Bow stabilizers can be dismissed as a crutch, with some saying if you are struggling, reduce your bows draw weight. I have heard this repeated many times by older bowhunters set in their way.
While it is correct that lowering the poundage of your bow will help improve accuracy, people are dismissive of the other benefits a stabilizer can provide. For bowhunting mule deer, elk, whitetails, or other animals the best bow stabilizer is the one that reduces the bow vibration, effectively silencing the bow.
Choosing the Perfect Stabilizer for Bowhunting
Choosing the correct bow hunting stabilizer shouldn’t be complicated. At Archery Edge, we reviewed the top 5 best bow stabilizers on the market.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Trophy Ridge Static
- Reduced wind drag
- Many options for length
- Adjustable weight
Newer archers might be interested in our in-depth buyer’s guide found towards the end of this article, detailing how these things work, what it’s for, and what to consider when spending your money.
Bow Stabilizers – Top Model Compared
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
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OUR TOP PICK
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Trophy Ridge AS1306B Static stabilizer 6″ Black |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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EDITORS CHOICE
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Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme Stabilizer |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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BEST VALUE
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SAS Archery 5-inch Aluminum Bow Stabilizer |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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LimbSaver S-Coil Bow Stabilizer, 4-1/2 Inches, Black |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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New Archery Products NAP Camo Apache Stabilizer |
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Check Price On Amazon |
1. OUR TOP PICK: Trophy Ridge Static
Probably the most unique design to be featured, the Trophy Ridge Static is available in two colorways, but more importantly comes in lengths ranging from 3’’ to 12’’. Weight is also adjustable, shipping with two 1oz weights as standard.
If vibration is an issue, this may not have the stabilization features for you, as there are no internal vibration dampeners. Instead, a skeleton rod design is used to reduce wind drag a lot when taking aim.
Worth considering if you are using your bow for extended periods, as the frame is 25% lighter than those of similar length.
Reduced aim tilt from wind conditions is also an advantage for bowhunters who consistently setup their compound bow in adverse weather conditions.
2. EDITORS CHOICE: Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme
Designed with the bowhunter in mind, the Bee Stinger Xtreme comes with three 1oz weights to allow users to customize the balance they require.
Something to keep in mind however that each weight added is extra length on the end of the stabilizer.
Available in 6”, 8” and 10” and several colorways, including camo, the Bee Stinger has the most extensive range of choice available in this list. The construction is solid, with the entire rod being made of carbon fiber.
Inside the rod is an internal Sims vibration dampener. Coupled with the de-resonator found at the far end of the stabilizer, vibration is significantly reduced.
Perfect for hunting deer, elk, mule deer and other animlas, where a reduced level of noise is critical.
3. BEST VALUE: SAS Archery Aluminum
Made from machined aluminum and available in several lengths this SAS stabilizer has the bowhunter in mind. 11’’ seems to strike the best balance for compound bows, but if you are regularly maneuvering through dense thickets, you may find the 8’’ or 5’’ more appropriate.
Unlike the other models available on this list, this stabilizer doesn’t come with any interchangeable weight adjustment. Similar to the Trophy Ridge Static this model is designed to reduce wind drag during aiming.
Unlike the Trophy Ridge, however, the SAS Archery Aluminum Stabilizer features an internal dampener, reducing vibrations and noise on shot.
4. RUNNER UP: Limbsaver S-Coil
Easily the most budget-friendly option on the market, the S-Coil comes in a single size and weight. At 4.5’’ long and weighing 4.7oz is one of the smallest and lightest stabilizers featured on this list.
Although small, when used in practice the performance is admirable — definitely the option to consider for youth bowhunters or inexperienced archers.
The design is compact, with a single ‘coil’ of dampening material running down the rod. Bow jump is reduced, but will most likely not suffice for experienced archers.
5. RUNNER UP: NAP Apache
Available in 5” and 8” versions, the NAP Apache should be near the top of any best archery stabilizer list.
We recommend getting the 8’’ model because it is exactly the same as the 5’’, with an additional 3’’ removable extension rod.
Weighing 5.5oz for the 5’’ version and 7.5oz in the 8’’ variant (when adjusted to 5’’, it will also weigh 5.5oz).
One problem users have experienced, however, is the more extended version may not fit in your bow case unless first removed; a minor inconvenience but worth pointing out.
Only available in two colorways, both with the hunter in mind the NAP Apache can be bought in black or camo.
