Some hunters will tell you a stabilizer is a crutch, only serving to correct an improper bow draw weight. While correct that reducing the bow poundage will help improve steadiness and accuracy, they are dismissing the additional benefits of silencing the bow that stabilizers provide.
Adding a properly sized stabilizer to your bow is going to improve the balance of the bow in your hand, increasing accuracy. The vibration dampening materials help kill bow vibrations during and after the shot for a more silenced bow.
There are quite a few bow stabilizer styles to choose from, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Each one is best suited for specific situations and bow setups. We will cover what factors to consider before you make a purchase, and discuss what type of bow hunter is best suited for each bow stabilizer we recommend.
5 Best Bow Stabilizers Compared
Here is a table to compare the sizes and weights of the top-rated bow stabilizers. Each one has its strengths and we get into that further down into our top picks.
*Last updated 2024-10-27 at 09:25 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before You Buy: Bow Stabilizer Considerations
Before you choose your stabilizer, there are a few things you’ll want to think about. Keep in mind what kind of hunting you typically do, and how much weight and vibration dampening you need.
Stabilizing vs Silencing
Modern bow stabilizers perform both stabilizing and silencing tasks. Their construction utilizes materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, and rubber to enhance the way a bow shoots. The length and weight of the stabilizer are what contribute to improved steadiness in the hand and therefore can improve accuracy. Competitive target archers use extra-long stabilizers for that very reason.
Fortunately, hunting with a bow doesn’t require that level of sophistication. Bowhunting stabilizers place the weights out front to counterbalance your draw and to help negate the effects of wind while you hold for the shot. Dampening materials incorporated into the stabilizer help kill post-shot vibrations that can be the difference between success and startling a wary whitetail.
Size Matters
A longer, heavier stabilizer in the 9” to 10” range, weighing 8 ounces or more will help more with accuracy. However, that much material sticking out the front of the bow is too cumbersome in a tree stand or blind. A 10-inch plus stabilizer will be best suited for open terrain hunting as you find in western North America.
On the opposite side, a short 3” to 4” stabilizer doesn’t help much to improve accuracy, only dampening. Stubby, short stabilizers are typically best for youth and beginner bow hunters.
A medium-range stabilizer, in the 5” to 8” lengths is just right for most bowhunters. That is long enough to see accuracy gains, while also doing an excellent job silencing the bow. Choose a 5” or 6” model if you hunt in tight quarters like a blind or when stalking. An 8” would be excellent when you need to maximize your shot accuracy.
Customization
An adjustable stabilizer is a smart choice when you prefer having the ability to change weights based on conditions. Some of the models we selected have removable weight discs, allowing the archer to customize the feel of their bow at any time. Likewise, sidebars may be added to offset the weight of add-ons like quivers and rests.
Offset Bow Stabilizers
An offset design can compensate for centerline balance that other bow-mounted accessories like a quiver, rest or sight can add. An offset stabilizer is usually much more expensive than a standard model and not typically necessary in our opinion. In addition, if your bow has an offset mounting hole, you do not need an offset stabilizer.
Bow Stabilizer Recommendations
Here are our top bow stabilizer recommendations. Some models are available in more sizes than shown, but we selected the size best for hunting. We discuss the pros and cons of each model and detail its purpose and best use so you can choose the best bow stabilizer for your own bow.
1. NAP Apache Stabilizer System
- Length: 5” and 8”
- Weight: 5.5 and 7.5 oz
- What we Like: The 8” model can be converted to the 5” by unscrewing the extension tube.
- What we Don’t: Not adjustable beyond the extension tube.
The NAP Apache is our top recommendation for bow hunters. There are 5 inch and 8-inch versions, but for our money, we would get the 8 inches. The 8 is identical to the 5, except it has a 3” carbon fiber extension that screws on the end for the extra length. Just remove that and you have the shorter 5.5-ounce stabilizer. The only drawback is depending on your bow, it might not fit in your case unless removed.
The Apache looks killer on any bow in either the black or camo patterns. The rubber dampener discs do an excellent job at squelching vibrations and silencing bows. The NAP Apache is competitively priced for how well it performs, which is why we consider it to be the best bow stabilizer for the money.
2. Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme
- Length: 6”, 8″, and 10”
- Weight: Adjustable with three 1 oz discs.
