Stabilizer lengths for hunting bows

Well its that time of year, where everyone is doing last-minute prep work for their hunting rigs, and often times, stabilizers get overlooked. Many people just throw one on and think they're good. In many cases, sure, that can work, but you don't know what you're missing by actually taking the time to set up a front and rear stabilizer set that works well with you and your set up. 

Stabilizer lengths
This question is asked by our customers regularly, "What size do you recommend for my bow?" This is really a trick question. Realistically, the longer, the better for actual stabilization. But have you seen anyone hunting with a 30" target stabilizer? yeah.. didn't think so.  The longest "typical" hunting length I see is 15".

A lot of western hunting will choose a longer front stabilizer such as a 12" or 15" stabilizer. Western hunting typically involves long hikes, spot and stalks, and generally hunting from the ground, where a longer stabilizer won't get in the way. Western hunters are typically taking slightly longer shots than others also, where a longer stabilizer would benefit them.

Eastern hunters are generally shooting from tree stands or ground blinds, where room to move around is rather limited. A long front stabilizer, such as a 15" stabilizer used by a western hunter, would get in the way of shooting from a ground blind or up in a tree stand. The most common lengths customers choose here at Catalyst is a 10" front stabilizer with an 8" rear stabilizer. This is a great blend of stability, but also compactness. Its not too long that it'll get in the way, but still long enough that it'll make a difference in your shot.

So at the end of the day, its best to choose your stabilizer lengths based on where, and how you plan on hunting. Are you hunting out west, hunting from the ground, bugling to elk, and sending an arrow at 60 yards through a big bull? Are you up in a tree stand, waiting patiently for that big 10 point you've had on your trail camera all summer long? Are you in a ground blind on a cool spring morning, trying to call in a turkey? Choose you tools based on the job you are doing, and you'll have success.