[whitetail]

What accesories do you use on your bow? Being new to archery I want to know what people think should be on a bow. I bought a Bear Lights Out a few months ago and am trying to make it as good a bow as possible. So far i have a new drop away rest, a basic sight, quiver, and am planning on getting a new string. I have a stabalizer but dont use it because i find the extra weight makes it harder to shoot accuratly. Are there any other accesories you suggest?

 

[styk]

What accesories do you use on your bow? Being new to archery I want to know what people think should be on a bow. I bought a Bear Lights Out a few months ago and am trying to make it as good a bow as possible. So far i have a new drop away rest, a basic sight, quiver, and am planning on getting a new string. I have a stabalizer but dont use it because i find the extra weight makes it harder to shoot accurately. Are there any other accesories you suggest?

The correct stabilizer will increase your accuracy, finding the correct one will entail some research. Personally, I've never delved into it to get the correct one yet but with online info now a days, it's easier then ever. Look at this article, Stabilizers, balance, and bows for a detailed article into the theory behind stabilizers, it's not just about the weight.

As far as other accessories, bow mounted quiver, string and limb silencers, and most important, silent clothes like fleece and not that breathable junk they sell at the box stores, pure fleece, no nylon or anything else that produces noise when it moves, you will be close to the game and you don't want to give them anything that will allow them to jump the string.

 

[whitetail]

Thanks for the article styk. I will have to do some research and find a good stabalizer. I think the stabalizer i have just has sand in it, and when i put it on it seems to only make my shooting worse.

 

[archerynutNB]

Thanks for the article styk. I will have to do some research and find a good stabalizer. I think the stabalizer i have just has sand in it, and when i put it on it seems to only make my shooting worse.

For hunting situations, I find that a stabilizer is not that important for accuracy. Not at "normal" (20-30 yd)deer shooting distances.

In target, or 3D, yes a stabilizer will help you to tell if you are torqueing the grip on the bow. With the longer lengths especially, you can feel every little movement of the bow. And it takes more effort to move the bow around...which in turn forces you to hold it steadier.

It's kind of like a "balance" thing (like a tight-rope walker using a pole for balance.

But a long stabilizer on a hunting bow makes it more awkward to maneuver in a stand.
The main purpose of a "hunting" stabilizer, is to take the vibration out of the bow. To make the bow more quiet.

Some of them are filled with gel, or floating pistons that move at the shot, to absorb excess vibration of the bow riser.
Some just use Navicom material (fancy name for rubber) that soak up the buzz of the riser.

Not to use this as a selling thread, but if interested I have a short (you will not even notice it on the bow) Simms S coil for sale over in the classifieds.
I already have one on my Tribute( check out "rigs" thread)

 

[archerynutNB]

While your on the bow pic thread why not put up a pic of your set-up. That way I can see what you have on it, and maybe recommend some changes to help you shoot better. I tried some different stuff over the years, and keep up on the new equipment pretty well. So I know whats out there.

 

[multi]

While your on the bow pic thread why not put up a pic of your set-up. That way I can see what you have on it, and maybe recommend some changes to help you shoot better. I tried some different stuff over the years, and keep up on the new equipment pretty well. So I know whats out there.

I'm a new guy in just about the same situation ; picked up a used Hoyt Alphatec and it fit me like a glove. Didn't make any adjustments at all. Suppose I just got lucky...But it doesn't have a quiver and I would like to find one. I think only a two piece will fit on the bow and its a left hand ; any suggestions anyone ?
Tks,

 

[SIMPLELIFE]

My personal preference ,but I don't attach my quiver to my bow,just don't like it .I hang it in the tree.I have a 6 and a 3 arrow quiver and use the 3 the most.

 

[mu'in]

Try a short stabilizer (like the boys said), adds no real weight, also a "sling", for your hand, so you can just let the bow ROLL away after the shot, and not worry about dropping it. Holding/grabbing the bow is bad for accuracy, you want as little hand contact with the riser as possible.

I also found that i favour a little larger peep site (larger hole, for hunting) as i find some of the smaller apeture ones harder to see through in low light.

For quivers, i plan on picking up a broadhead "hip" quiver before fall.
I just prefer shooting the bow without one.

 

[Bowtech]

My Guardian carries G5 Me Sight, Bowtech 6 arrow one piece double grip quiver, Trophy Taker drop away, String silencers, Bow Jaxs, STS String Suppressor, Wrist sling, Peep and Specialty Archery Hunting Stabilizer. I like a quiet set-up above all else

I like using the Primos bow sling alot too, it come in mighty handy but I don't know if you'd consider that a bow accessory.

I went to a lighted sight when I started hunting bears out of my Double Bull ground blind as you can't pick anything up inside of that when it starts to get dark. I went through a few lighted sights before I found a good one. Most were too bright and you couldn't see anything beyound the pins. With the G5 just the ends of the pins light up, they aren't too bright and it now has an adjustable dimness level.

I like lots of light so I drill my peeps out, can't remember if it was 1/4" or 5/16" or 3/8". I'd have to go look at it. I know its a pretty big hole but I can use it as long as I can see otherwise.

If you like quiet I'd get some type of string suppressor if the bow doesn't come with one. Even on a real quiet bow like the guardian it makes a huge difference.

The role of a stabilizer has changed over the years. It was originally designed to assist with stabilizing the bow and follow though leading to increased accuracy. It is now used in hunting bows as a vibration/noise reduction device and has nothing to do with stabilization as most are too light to offset anything.

If you sight your bow in with a fully loaded quiver I wouldn't take it off once in a treestand as it will affect your accuracy unless it is a close shot. If you plan on hunting without a quiver, tune your bow in without one on. Just my opinion.

I used to use a hip quiver (Chuck Adams Super Slam) at one time but they aren't as good for stalking or stillhunting situations as the arrows will catch on brush and make noise or actually get pulled out. A bowquiver is much better for moving through brush. If your strictly stand hunting then it doesn't matter.

 

[Hunter94]

I know this is going to sound like a stupid accessory, but a piece of thread tied to the end of your bow (leave 6" or so tag end hanging free) and then split all of the fibers. It makes a great wind indicator that is always right in front of your eyes.

 

[whitetail]

The string tied to the bow is a neat idea. I have a wind tester I use but i guess that doesn't help if the wind direction changes. As far as accesories I think I'm doing pretty good. I have my Bear Lights Out bow, a new PSE Phantom drop away rest, a basic sight (hopefully will upgrade at Christmas), I got a new Scorpion string and cables, string leeches, Super Quad limbsavers, and peep sight. I have a one piece 3 arrow bow quiver and Scott release.

When I got the bow it had a peep sight that split the string 3 ways. When I got some new things put on the bow, I got a peep that only splits 2 ways. What a difference that made. It makes it so much easier to see the target. If you have a peep sight that splits the string 3 ways, I suggest you get one thats only splits the string in half, it makes things much more clear.