recheck your arrow tune as it may alter it.

ChuckC · June 22, 2015, 09:28:00 PM

nah, I like my bows lighter. Besides, they are really designed with target archery stance in mind ( straight up and down bow hold) and that don't happen much here.
ChuckC

old_goat2 · June 22, 2015, 10:08:00 PM

I never did till I wanted to use a string tracker and a stabilizer I had from my wheelie days made a nice standoff to mount it, really made that old bear 76'r easier to stay steady during a shot. Don't really feel like u need one with a bow quiver attached but think they would be very beneficial on lighter bows with no quiver attached.

June 22, 2015, 10:15:00 PM

I say if it works for you, go with it!

And I would not laugh at you if the bow in your kill pic had a stabilizer on it!

Bisch

damascusdave · June 22, 2015, 10:48:00 PM

Let me see...Damon Howatt made the bow with a stabilizer bushing and if you put a stabilizer in the bushing it will make the bow non traditional...and then what happens...you have me confused

DDave

damascusdave · June 22, 2015, 10:51:00 PM

I have a Howatt Hunter, a Fox Maverick and a Hoyt Desperado that will all accept a stabilizer...and I would proudly hunt with all 3 with a stabilizer installed...and I would still get an asterisk in the Pope and Young Records...if people wish to laugh at me for that then more power to them

DDave

Charlie Lamb · June 22, 2015, 11:17:00 PM

I used one (the Bear stabilizer)on a Howatt Hunter for several years back in the eighties. One of the most accurate rigs I ever shot.
Seemed like if I shot at something with that rig it died.

Shoot whatever makes you grin.

M60gunner · June 22, 2015, 11:42:00 PM

I have one of those Bear stabs. It is chromed. It came in a leather pouch that acts as a cover when screwed into the bow. I remember them in Bear catalog about 1970? I use mine on my Bear Mag riser.

shreffler · June 23, 2015, 08:20:00 AM

Charlie, that bottom picture is too cool. Did that ever make any magazines or covers?

My Dad shoots a little stabilizer on his KMag every now and then, usually doesn't hunt with it though.

Charlie Lamb · June 23, 2015, 08:34:00 AM

shreffler... Nope never made a cover, but one of my all time favorite photos... and a great day chasing elk too.

njloco · June 23, 2015, 08:42:00 AM

Damon Howatt Super Diablo ! Just bought it last year, looks brand new even though its a 70's bow. I haven't hunted with it yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so.

David Mitchell · June 23, 2015, 08:44:00 AM

And who says if you put a stabilizer on the bow it will not be traditional? Why do you think all of those older bows from back in the day when "traditional" was all we had came with an insert for them? It makes me chuckle when I see the current attitudes toward what is or is not "traditional". Those of us who lived those times don't get in a sweat about it. Lots of things were common then that would get you labeled as non-trad now. Why on earth does anyone worry about that stuff any way? Shoot it the way you like it. And, yes, I have frequently used a stabilizer on my bow and not afraid to admit it.