Best Bow Stabilizer for Hunting: The Top 7 Options
If you’re new to bow hunting, you may still be looking for ways to improve your performance. A bow stabilizer is the sort of item that can help you shoot to the best of your ability. We have put together a list to help you find the best bow stabilizer for hunting, so that you’ll always be at the top of your game.
Product FAQ
1. What Is a Bow Stabilizer?
A bow stabilizer the thing you’ll see sticking off the front of many hunters’ bows. Stabilizers absorb vibrations in the bow when you shoot, which reduces the shock to your hand and quiets the bow. It also combats bow torque in order to stop the bow twisting at the moment of the shock. The best bow stabilizers will also help keep the bow balanced by adding weight, which helps to improve your accuracy when you shoot.
2. Do I Need a Bow Stabilizer?
Of course it is possible to hunt without a bow stabilizer. However, the increased performance given by the stabilizer makes it almost a no-brainer. Take an example from the practice of professional archers, who always use bow stabilizers unless competing in classes that specifically prohibit them. As with target shooting, so it is with hunting. In addition, when you are hunting, you want the tools that will help you to perform to the best of your ability in order to succeed; and also to hunt as humanely as possible.
3. What Is the Best Bow Stabilizer for Hunting?
There area number of factors to consider when choosing the best bow stabilizer for hunting.
Firstly, the length of the stabilizer: the longer a stabilizer is the more weight it will add to your bow, meaning that it will be steadier. Additionally, the longer the stabilizer, the more protection your bow will have against torque. However, the weight and length will make you less maneuverable. If you will not be shooting at targets very far away, you’ll be able to get away with a shorter stabilizer. If you’re target shooting or hunting over large distances, you will need a longer stabilizer. In addition, compound bows often require longer stabilizers than other types of bows.
Secondly, you will need to consider whether you want a bow stabilizer with side rods. Side rods add weight behind the riser helping to further balance the bow. Some archers use only one side rod to counterbalance the weight of their bow sight and rest whereas some prefer to use two side rods. There is not a one-size-fits-all best bow stabilizer for hunting, so you’ll need to consider the type of bow hunting you are likely to do and the distances you’ll be shooting over. This is the sort of purchase where it may be profitable to see if you can try out options before deciding on the best bow stabilizer for you.
4. What Kind of Bows Can You Use Them With?
You can use a bow stabilizer with almost any kind of bow. Most manufactured bows have a mount in the body of the bow below the grip to which you can attach your stabilizer. You should check the type of mount on a bow before you buy a stabilizer, as a few stabilizers and bows have non-standard mounts or screws. However, the vast majority are universally compatible.
5. Where Can You Buy One?
Once you’ve decided on your best bow stabilizer for hunting, you’ll be able to purchase it from outdoor stores, hunting specialist stores, or online from retailers like Amazon. However, as tastes in this area are very individual, you may prefer to go and try some out for size at a specialist bow store or department in a hunting store in order to work out what feels most comfortable and natural for you.
How We Reviewed
In order to find the best bow stabilizer for hunting, we put together a list of some of the most popular bow stabilizers. We have provided you with an overview of the key features of each model, its pros and cons, and its weight. We have also noted in our reviews which of the bow stabilizers may be useful for particular types of bow hunters, such as those who are experienced or those who are beginners.
What We Reviewed
- [amazon box=”B009O0JRYM, B01BE8IRMY, B005WMUFY2, B004XNYKWE, B000GHWQEA, B00U323SWM, B01860STLC” template=”table”]
Trophy Ridge Static Stabilizer
[amazon fields=”B009O0JRYM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
This bow stabilizer features an unique ultra-lightweight design which allows air to pass through it, meaning that your aim is less likely to be affected by gusts of wind. The stabilizer also comes with customizable weights so that users can add weight if they choose, depending on their weight preferences. The stabilizer is compatible with all name brand bows, available in 6″ and 9″ lengths, and in camo and pink. We liked the extra heft and stability that it gave to the bow, but some may think that the stabilizer is much longer than they expect given its stated dimensions.
Pros
- Unique aerodynamic design
- Customizable weight
- Choice of lengths
Cons
- May be longer than 9″
- Package may not include the added weights
Weight
This stabilizer weighs 9oz for the 6″ version, and 11oz for the 9″ version.
[amazon fields=”B009O0JRYM” value=”button”]Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme
[amazon fields=”B01BE8IRMY” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
The Sport Hunter extreme was designed by Bee Stinger to eliminate shot-induced vibration while still providing a high level of bow stabilization. The internal harmonic dampener and de-resonator minimizes the vibrations created at the release of the arrow and also effectively dampens the noise of the bowstring to help you hunt more quietly. The bow stabilizer also allows for users to adjust its weight by adding or removing 1oz weights. This product is available in a variety of camouflage colorways, allowing buyers to tailor their stabilizer to match their regular hunting terrain.
