Stabiliser FAQs
Do I need to use a stabiliser?
Technically, no you don't.
It is a personal choice but stabilizers and weight systems can be very beneficial on any bow set up.
There are two main reasons why people use stabilizers:
1) To help reduce vibration / shock and noise when shooting a bow.
2) Stabilizers help improve balance and aiming.
What type of stabilizer do I need?
There is no right or wrong answer for this. As with a lot of archery, it is all personal to the Archer.
We offer various lengths, types and styles of stabilisers. It is very much a personal choice as to what type you like, but some people can be restricted on length depending on rules within their archery society's.
Generally in competition shooting , (Target or 3D archery). If using a sighted Compound or Recurve, then generally you will use a long rod (anything from 24 to 33") out to the front of the bow and one or two side rods out the back (generally anything from 8 to 15").
For this you would be looking at our Nano, Nano XS, RV1 and Vibex range of stabilisers.
A good thing to remember is that the longer the stabilizer the more it will help steady your aim and reduce bow torque. However it is all size related.
I am only 5ft 4" and shoot a 28" Pro Nano longrod which is plenty. Pro shooter James Mason is over 6ft and uses a 33" Pro Nano XS.
If you are Hunting you will normally use a small stabilizer of anything from 6 to 12".
This is due to ease and manoeuvrability out in the field. The speed in which the shot is
taken doesnt lend its self to having a full stabilizer set up.
For this type of shooting you will be looking at our range of short rods, but also the
Tactical Stabilizers and Canisters.
Stabilizer Weight?
Yes you should try some! It could really help better your shooting.
They can help slow down the sight picture movement at full draw. So how much your sight pin moves around the target face. It can help combat bobbing, so the up and down movement some archer's face.
Again there are a few variables with making the decision on how much weight you need. It is a very personal thing as everyone is different. Bow type,and if the bow is top heavy, Stabiliser type / length, V-Bar weights etc are all things that can make a difference. Some archer's will like a heavier weight in their hands, others will prefer lighter.
Luckily DS have a wide variety of weights available, making it easier for you to
"Fine tune your aim!"
We have stack weights from 0.5 oz to 12.5 oz and our Canister systems, which can be used as a short stabilizer or weight system go from 6.8oz upto 22oz.
What is the difference between the Vibex and RV1 Stabilisers?
These stabilizers are our large diameter (21.8mm outer diameter) range. The difference between them is the carbon.
The RV1's have a internal diameter of 019mm and the Vibex 018mm. The Vibex there for are the more stiffer model.
Both are made from a high gloss carbon twill, have a Hi Modulus Carbon Core structure and have an integral foam suppression system, to help reduce any high frequency vibrations.
The RV1's are generally more suitable for Parallel limb bows and the Vibex vertical limb geometry bows that suffer from more vibration.
Go to your local dealer and try each one for yourself! See the difference on your own equipment.
Should I be using the skinnier or the larger diameter rods?
Again we go back to personal preference. The Nano range of stabilisers have an outside diameter of 17.8mm and the larger Vibex , RV1's are 21.8mm.
The carbon used to make the smaller diameter rods is made of an even higher modulus, so we can achieve the same great stiffness found in the larger diameter rods.
So other than diameter, the other major difference is weight. The smaller diameter rods are lighter.
What's the difference between Pro Nano and Pro Nano XS?
Like the RV1 and Vibex, the main difference is the carbon. The XS in the Pro Nano XS stands for Xtra Stiff. So is similar to its big brother the Vibex, the Pro Nano like its big sister the RV1.
How do I know if my bow is balanced properly?
This is very much down to how you feel the bow holds. No-one can tell you what is wrong or right.
Only you can figure out what works on your bow and set-up. Spend time and play around moving weights/ stabiliser angles until you acheive what you feel is best.
Remember, stabiliser weight / angles are not a constant, some archer's have been known to take off or move around their stabiliser weights during competitions. You just have to find what works for you at that time.
Can you explain the different components of stabilisers and their accessories?
Long Rods - are used out of the front of the bow.
Short Rods - can be used out of the front of the bow or at the rear, singular or one on each side to help balance the bow.
Hunting Stabilisers - are generally shorter in length and heavier. Short in length to help with manoeuvrability.
Extenders - Some people use them as short stabilisers, but generally used for pushing the V-Bar mount further away from the riser.
V-Bars / Brackets - used to help secure stabilisers to the bows. Some offer the adjustability to add angles to the rods you are fitting.
Quick Disconnects - Screw into the bow and then the stabiliser fits into them. They are used for ease and speed of connecting your stabilisers to the bow. Generally they are available in straight or with a slight angle.
What does High Modulus Carbon mean? Why is it important?
High modulus means how stiff the carbon is. So if you think of standard carbon as Tin metal, high modules is like the Titanium of the Carbon world.
So it has great strength and consistent weight ratio.
This means that for you the stabilizer settles quickly and is reliable.
