A long rod is an archery accessory that is attached to the bow to help stabilize it during shooting. It is a cylindrical rod, usually made of carbon fiber, aluminum, or a combination of both, that extends from the bow's riser and extends toward the archer. The long rod is also known as a stabilizer, and it helps balance the bow and reduce vibrations during the shot.
The long rod serves several functions in archery.
One of its primary functions is to stabilize the bow during shooting. When an archer pulls the bowstring, the bow's limbs and riser experience a lot of energy, which can cause the bow to vibrate and move. The long rod helps counteract these vibrations and keep the bow stable, which can improve the accuracy of the shot.
Another function of the long rod is to improve the balance of the bow. The long rod extends towards the archer and helps distribute the weight of the bow more evenly. This can make the bow easier to hold and aim, especially for long periods.
In addition to stabilizing and balancing the bow, the long rod also helps to dampen vibrations caused by the release of the bowstring. The vibrations can be felt by the archer and can affect the accuracy of the shot. The long rod absorbs some of these vibrations and reduces their impact, resulting in a smoother shot.
There are several types of long rods available for archers, each with its own characteristics and benefits.
Straight long rods are the simplest and most common type of long rod. They are typically made of carbon fiber or aluminum and come in a variety of lengths and weights. Straight long rods are easy to install and can help improve the balance and stability of the bow.
V-bar long rods consist of a straight long rod with an additional attachment that connects to the bow's riser at an angle. This creates a "V" shape, which can further improve the bow's stability and balance. V-bar long rods are often used by competitive archers who require a high level of precision and accuracy.
Adjustable long rods are similar to straight long rods, but they come with additional weights that can be adjusted to fine-tune the bow's balance and stability. These weights can be moved up and down the length of the long rod, allowing archers to customize the setup to their individual needs.
Proper installation of a long rod is essential for its effectiveness.
The long rod is attached to the bow's riser using a special mount that is designed to hold the rod securely. The mount should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and tightened firmly to ensure a stable connection.
The length and weight of the long rod can be adjusted to suit the archer's preferences and shooting style. The long rod should be adjusted so that it extends out from the bow at a comfortable angle and distance for the archer.