Pros
- Good vibration dampening
- Good stabilization
- Adjustable weights
Cons
- Some of the camo options may not be very good
Weight
The bow stabilizer weighs 6oz and comes with three additional 1oz weights.
[amazon fields=”B01BE8IRMY” value=”button”]
LimbSaver WindJammer Bow Stabilizer
[amazon fields=”B005WMUFY2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
One of the heavier stabilizers we reviewed, this 7″ stabilizer by LimbSaver weighs 13oz. The tube of the stabilizer is made of machined aircraft aluminum and is filled with LimbSaver’s proprietary noise and vibration dampening NOVCOM technology to effectively improve shot accuracy and consistency. The bow stabilizer was quick and easy to install and there is also a significant amount of noise reduction when using this product. You may, however, find that the stabilizer is too long and gets in your way when hunting.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Superior noise- and vibration-dampening
- Easy to install
Cons
- Weight not adjustable
Weight
This bow stabilizer weighs 13oz.
[amazon fields=”B005WMUFY2″ value=”button”]
NAP Apache Stabilizer System
[amazon fields=”B004XNYKWE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
The NAP Apache bow stabilizer is built with materials designed especially to resist vibration and bowstring noise, meaning that animals are less likely to be startled by the noise of the arrow release. The stabilizer is available in 5″ and 8″ lengths, and the 8″ version features an additional removable 3″ long, carbon fiber accessory bar to allow you to move the weight of the stabilizer further in front of the bow for superior stability and balance. We felt the bow significantly improved our performance both in target shooting and in the field. The stabilizer is available in a camouflage option.
Pros
- Good performance
- Rubber and carbon fiber construction
- Different lengths available
Cons
- Build quality only ok
- Cannot be used with a quick disconnect
Weight
This bow stabilizer weighs 6oz.
[amazon fields=”B004XNYKWE” value=”button”]
LimbSaver S-Coil Bow Stabilizer
[amazon fields=”B000GHWQEA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
This may be the best bow stabilizer for hunting on an extremely tight budget. We noted that the foam, coil-shaped stabilizer did a very good job of reducing vibration and a fairly good job of noise-reduction. It is quick and easy to install, can be fitted to any name brand bow, and can be used in all weather conditions. This bow stabilizer is also available in a very wide range of colors, though these may not all be suitable for hunting.
Pros
- All-weather
- Easy to install
Cons
- Less good quality than other stabilizers
- Foam may deteriorate over time
Weight
This bow stabilizer weighs 4.5oz.
[amazon fields=”B000GHWQEA” value=”button”]
SAS Archery Static Stabilizer
[amazon fields=”B00U323SWM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
This bow stabilizer is built from aluminum for durability and lightness. It features an open design to allow air to pass through, meaning that you will not be blown off target when aiming, even in high winds. The bow stabilizer incorporates various technologies to dampen vibration and noise, including the integrated dampening system running down the center of the stabilizer’s body. It is available in 5″, 8″ and 11″, so you can choose which length best suits your needs. However, the 5″ stabilizer may be too small to do much stabilization. This is a no-frill efficient stabilizer, available in black or a green/khaki camouflage mix.
Pros
- Highly efficient
- Tough aluminium construction
- Different lengths available
Cons
- Not adjustable
Weight
The stabilizer weights vary depending on the length of the stabilizer.
5″: 5.3 oz.
8″: 6.5 oz.
11″: 10 oz.
[amazon fields=”B00U323SWM” value=”button”]
TruGlo Carbon XS
[amazon fields=”B01860STLC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Features
The TruGlo Carbon XS bow stabilizer. Its composite materials both stabilize the bow and reduce noise and vibration from arrow release. The bow stabilizer is available in 7″ and 9″ lengths, allowing purchasers to select the length that best suits their needs. The bow can also be customized with a number of removable weights. The bow stabilizer comes in several different colors including black and several camouflage options. However, we think that the bow stabilizer itself was rather flimsy. Parts of it fell off and had to be glued back on or came loose and dropped out because of poor design.
Pros
- Good stabilization
- Different length options
- Customizable weights
- Range of colors
Cons
- Flimsy construction
- Weights may fall out of stabilizer
Weight
This product weighs 9oz for the 7″, and 11oz for the 9″, though these can be made heavier with the removable weights.
[amazon fields=”B01860STLC” value=”button”]
The Verdict
If you’re just starting out with this hobby or are on a tight budget, the best bow stabilizer for hunting may be the LimbSaver S-coil bow stabilizer. However, if you are looking to invest in a better quality and longer lasting product, the best bow stabilizer for hunting is probably either the Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme, or the Trophy Ridge Static Stabilizer. These two options were reviewed very highly in our book, so we are happy to recommend them to you. Happy hunting!