- What we Like: Adjustable weights and great dampening technology.
- What we Don’t: A little on the expensive side.
With the Sport Hunter Xtreme, Bee Stinger has packed some cool dampening technology into a deceivingly simple looking device. Inside the carbon fiber shaft is a Sims harmonic dampener insert, and attached to the end is a large rubber dampener. Working together, these two components reduce the vibration delivered from the limbs to the riser, and on into the stabilizer.
The other benefit to the Bee Stinger is the weight selection. It’s as simple as using any combination of the three 1-ounce discs, which is why we feel it is the best adjustable bow stabilizer for hunting. We also like that the weights are much smaller in diameter than on the Pro Hunter Maxx. The 6” Sport Hunter Xtreme is a smart size for being in the tree stand, and if you can manage, the 8” Bee Stinger is even better.
3. Trophy Ridge Static Stabilizer
- Length: 6” and 9″
- Weight: 7.0 and 9.0 ounces
- What we Like: Looks great on any bow and adjustable weights.
- What we Don’t: No longer comes with internal dampers.
Trophy Ridge came up with a truly unique design for its Static stabilizer lineup. Instead of a simple tube with threaded studs, they came up with a skeleton-like frame built from their lightweight Ballistix composite material. It’s supposedly 25% lighter than aluminum in the same size. The hollow design is intended to allow wind to pass through without pushing on your aim. Many user reviews confirm that this design indeed helps cut the effect of wind.
There are two 1 ounce disc weights for adjustments and are attached by a large dampener that threads into the end. The Trophy Ridge used to come with 2 dampeners that mounted inside the frame, but that appears to be no longer the case. Most likely they were providing little benefit in the first place. Choose from the 6″ or ultralight 9″ model in black or RealTree XTRA camo.
4. Bee Stinger Pro Hunter Maxx
- Length: 8″, 10″, 12″
- Weight: 14.1, 14.5, 14.6 oz
- Customizable: Yes
While the Pro Hunter Maxx might look awkward, the large diameter discs hanging on the end actually make this a very effective stabilizer. The large discs distribute the weight more to steady and dampen your shot. If you do mostly tree stand hunting, you’ll love this stabilizer. If you spot and stalk on the ground, brush and branches might make the 8-inch length less than ideal.
Starting at 14.1 ounces, it is a heavy stabilizer, but the two 4-ounce and single 2-ounce weights are removable and customizable to your liking. The Pro Hunter Maxx also has built-in dampening technology, with a Sims internal dampener that does a great job knocking down vibrations and resonance.
5. Tru-Glo Tru-Tec Carbon Pro
- Length: 6” and 8”
- Weight: Adjustable with three 1 ounce weights.
- What we Like: Adjustable weights and great dampening technology.
- What we Don’t: Weight on the front end requires Allen wrench (hex key) for adjustments. Allen wrench can get lost in the field.
If you’re looking for a high tech stabilizer that is adjustable and looks good, it’s hard to go wrong with the Tru-Glo Tru-Tec Carbon Pro. The Tru-Glo Tru-Tec Carbon Pro comes with a range of nifty features such as a carbon-composite exoskeleton and a high-modulus carbon fiber rod which gives the Tru-Glo Tru-Tec Carbon Pro superior strength and rigidity.
The composites work exceptionally well for both vibration and noise reduction. You can choose between a 6-inch or an 8-inch bow stabilizer and adjust the weight with three 1-ounce discs made from stainless steel. It has a soft feeling technical coating and is created in a trifoil design to ensure good rigidity.
Changing the weight on the front end requires using an Allen wrench, which can be fiddly in the field. Misplacing or losing a wrench is an issue. Even with this possible issue, the Tru-Glo Tru-Tec Carbon Pro is definitely worth looking at. It comes in black, REALTREE™ APG, Lost Camo™, and REALTREE™ Xtra.
6. SAS Archery Static Stabilizer
- Length: 5″, 8”, 11″
- Weight: 5.3, 6.5, 10 oz
- What we Like: Aluminum body with internal dampening core.
- What we Don’t: Not adjustable.
This highly machined aluminum stabilizer is a no-frills, get the job done, kind of stabilizer. The intricate machining in the outer body really helps cut down on the amount of wind pushing your bow around. The 11″ might seem long, but it is the best size for balance on compound bows, and the 8″ is great too if you like an averagely sized stab for tree stand hunting.
