Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: wbyrd on January 26, 2011, 12:26:00 PM

Title: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: wbyrd on January 26, 2011, 12:26:00 PM: I've noticed that a lot of bows (specifically Bear's) have got a threaded hole for a stabilizer on them. Does anybody actually use these? I was thinking of using mine to add some decorations to the bow, maybe a little leather lacing with beads and some feathers? Would sure make that ugly hole in my bow look much better!
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on January 26, 2011, 12:32:00 PM: I think many of those are also for bowfishing reels.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: buckeyebowhunter on January 26, 2011, 01:04:00 PM: All of my bear bows are from the Early to mid 70's and all have the stabilizer bushing, when i hunt with my bear bow i will use the stabilizer becuase I like the weight that it adds and it also absorbs some of the shock. Like Stickflinger said they are also very nice for bowfishing because I dont really care for those gadget adapters which just get in the way.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: KumaSan on January 26, 2011, 01:09:00 PM: My first Widow and Bear bows had the stabilizer hole. I was taught to use the stabilizer for shooting, and I believed it helped to steady the bow and absorb shock. The last I saw was on a 87' Widow I had.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Jeremy on January 26, 2011, 01:13:00 PM: How about this one :)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/fliksr/Bows%20for%20Sale/4pm4.jpg)

I don't usually use the stabilizer hole on my Bear Mag T/D. The bowfishing reel goes there nicely though (if'n I ever get to go)
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: KAZ on January 26, 2011, 01:16:00 PM: I use mine... I have a 1987 HS Black Widow takedown recurve and I put a Doinker Chubby Hunter or something like that on it. I got the stabilizer on clearance, it's real short so it doesn't interfere with anything but I do think it helps balance AND dampens the vibrations a little. Not necessary, but I like it. My riser is flat black aluminum so it certainly doesn't detract from the overall appearance...
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: JOEBO on January 26, 2011, 01:38:00 PM: Use it for a bowsling
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Archer Fanatic on January 26, 2011, 04:02:00 PM: I use mine on my 76 Super Kodiak.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Thumper Dunker on January 26, 2011, 04:24:00 PM: I use one on my wing.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: stevewills on January 26, 2011, 04:41:00 PM: i use one on my recurve not my trad bows.my recurve is set up for target and my tradbows are for hunting..
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: on January 26, 2011, 04:47:00 PM: I had a 3 footer on my heavy target bow. It shot an arrow faster than my take down that was 12 pounds heavier, but man that stabilizer was a pain to hunt with.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: bentpole on January 26, 2011, 05:14:00 PM
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: bigbadjon on January 26, 2011, 05:28:00 PM: Jack Howard seemed to think a stabilizer didn't do anything, I tend to agree with him.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: TWarrows on January 26, 2011, 05:30:00 PM: just so no.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: reddogge on January 26, 2011, 05:35:00 PM: I've always used them on Howatt Super Diablos from 1972 on. Whether they work or not doesn't matter, I like them on this one particular bow. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Archery/IMG_0955.jpg)
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Stone Knife on January 26, 2011, 05:45:00 PM: If you get a heavy enough one, it will make a man out of you :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Hoyt on January 26, 2011, 09:01:00 PM: I use a little short one of some type on my Quinn Stallion...mainly to hold my wrist sling I made.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 26, 2011, 09:30:00 PM: here's a picture from back in the eighties some time. The bow is a Kittredge Signature (basic Howatt Hunter) with eight arrow Bear snap on quiver and bear stabilizer.

It was so accurate I thought anyone who shot without one was silly. Eventually my tastes changed, but that doesn't change how that bow would shoot.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Olycreek.jpg)

To get the very best out of a stabilizer one "must" shoot with a loose and slightly open grip.
The Bear Stabilizer could "wiggle" because the bolt was set in rubber and not metal to metal.

It also helped quiet the bow. More suited to a deliberate style of shooting.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: lpcjon2 on January 26, 2011, 09:32:00 PM: Charlie you must have had a great life of hunting from the pics you post.Warning I may idolize you. :notworthy:
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Ben Maher on January 26, 2011, 09:44:00 PM: I grew up shooting old Bears Hoyts and Howatts , many of which had a tapped thread for a stabiliser. I used them on and off , but favoured them for my shorter bows .

