Long rod/stabiliser

[robtattoo]

Proper 'noob' question alert!!!!!

Does fitting a long rod have a significant impact on accuracy (grouping/consistency)? Is there an optimum length for a longrod (Keith at KG reckons the perfect length is just long enough to be able to put the rod tip on the floor with a straight arm, holding the bow handle, but I'm sure he's winding me up!)? Are multirod (beiter etc..) styles any better than a solid carbon or ally rod?

As a new starter I'm a little confused by this. I can picture in my head how it would feel more stable as the bow is drawn, but at the same time I can imagine it unbalances the bow, forward.

I know most tournament archers seem to use a system of balances & stabilisers, so I presume there must be something in it, but for the life of me, I can't understand why?

[Little Miss Purple]

Where do we start!!

As with any archery equipment it is useful if you can have a go with the different types available. The purpose of the longrod is to remove some / most of the vibration from the limbs on the shot release. As for making the bow unbalanced - this is acceptable as the aim is to let the bow roll forward in your hand (hence the need for a finger sling). The length of the longrod may be dictated by your ability to reach the further distances when target shooting.

I'm sure you will get more detailed and technical answers but as a newbie myself, this is my take.

Originally Posted by robtattoo

Proper 'noob' question alert!!!!!

Does fitting a long rod have a significant impact on accuracy (grouping/consistency)? Is there an optimum length for a longrod (Keith at KG reckons the perfect length is just long enough to be able to put the rod tip on the floor with a straight arm, holding the bow handle, but I'm sure he's winding me up!)? Are multirod (beiter etc..) styles any better than a solid carbon or ally rod?

As a new starter I'm a little confused by this. I can picture in my head how it would feel more stable as the bow is drawn, but at the same time I can imagine it unbalances the bow, forward.

I know most tournament archers seem to use a system of balances & stabilisers, so I presume there must be something in it, but for the life of me, I can't understand why?

Hi Rob,

Check out this link http://www.alansarchery.pwp.blueyond.../StabFrame.htm it has lots of info on long rods and stabilzation etc. Get back to us if you have some more questions.

PS I reckon the idea of selecting long rod length by the method described is a wind up. Long rod length is very personal. Cheers

Rich

Originally Posted by Little Miss Purple

Where do we start!!

As with any archery equipment it is useful if you can have a go with the different types available. The purpose of the longrod is to remove some / most of the vibration from the limbs on the shot release. As for making the bow unbalanced - this is acceptable as the aim is to let the bow roll forward in your hand (hence the need for a finger sling). The length of the longrod may be dictated by your ability to reach the further distances when target shooting.

I'm sure you will get more detailed and technical answers but as a newbie myself, this is my take.

Perhaps you should check this link out too

http://www.alansarchery.pwp.blueyond.../StabFrame.htm

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by robtattoo

(Keith at KG reckons the perfect length is just long enough to be able to put the rod tip on the floor with a straight arm, holding the bow handle, but I'm sure he's winding me up!)?

There is no "perfect length formula" that I know of; stabiliser choice will vary depending on the archer and the bow. I'm surprised a bowyer as experienced as Keith would say something like that.

Stabilisers are for three things, more or less in this order:

1. To stabilise the bow during the aiming process. The theory is quite simple - you can either build a heavy bow, or add less weight at distance to have the same effect.

2. To control the reaction of the bow on the shot.

3. To damp excess vibration (varies depending on the stabiliser).

Adding a stabiliser to a modern target bow will make it feel better to aim and shoot, but you need to try a few longrods for before settling on one. You can build up to the more complicated set ups over time.

[LIzardEye]

I've just started using a long rod and it's made a huge difference. The bow feels much more stable, despite the sightly heavier weight, and accuracy/consistency is much better. Even after 2 weeks I can't imagine shooting without one.

Just buy a cheap one and stick it on - I'm sure you'll notice the difference

[Marcus26]

Stabilizers main purpose is to stabilize the bow movement as full draw. It should be setup so that on release the bow does not tipback or forward. Because of this different bow require different setups.
Length is also a factor. A shorter rod requires more weight than a longer rod to have the same effect.
I use a 26" Vibracheck Fat Free with 2 weights out the front, a side mounted weight to help reduce canting and a Doinker back weight for some extra mass.

My wife shoots the same bow and has a 30" Vibracheck with no weights out the front, a side rod with extra weight and no back weight.

Also keep in mind that the length of your sight bar will also affect balance.

Keith at KG reckons the perfect length is just long enough to be able to put the rod tip on the floor with a straight arm

ROFLMAO. It's a stabilizer not a bow rest!

[joetapley]

Robtattoo

For a recurve The Heretic Archers recommendations are:

draw weight over 38lbs
long rod 26-33 inches, extender 5 - 7"

Draw weight between 24 lbs and 37 lbs
long rod 22-28", extender 4 - 6"

I doubt if there is better advice available anywhere.

The why's and wherefores of stabilisers best left to another day (if ever ). They are essential for good bow operation.