Whether or not to use a stabilizer on your bow is really a personal decision. There are many very proficient archers who never use a stablilizer. However, there are many fierce competitors and well known hunters who do.

They were designed for a purpose (to give more balance to the bow and to diminish the vibration with each shot) and could, perhaps help to improve your over all performance. If money allows, I suppose the prudent course would be to try one and see if it is of benefit to you.

The length of the stabilizer is mostly personal preference as well. But remember, the longer they are, the heavier they are - usually. But with that said, you'll see stabilizers weighing just ounces or several pounds - of every length. Go for the lightest weight stabilizer you can afford.

The length of the stabilizer should really be based on the type of shooting you will be doing. For instance, a bow used for hunting should have only a short stabilizer (if you use one at all). Considering the time you will spend in the woods or around trees and bushes which could snag your stablilizer, choose what is easier on you. However, if your bow is used for target shooting or in competition, you would benefits from a long stabilizer (better balance).

So the bottom line is, use a stabilizer if you wish. It was designed to improve your experience with your bow. You must decided if it is a benefit for you or not. And the only way you're going to be able to do that is to try one for yourself.

If you're thinking about taking on archery as a hobby (or your next obsession), you may want to know the type money you will be shelling out in order to get started before you take that initial plunge.

The first thing I'd suggest is to find a range in your area that has equipment you can use and an instructor. This will give you an idea of the type bow you'll want. This will also give you the opportunity to find your draw length and weight range.

Then I'd suggest finding a good used bow rather than spending money on a brand new - high dollar - bow. You can learn on a nice used bow and then gradually, as you grow in the sport and learn your own likes and dislikes you can add to your equipment as needed.

But now the all important question of what you'll need and how much it will cost. You will need a bow and arrows (obviously), target points, a sight, an arrow rest, release aid, arm guard, glove and bow case. These items new can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000 or more. However, if you are frugal and shop for good used products, you can come away with everything you'll need for $300 or less.

The numbers of sports men and women competing in the field of archery are growing each and every year. And beginners often want to know how to choose the type bow they should begin with when they don’t have any experience on which to base their decision.

Well my first suggestion is to find a range and use the range’s equipment. Some ranges will allow clients to use their equipment for free or a very nominal fee. Now the reason I suggest this is, before you go out and spend a lot of money on the wrong bow for your body size it would be best to have a little experience under your belt.

A good starting place to determine the span and weight range you will be interested in is to do the follow. You can begin by calculating your span by holding your arms outstretched from your body to either side. Then have someone measure the span from the tip of your fingers on one hand to the tips of your fingers on the other hand and then divide that number by 2 ½. This will give you your approximate draw length.

And then an easy way to get an approximate draw weight (the strength needed to draw back the string on your bow) is to calculate using your weight. For women and children, the draw weight would be approximately 35% of your body weight – and for older boys and men, the draw weight would be approximately 40% of your body weight.

Then, using the range equipment, find a competent instructor to help you first determine the bow most appropriate for your body size, and then to give you guidance as you begin to learn this sport.

Then purchase a very good riser. This is the middle of the bow – where the grip is. The riser is something you may never have to replace. So get one that is comfortable and that you like. Then you can purchase limbs of lesser value to use as you learn the sport – moving on to purchasing more expensive equipment as needed and as you better learn what you need and want.

The arrows you get will be determined by your bow and the type shooting you will be doing. I would suggest getting aluminum for your first set, and that you buy them ready made. Aluminums are durable and inexpensive. When buying the aluminums, request arrows with thick wall, wall thickness above 14/1000 inch is preferred for durability. You can get a great aluminum arrows for about $50/dozen.

Once again, if your dream is to compete, I recommend you find someone to teach or guide you through this process or you will end up learning to shoot incorrectly and have to relearn and break bad habits. Attempting to learn on your own will also cause you to take much longer to learn your sport.

Find a good range and a great coach and have a ball. This is a fantastic sport and it is wide open for those interested whether they wish to hunt, compete or simply enjoy themselves.