Both look great, combined with the unique aesthetic of NAP’s proprietary vibration dampening disks make for a real eye-catching bow accessory.
Vibrations are significantly reduced with the Apache, and I have to say I consider this the most bang for your buck in its price range.
Before You Buy, Here Are Some Things You Should Know:
Bow stabilizers can be a great addition to any archer’s accessory list, whether you’re starting or you’re the next Mike Schloesser. You’ve seen our pick for the best compound bow stabilizers. We have provided a comprehensive buyers guide to help you make the best decision.
What does a stabilizer do?
Stabilizers perform two main functions, to help balance the bow and to absorb excess vibration. Many other accessories are designed with these tasks in mind, as an unmodified bow can be unstable, especially in the hands of young or inexperienced archers.
When an arrow is loosened from the bow, the bow will begin to rattle, shake and twist in the hand. Low quality or poorly maintained hunting bows are more prone to this over better-quality, modern pieces of equipment.
This has led to the introduction of stabilizers, which are commonly used with archers around the world. Let’s take a closer look at the two functions a stabilizer should be performing:
Balance
If you have never used a stabilizer, it can be quite an interesting experience. The extra weight will feel strange at first, and you will find the bow challenging to operate. But the counter-weight will help you offset the weight of any add-ons like a quiver or a rest. The counter-weight helps you maintain good shooting mechanics so you are able to hit the bull’s-eye with a steady shot, every single time.
Contrary to what you might think, this is a good thing. Difficulty rocking the bow side to side is a good sign that the stabilizer is doing its job.
After the stabilizer has been attached, the bow will pull downward requiring extra effort to be exerted to balance. Muscles will become fatigued at first, with most archers really feeling the burn in the lower half of their forearm.
With use, you will develop the required strength to compensate for the added weight. Now things become interesting; as your aim should see a considerable improvement.
Vibration and Noise Reduction
When loosing an arrow, the potential energy that is released from the bowstring transfers into the arrow’s flight, causing the bow to vibrate. More noticeable on smaller hunting bows, the energy can’t displace effectively.
Once a stabilizer has been attached, the surface area of the bow increases, providing somewhere for excess energy to go. Lower levels of vibration increase the stability of the bow, leading to improved accuracy.
Fewer vibrations reduce the level of noise produced by the bow, acting as a bow silencer. While this attribute may not be necessary for target archery, anyone who hunts with a bow will find this invaluable.
Choosing the right one!
There is no shortage of options when it comes to stabilizers, and it can be easy for experienced bowhunters to come down with a case of choice-blindness. At Archery Edge, we like to keep things simple when looking for a new one you want to keep three things in mind:
Compound Bow Setup
If your bow doesn’t have an insert port to receive a stabilizer, you won’t be able to attach one. If you check, you can find the insert port (a small threaded hole to screw a stabilizer in) on the back of the bow (the part of the bow facing the target).
Most modern compound and recurve bows have the ability to add a stabilizer, but some custom-made recurve bows may not. Longbows and older bows are unlikely to be able to accept a stabilizer.
Weight
Weight can be a personal preference, depending on the age and build of the archer. But as a rule, the more a stabilizer weighs, the more vibration it will absorb.
If you shoot target archery, a little excess weight can be an advantage, but for bow hunting animals, the extra weight can become a problem. Higher weight is good for target shooting, and lower weight is good for hunting animals such as a buck, whitetails and other animals. The right stabilizer setup can save precious pounds on the stalk.
Length
Bowhunters using compound bows, particularly for hunting, will want to use a shorter stabilizer. Shorter stabilizers reduce vibration and noise, a significant advantage for hunting animals. The best hunting stabilizers make your shot virtually silent to the prey.
Longer stabilizers (10” and up) will improve the consistency of your shots and are popular with target archers or in top archery shooting ranges.
Summary
Today’s market is filled with many quality brands offering the best hunting bow stabilizers to fit all applications, but for me, the real standout is the Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme Stabilizer. While it is pricier than other models, the quality of the product is something that heavily factors into our decision.
A close second would have to be the 8’’ version of NAP’s Apache Stabilizer, due to how well it functions and the level of customizations it offers
Do you agree with our picks for the best compound bow stabilizers available? Let us know in the comments, we love to be out in front of the market with our reviews. At Archery Edge we are always looking to deliver the most up-to-date relevant content, if you have any suggestions or articles you would like to see, please contact us.
Trophy Ridge Static
- Reduced wind drag
- Many options for length
- Adjustable weight
