Balancing A Recurve: Fine-Tuning Guide

Balancing a recurve bow is a highly personal endeavour, with no one-size-fits-all solution. The length, position, and weight of the stabilisers control the position of the bow's centre of gravity, and this can be changed by adjusting the position of the centre of gravity. The basic theory is that an increase in the bow's mass weight at a distance resists rotational movement and raises the bow's moment of inertia (MOI), which is a measure of an object's resistance to rotation. A high MOI is very resistant to rotational torque.

The rigidity of the rod is also important. A limber rod decreases MOI by allowing the bow to move through the flexible range of the rod before the mass of the stabilizer weights can have their greatest effect on rotation.

Choosing the right stabiliser for your bow

Choosing the Right Stabiliser for Your Recurve Bow

The stabiliser is one of the most popular accessories for recurve bows, helping to improve accuracy and stealth. It provides balance and minimises vibration and noise.

Types of Stabilisers

There are two main types of stabilisers: "stiff and light" and "stiff and heavy". "Stiff and light" setups are more common, as they allow for clearer shot-to-shot feedback, better handling in the wind, and reduced wear and tear on the archer's bow arm and shoulders. "Stiff and heavy" setups, on the other hand, provide a more solid and stable feel, but require greater physical strength and attention to injury prevention.

Length and Weight

The length and weight of the stabiliser will depend on your height, draw length, and personal preference. Longer stabilisers can provide more balance with less weight, but they can be more inconvenient and less manoeuvrable. Most entry-level rods come with a rubber dampener and a weight, but you may need to add these if they're not included.

Vibration Dampeners

Vibration dampeners are not mandatory, but they can help to improve comfort by reducing vibration and shock. Any ball of rubber will do the trick, but some brands, like Doinkers, are known for their quality.

Trial and Error

Ultimately, choosing the right stabiliser for your recurve bow will involve some trial and error. Play around with different lengths, weights, and angles to see what works best for you. You can also seek advice from an experienced coach or archer, who can observe your form and make suggestions for improvements.

Understanding stabiliser weight

The weight, length, and position of stabilisers affect the bow's centre of gravity. Generally, a longer rod with more weight is preferable unless it forces you to change your form or posture. As a rule of thumb, twice the weight at half the distance will result in an evenly balanced setup. However, a recurve bow typically performs better with a slightly forward-heavy setup, so you may want to adjust the weight distribution accordingly.

When adding stabilisers for the first time, start with a lightweight setup, such as 2 ounces on the front bar and 4 ounces on the v-bars. As you get comfortable with this setup, you can gradually increase the weight without compromising your form or posture. Remember that the ideal stabiliser weight is a personal preference, and you should experiment to find what works best for you.

The stiffness of the stabiliser rod is also important. A lighter, stiffer rod will be more effective at raising the bow's MOI. If you find that your rod feels floppy during the shot, consider increasing the stiffness or trying a lighter mass weight. Additionally, vibration dampeners can be used to reduce vibration, but be sure to position them correctly to avoid reducing the effectiveness of the weights.

In summary, understanding stabiliser weight is key to achieving a balanced recurve bow. Experiment with different weights, lengths, and stiffnesses to find the setup that works best for you, ensuring that your form and posture remain correct throughout.

Stabiliser length

The stabiliser length of a recurve bow is important for achieving balance and accuracy. The rod length should ideally be close to the archer's draw length, with some sources recommending a stabiliser length that matches the draw length. For instance, a 30-inch rod for a 30.5-inch draw length. This ensures the setup is proportional and balanced.

Extenders can be added to fine-tune the balance. If the draw length is under 28 inches, a 3-inch extender is recommended, while a 4-inch extender is suitable for draw lengths over 28 inches. The extender length is crucial for achieving the desired centre of gravity, with longer extenders shifting the centre of gravity forward.

The weight and stiffness of the stabiliser rod also influence the bow's balance. A general rule is that longer rods and more weight improve stability, unless the added weight forces a change in form or posture. However, too much weight can make the bow feel heavy and tire the archer quickly. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance of weight and rod length for optimal performance.

The material of the stabiliser rod is another factor to consider. Common materials include fiberglass, aluminium, and carbon. Fiberglass is a good option for beginners as it is forgiving and lightweight. Carbon rods, on the other hand, are known for their vibration damping capabilities but can be more expensive.

When adding weight to the stabiliser, it is recommended to start with a small amount, such as 2 ounces on the front bar and 4 ounces on the V-bars, and gradually increase as strength builds. This ensures the archer can maintain proper form and posture while shooting.

Overall, finding the right stabiliser length and weight is a personal preference and may require some trial and error. Archers should experiment with different setups to find the one that suits their technique and provides the desired balance and accuracy.

Bow balance and centre of gravity

The centre of gravity of a recurve bow is a key consideration when adding stabilisers to your setup. The centre of gravity can be moved by adjusting the length, position, and weight of the stabilisers. The position of the centre of gravity affects how the bow reacts and performs, and it can be optimised to improve your scores.

The centre of gravity should be within 4" below the grip pivot point and within 4" of the front of the riser. Generally, a recurve bow reacts better with the centre of balance in front of the riser. This can be achieved by using a longer extension bar and shorter side rods, which is more common in Korean and Japanese setups. This creates more stationary torque on the bow hand, which some archers prefer for aiming. This setup also allows the bow to jump more aggressively from the hand upon release for a more dynamic shot.

On the other hand, some archers prefer a more neutral setup, with the centre of gravity closer to the grip. This can be achieved by attaching longer side rods without an extension bar. The weights on the side rods are in line or farther back than the bowstring. This setup tends to subdue the bow a little more on release, making it want to sit still.

The correct stabilisation setup depends on your personal preference, physical abilities, and shooting form. It may require some trial and error to find the optimal configuration.

Stiffness of stabilisers

The stiffness of stabilisers is an important factor in balancing a recurve bow. The rigidity of the rod is crucial, as a limber rod decreases the moment of inertia (MOI) by allowing the bow to move through the flexible range of the rod before the stabiliser weights can have their greatest effect on rotation. The MOI is a measure of an object's resistance to rotation, and a high MOI is very resistant to rotational torque.

Lighter, longer, and stiffer stabilisers are more effective at raising the bow's MOI. A stiffer stabiliser can also prevent the bow from feeling floppy or dead during the shot. A lighter mass weight also allows for the use of a more affordable stabiliser made of regular-grade carbon. However, increasing the stabiliser's stiffness requires a higher modulus carbon, which is more expensive.

The stiffness of the stabiliser is also important in relation to the damper. The damper is usually made of rubber and installed between the bar and weights to reduce vibration. If the rubber is too soft, it can allow movement of the system before the arrow leaves the bow, reducing the effectiveness of the weights. Therefore, a stiffer stabiliser may require a stiffer damper, depending on how much weight is attached.

Ultimately, the choice of stabiliser stiffness depends on personal preference and shooting style. While stiffer stabilisers are popular, they may not be suitable for all archers. Some archers prefer a lighter setup with more control in the wind, while others prefer a heavier setup that feels more solid and stable.

Frequently asked questions