If you look closely you will see there is actually an integrated dampening system running down the center of the body. This is what helps turn your buzzing bowstring into one solid ‘thump’.
7. Trophy Ridge Blitz Static
- Length: 8”
- Weight: 4 ounces.
- What we Like: Simple and functional at a good price.
- What we Don’t: Not adjustable.
If you’re just looking for a basic stabilizer that will do the job, the Trophy Ridge Blitz Stabilizer might be just the stabilizer for you. It is on the low end when it comes to price, but if you’re not too fussy, this might be the best cheap bow stabilizer you’ll find.
The Trophy Ridge Blitz Stabilizer comes with its own leather mount and wrist string for attaching and detaching in the field. This is a bare-bones bow stabilizer made from vibration and noise dampening rubber, so it comes only in black. The price is attractive for those looking for an inexpensive stabilizer, but it doesn’t have a lot of features that other bow stabilizers have.
8. Limbsaver WindJammer
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- Length: 7”
- Weight: 13 ounces
- What we Like: A heavier option in a bow hunting size.
- What we Don’t: Supplies limited.
If the medium-sized stabilizers don’t do it for you, the WindJammer might be the deal. This stabilizer is two or three times heavier than regular options but in a bow hunting friendly size. The extra weight can help you hold aim against stiff crosswinds, making it one of the best heavy bowhunting stabilizers.
This is not an adjustable stabilizer but does have threaded inserts to add counterbalances or additional vibration dampening. The tube is made of aircraft grade aluminum and filled with the exclusive LimbSaver NAVCOM elastomers for vibration absorption.
9. Limbsaver S-Coil Stabilizer
- Length: 4.5”
- Weight: 4.7 ounces
- What we Like: Attractive price.
- What we Don’t: Hard to feel the benefits on some bows.
The S-Coil is an extremely popular hunting stabilizer, mostly due to the nice price. That is not to say it doesn’t perform well, because it does for most people. With so many positive reviews, we recommend the S-Coil as the best cheap bow stabilizer for bow hunters.
It is very similar to the Deadenator XS in size and weight but utilizes a different geometry to knock down vibration noise. The S-shaped coil increases the surface area of the NAVCOM elastomer. More surface area typically means better vibration dissipation. The regular S-Coil has plain camo finishes, while the HD S-Coil has the upgraded RealTree and Mossy Oak camo patterns.
10. Trophy Ridge Hitman
- Length: 6″, 8″, 10″, or 12″
- Weight: Adjustable with two 1 ounce weights.
- What we Like: Adjustable in weight and quick connect/ disconnect feature.
- What we Don’t: Lots of parts which can get lost in the field or misplaced at home.
The Trophy Ridge Hitman Stabilizer is an adjustable stabilizer with two one-ounce weights and different customizable rings. Made from black carbon, you can choose your color accents that will fit your bow set up. It comes in a variety of sizes, so you don’t have to settle on a size that won’t work for you.
The quick connect/ disconnect feature allows you to quickly install and remove the stabilizer while in the field. Includes a wrist strap for easy carrying. It comes in black only but offers rings in six different colors. The different parts are easy to misplace and the Trophy Ridge Hitman Stabilizer isn’t as adjustable as other stabilizers in the same price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bow stabilizer help with accuracy?
Longer stabilizers will help improve accuracy more than shorter models. There is a balance you must find as a bowhunter, though, as a longer rod hanging off your bow frame can catch on branches and generally be pain in the rear. Stick with medium-sized models for the best of both steadying and silencing attributes.
What size stabilizer is best for bowhunting?
Bowhunting in the woods requires a mid-sized stabilizer. Choose something from 5” to 8” in length, and 4 to 7 ounces in weight. These sizes will give you the performance needed for hunting with a bow.
If all I do is bow hunt, do I need a stabilizer?
No, you do not need a bow stabilizer to hunt, but it could be the missing piece to your setup. Adding this simple piece to your bow can tighten up your groupings, steady your aim in windier conditions, and suck up those little vibrations in your bow that can startle a deer in the fraction of a second it takes for the arrow to hit.
*Last updated 2024-10-27 at 09:25 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
