The 8 Best Compound Bow Stabilizers for Bowhunting

Updated March 2023

A stabilizer is a useful tool that helps to steady your bow by adding forward weight resulting in increased accuracy down range. Stabilizers come in many shapes and sizes. The stabilizer you choose will depend on your shooting needs and specific situation. Even with complete focus, it is nearly impossible to hold your bow perfectly still. A stabilizer helps this by adding a counterweight to your bow, which evens out the weight distribution making your bow easier to hold still.

Being able to hold your bow steady when drawn back, makes it easier to line up your peep and sight and put your pin on the target with limited movement. You may have heard the term “pin float” thrown around before. This simply refers to the amount of movement of your pin on a target. A stabilizer is designed to help reduce or minimize pin float so you are able to hold your pin in the center of your target easier.

A stabilizer is also meant to reduce noise and vibration in your bow generated from shooting an arrow. In most cases, a stabilizer will allow vibrations to be dissipated from the bow through dampeners or rubber components. A stabilizer is attached to a bow by screwing it into the threaded accessory hole just below the grip.

Summary List

How to Choose a Stabilizer?

Length – Stabilizers come in a variety of different lengths. In general, the longer the stabilizer, the more accurate it will make your bow. You have probably seen competition archers with extremely long stabilizers as long as a couple feet. The reason for this is that the long length makes the bow hold very still for precise shots. For hunting purposes, stabilizers like this are not practical for moving through the woods or hunting from a treestand. For this reason, stabilizers on hunting bows tend to be in the 6-12 inch range. You may have to experiment with lengths to find which works best for you. For instance, if you plan on taking longer shots out past 40 or 50 yards at an elk or mule deer, a longer 12-inch stabilizer will probably result in tighter groups at a further distance. Alternatively, if you plan on hunting in the Midwest with shots under 30 yards, a 6-inch stabilizer would work just fine.

Weight – In addition to length, the weight of a stabilizer will also have an effect on performance. Aside from adding to the overall weight of your bow, you may find that extra weight will help you hold steadier.

Noise Reduction & Vibration Dampening – After installing a stabilizer, you will probably notice that your bow is quieter and has less vibration after each shot. A stabilizer provides an additional outlet for vibration generated from your bowstring to dissipate easier. Most stabilizers are equipped with rubber components to help with this. Reduced vibration results in less overall noise.

Counterbalance Stabilizer – A counterbalance, also called a rear back bar, or sidebar, is an additional stabilizer that offsets the primary front stabilizer. As you may have seen on competition bows and some hunting bows, a counterbalance hangs off of the rear of a bow. A counterbalance helps resist your bow from leaning right or left at full draw.

The 8 Best Stabilizers for Bowhunting

Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme – The Sport Hunter Xtreme Stabilizer by Bee Stinger is one of the best-selling stabilizers on the market. This stabilizer comes in 6, 8 and 10 inch models for your choice of length. The Sport Hunter Extreme is designed to help provide superior stabilization while reducing shot-induced vibration at the same time. This ultimate hunting stabilizer features internal harmonic dampeners and a de-resonator to further minimize vibration by transferring it from the riser to the stabilizer upon release of an arrow. Individual 1-ounce end weights allow for complete balance customization. This is the stabilizer to get if you are looking for an all around great product that is quality made.

Mathews Flatline – Similar to other Mathews products, the Flatline is a high-quality stabilizer that features an exclusive dampening technology configuration for added vibration dampening and enhanced stabilization. The dampener on this stabilizer is paired with a carbon fiber rod and precision machined end cap weights for ultimate rigidity and the ability to add or decrease weight. The Flatline comes in 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch models.

Trophy Ridge Hitman – The Trophy Ridge Hitman is a versatile stabilizer that is available in 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch models. A convenient feature of this stabilizer is its quick disconnect system that allows the stabilizer to be removed from your bow without unscrewing it from the bow prior to putting it away in the case. The Hitman has two removable 1-ounce weights for further adjustability. This comes with a wrist strap and can be customized with different color rings to match your bow.

Doinker Exo Hunter – The Exo Hunter is a great all around stabilizer that has a strong carbon body combined with a dampening tip that provides maximum stability and a silent shot. If needed, additional weights are included with this product that can be added onto the stabilizer. This simple and rugged stabilizer comes in 6, 8 and 10 inch models. If you are looking for a solid stabilizer that provide top performance and durability, this is the stabilizer for you.

SAS Aluminum Stabilizer – This stabilizer from Southland Archery Supply features a precision aluminum design with extreme vibration dampening technology for increased quietness. This stabilizer comes in 5, 8 and 11 inch models. The basic design of this stabilizer gets the job done while reducing vibration. The hollow design of this product allows for air to pass through allowing improved accuracy during windy shooting situations.

Trophy Ridge Static – The Static is another great product from Trophy Ridge that comes is 3, 6 and 9 inch models. This stabilizer comes with customizable weights that allows you to control the weight and balance of the Static. The Ballistix CoPolymer design of this stabilizer makes it 25% lighter than aluminum with the same strength. The unique design of this stabilizer allows air to easily pass through, allowing for a steadier shot in windy conditions. This stabilizer also comes with two 1-ounce weights and a braided wrist sling.

Axion Envy – The Axion Envy is constructed with CNC machined aluminum and includes two Mathews flat dampeners and one Mathews harmonic dampener for reduced vibration. The advanced dampening system on this stabilizer provides near-complete quietness during shots. The hollow design of the Envy allows for air to flow through for use in windy situations. All in all, this rugged aluminum stabilizer is built to last and is great for all types of hunting situations.

CBE Torx – CBE’s Torx stabilizer comes in 7.5 and 11 inch models that feature a lightweight carbon design for added strength. This stabilizer features a stealth dampener for reducing bow vibration. The Torx comes with 2 ounces of black nitride stainless steel weights for proper balancing. This high-end product delivers maximum performance from your bow combined with quality construction.

Stabilzer Camera – If you are interested in filming your own hunts, Tactacam makes a stabilizer mounted camera that provides bow stabilization and a camera in one.

Summary

Aside from adding additional weight to your bow and the possibility of your stabilizer getting in the way, the benefits of using a stabilizer far outweigh the minor inconveniences. The above recommended stabilizers are some of the most popular products on the market. Whether you are looking to purchase your first stabilizer or are thinking about upgrading, there are many great options out there. In addition to a stabilizer, another accessory that helps your bow feel steady in your hand is a wrist sling you may want to consider. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other articles on Bowhunting Depot!