They shot really well with one on and my new ILF rigs all carry a short one.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 26, 2011, 09:46:00 PM: Glory days my friend!!

Look closely at the fletching. It's early Bohning pbastic fletch. Very soft and rubbery (forgiving). The bow had a Bear Weather Rest (elevated), with a Berger button (cushion plunger) and drew 75#.

It would shoot a 650 grain arrow over 200 fps. for some awesome penetration.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Ben Maher on January 26, 2011, 09:50:00 PM: I grew up shooting old Bears Hoyts and Howatts , many of which had a tapped thread for a stabiliser. I used them on and off , but favoured them for my shorter bows .

They shot reallly well with one on and my new ILF rigs all carry a short one.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: swifty99 on January 26, 2011, 09:52:00 PM: I've never used one though I have had bows that had the bushing and have a Bear Kodiak Hunter now that has the bushing. Maybe I will ask my son to make me one, he made me some nice leather pieces for Christmas.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 26, 2011, 09:56:00 PM: I use one on this Bear Magnesium TD that I reworked. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/BearTDrework7.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/BearTDrework8.jpg)
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 26, 2011, 09:58:00 PM: I might add that Jack Howard didn't believe in them because his bows were built perfectly balanced with good physical weight.
It's sacrilege to even use a bowquiver on a Gamemaster Classic or Jet.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 26, 2011, 10:19:00 PM: Of course there are some things that just don't make sense!!! :scared: (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/HH_Stabil_e.JPG)
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Mike Vines on January 26, 2011, 10:22:00 PM: Throw a bow fishing real on there, and your good to go. The heck with using the insert for target shooting, use it to killl something.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Swiftspeed10 on January 26, 2011, 11:59:00 PM: I had one on my takedown recurve but rarely used it, yes it did make shots more stable and fluid but it also increased the weight of the bow alot and I dont like the way they look =P
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Ralphie on January 27, 2011, 12:10:00 PM: I recently found and bought two vintage Damon Howatt stabilizers, to use on a Howatt Monterey bow.
I was intrigued by stabilizers, as they often came with new bows in the 60's & 70's, yet their use today has declined. In a way, like recurve sights.
Sometimes people having bows refinished will have stab holes filled, along with sight holes

I found the stabilizers helped to slightly,cut down any hand shock. In addition, the slight weight added to the bow, helped shooting accuracy.

The benefits, I found, were only slight.

I sold the Monterey, so I no longer use the stabilizers.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Buckhorn3380 on January 27, 2011, 03:45:00 PM: just say no, unless your going bowfishing then put on a reel!
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: NorthernCaliforniaHunter on January 27, 2011, 04:00:00 PM: Well now, it seems the line between "traditional" and "modern" just got a little more blurry.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: vtmtnman on January 27, 2011, 04:04:00 PM: I don't use them regularly but when I have a bow that has an insert for one I will try one on there.The added weight is awesome for steadying up.It's also nice to have the insert there for a bow fishing reel,string tracker or anything else.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Jacko on January 27, 2011, 04:06:00 PM: I don't use a stabilizer, perhaps ?? I'm someonewhat sensitive as it is a cardinal sin in my neck of the woods to have a stabilizer on your Trad Bow. It was never an issue in the 70's and 80's, we recognised the clear advantages. The same folks who whinge about stabilizers have no problem with bowquivers as they like the extra weight ??????

The Trad police need to step back

regards Jacko
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: bigbadjon on January 27, 2011, 04:24:00 PM: Charlie, I have a Kwikee quiver on mine simply because it was tapped for one when I got it and have had my share of ugly glares. Anyway I have shot with a stabilizer with a compound and tried them on some recurves. My opinion is it did not make a difference. To be fair I tried them on a Stemmler Jaguar, a Bear Super Kodiak, a Bear Kodiak, and a Martin Hunter, and some compounds which are all pretty heavy in the riser. Perhaps a trimmer bow would benefit more. I would gladly use a stabilizer if I felt it would enhance my shooting.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: wbyrd on January 27, 2011, 04:42:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by swifty99:
I've never used one though I have had bows that had the bushing and have a Bear Kodiak Hunter now that has the bushing. Maybe I will ask my son to make me one, he made me some nice leather pieces for Christmas.
Maybe having a stabilizer on your Bear will make it so you can actually shoot that bow! Pretty sure I have one laying around that used to be on my compound. I guess I could just wrap some leather around it so it will match that stuff you got for Christmas...
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Paul WA on January 27, 2011, 04:49:00 PM: "Well now, it seems the line between "traditional" and "modern" just got a little more blurry."

