Archery Stabilizers
The History of Archery Stabilizers
Stabilizers, as we know them on modern bows, date to the early 1960’s, and were originally patented by Earl Hoyt, Jr. Earl Hoyt created the first attachable, and removable, stabilizers. Connecting to the top and bottom of the riser, the initial stabilizers protruded toward the target. Later, in the mid ‘60’s, a center stabilizer was added using Easton’s tubular stabilizers. Back then, FITA rules dictated that the total length of stabilization on one’s bow could not exceed the total length of the archer’s arrow, which is much less than what we have today. This configuration quickly became dominant.
In the mid 1970’s, Easton developed the world’s first carbon stabilizers. Incorporating ultra stiff carbon and boron fibers, the high-performance stabilizers were coveted by top shooters for their enhanced aiming characteristics. They were about as stiff as the stiffest stabilizers available today, but a bit heavier due to the use of boron fiber combined with carbon fiber.
In 1988, Easton developed the first A/C stabilizer, a very light and stiff tapered design. The following year Easton released the parallel A/C/E stabilizer system, offering a high-resonance, super-lightweight design. Competition archers used the new design for over 25 years.
Archery Stabilizers Today
After several years of R&D, Easton offers an entirely new series of stabilizers. The Contour, Contour CS and the Contour Hunter feature advanced Tri-Mod all-carbon construction. Tri-Mod is an Easton innovation that produces unmatched stability at full draw and during arrow launch. It also naturally absorbs vibration and excess energy after the shot. The incredibly stiff and small-diameter front portion of the Contour stabilizer presents 65% less surface area. This provides enhanced aiming stability in windy conditions, without the need for indexing the stabilizer to a particular orientation. Check out these, and our other stabilizers, including the Micro Flex, Z Flex and A/C Pro, online at eastonarchery.com.