I was in a pro shop the other day browsing and was introduced to the offset stabilizer. It fits in the same place as a normal stabilizer but has a bar that offset the stabilizer to position it both in front of the riser and a short portion behind it. Anybody ever seen or heard about these? They look cool but do they work? Just curious.
Are you talking about a competition stabilizer or something like this?? http://www.fusearchery.com/stabilizers/detail.php?Display=sidekick
There are many many different manufacturer's who make these with many different designs. You run a long stabilizer in the front then a small side rod to PERFECTLY balance your bow. They are more of a target set-up than a hunting set-up. I have only heard of 3 people using them on a hunting bow. I think Levi Morgan uses one, I know I use one, and a guy I met a year or so ago used one. They are meant to offset the weight of the sight because most target sights a big and heavy; add weight to the overall setup, and put weight in specific places where you need it.
I remembered seeing them online a couple times. I was trying to see if he meant the Fuse or the cometition ones. His description sounded like the Fuse. I could be wrong. I have been I believe 2 times in my life so far so it could happen again.
It is by Stokerized and it can be adjusted front and back and up and down to balance the bow. I can see then being used it competition but out in the field do they work? http://www.stokerized.com/products/hunting_ss1.lasso
Some people use them but, there is a reason why everyone doesn't. It would be one big pain in my but for me too use one for hunting. I am getting in to competition some this coming season and will probably use something like this in the future. As far as do they work, from what I hear, you wouldn't tell much of a difference at say 30yd. 40yd+ yes you can tell a big difference. Thats what I have been told by a couple local pros anyway.
They do work but how much would depend on the bow and setup. My maxis 32 needed the weight to the side but my AM 35 did not. Obviously my carbon element doesn't need one because the stabilizer hole is offset in the riser.
They work extremely well. BUT it is dependant on the shooter. The shooter has to be able to shoot well enough to see any difference. It is a small difference but all the small differences add up after awhile. I use an offset Stabilizer for hunting and love it, but I have also used side and rear stabilizers for years on target set-ups so it has become second nature to me. Try one out sometime if you get a chance and se if you like it or your groups improve. I would bed a small sum that they would.
I have the Stokerized SS1 stabilizer on both of my bows. I shoot leagues and hunt with it on as well. Definetly more weight on the bow but way more stabile.
I tried the offset SS1 stokerizer but ended up getting Standard Hunter with the bowjax absorber on the end of it. With it I have no vibration after release.They are awesome and look cool at the same time.