Only for the youngsters that were not shooting before the compound. We old timers remember what was used in the old days and what is really Traditional...PR
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: d from phx on January 27, 2011, 07:25:00 PM: I will be using one on my Winstar at IBO"s
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: reddogge on January 28, 2011, 01:48:00 PM: A big AMEN PaulWA!
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: YORNOC on January 28, 2011, 02:04:00 PM: Bowfishing! When hunting with a great custom, balanced bow, no stabilizer needed for me. But I screw a shed antler butt in it until I set up the bow fishing rig again. For olympic where the finest advantage is needed, you wont even compete without one.
Totally different animals: hunting and target shooting.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: SteveB on January 28, 2011, 03:19:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by reddogge:
A big AMEN PaulWA!
And another one here.

Simply let's the shooter set the bow up for what works the best to them. A bow balanced for one shooter may not be for another. Using archery equipment that has been around since long before compounds is not going to cause a shift in balance of this new "trad" and cause it to come toppling down. :)
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Mint on January 28, 2011, 04:05:00 PM: To me they look very ugly but I do like the look of a bow quiver with some nice arrows.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on January 28, 2011, 04:24:00 PM: Pack the bushing hole with peanut butter for survival situations.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: TonyW on January 28, 2011, 09:51:00 PM: Short Bear stabilizers for the bow.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Lee Robinson . on January 28, 2011, 10:41:00 PM: Not for me.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Stumpkiller on January 28, 2011, 10:58:00 PM: If you figure the stabilizers add mass forward - some bows had it as part of the design and didn't need the insert bushing.

My cherished 1966 52#@28" Browning Explorer (62" AMO).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/HPIM2050.jpg)
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Fischman on January 28, 2011, 11:04:00 PM: Not here use it for bowfishing reel though. Never could see how anyone could put up with one hunting & stalking the darned things catch on everything ! :banghead
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: PhilNY on June 24, 2011, 05:28:00 PM: I clearly remember shooting at the public range near my house in 1974. I was shooting a 66 inch 35 pound Wing corsair with a 22 inch stabizer and it really helped me stay in the upper 260's out of 300. Coumpounds were coming in but many hunters and target guys were using recurves with elevated rests and sights, plus there were always guys that played with homade releases made from teaspoons all the way up to production models. A handfull of old timers still shot barebow off the shelf while most of the indoor target barebow guys shot point of aim or gap with a rest and a long target bow.
Most everyone had a stabilizer of some sort and many used wrist slings and arrow holders for hunting rigs. We never frowned when somebody wanted to play with a release or new springy rest. I guess we just didn't pay much attention to anything other than where the arrows landed.
I mean no disrespect with this post.
Some bows really responded to a stab while on others it made little difference, depended on the shooters style and the bow.
Phil
PS one of my favorite memories is shooting next to a guy named John Rudy and he shot a bear Mag A with a single sight and 55# limbs. We scored each other and John shot a 292 out of 300, sights or not it was some of the finest shooting I ever wittnessed and with 55 pound limbs to boot. I don't remember if he had a stab or not, we just didn't care back then.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: ron w on June 24, 2011, 06:31:00 PM: If you have the bushing you should try a stabilizer just for the heck of it....you may like it. It's not like you'll go to jail for giving it a shot.
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: owlbait on June 24, 2011, 06:50:00 PM: That is only for bowfishing or the RAMBO flashlights! I have a buddy with a Gamemaster who has a stabilizer and so many limsavers on that it looks like it should be a weather station or an electrician's tool!
Title: Re: Stabilizers on trad bows?
Post by: Shawn Leonard on June 24, 2011, 06:53:00 PM: I am using one on my Belcher ILF riser, just a shorty by doinker. Shawn