Have you ever asked yourself “why” we attach a stabilizer to a compound bow? Bow hunters, commonly practicing and taking shots at or beyond 60 yards, typically choose stabilizers 8” to 10” in length, when competitive archers have 36” stabilizers for 30 yard ranges. What about vibration? Why do most alloy stabilizers have rubber components? 

Let’s begin with the design purpose or intended function. Long stabilizers are intended for improving accuracy. Shorter, larger in diameter stabilizers are intended to reduce vibration and noise. Both being critical choices for bowhunters. Alloy stabilizers incorporate dampeners in order to better absorb shot vibration, where carbon, naturally absorbing vibration better than alloy, does not require the addition of rubberized components. What if I told you you could have the best of both worlds depending upon your scenario, preference or need in one, weight-distributing durable stabilizer.

In 2020, I connected with Corey Jacobsen, elk hunting professional and founder of ELK 101. Cory uses Crossroad Archery’s Crossover stabilizer with a strong recommendation for use in western big game hunting applications. Manufactured out of Soldotna, Alaska, Crossroad Archery introduced the industry's first telescopic carbon stabilizer. The premise behind the design is providing the hunter and 3-D competitor with a stabilizer capable of fulfilling several technical roles without owning and transporting multiple stabilizers throughout an archer's annual journey.

First, let's discuss material, design and specs of the three main components; base (additional purchase), shaft and weights:

• Base. Machined out of aircraft-grade black anodized aluminum, the base has a 5/16” threaded post to meet the industry-standard riser of most bow manufacturers. It is a quick-disconnect design by providing a stainless-steel barrel which threads onto the mounting post of the stabilizer. The quick-disconnect base makes for easy transport and use in the field and will be discussed further in the review as a secondary purpose.

• Shaft. Constructed of uni-directional carbon tubes, the shaft is light and extremely durable. Depending on which model the consumer chooses, there may be one or three knurled plastic locking rings allowing the archer to secure the stabilizer at whatever length they wish. The multiple carbon lengths quietly extend or compress to the desired length without squeaking or grinding.

• Weights. Each Crossover Stabilizer comes with 3 1oz stainless steel weights, to be added at the shooter's preferred or required balancing needs. Additional weight discs may be ordered and are available in 10 different colors.

Shooters currently have 6 options to choose from (model numbers reflect the range of length each product offers): 1017, 821,1233, and the X-Series.

• The 1017. This two-piece stabilizer provides 7 inches of adjustability from a 10” to 17” stabilizer. Product weight without discs is 4.5oz and comes with 3 1oz discs. This stabilizer is not normally used for optic stabilization due to its shorter length, but it is compatible with the Viewing Platform.

• The 821. This model provides the shooter with 8” to 21” of total stabilizer lengths with three telescopic shafts. The 821 is the shortest of the Crossover Stabilizers, yet provides 13” of total adjustability. This model works very well when used for optic stabilization. Weighing 5.7oz, it comes with 3 1oz discs.

• The 1233 is the longest in the Crossover line-up. From 12” to 33”, this model provides a 3-D shooter a competition length stabilizer while compressing to the demands of a blind, treestand or navigating thick terrain.

• The X-Series differ from the models above only in the fact they offer color matched weight discs and adjustment knobs. 

An additional option in Crossroad Archery’s inventory is the Viewing Platform. Crossroad Archery designed an optic platform which attaches to the end of the stabilizer. The quick-disconnect base, discussed above, provides the user with an efficient transition from bow to optic stabilization. Customers may also purchase the R.I.S system, the Rapid Image Stabilization system, which includes the 1233 stabilizer, Viewing Platform and all required hardware at a reduced “package deal” price point.

How does the Crossover Stabilizer withstand the demands of diverse hunting environments? For me, that is the more impressive aspect of this piece of gear. I have been using the 821 since July of 2020. I have traveled via commercial air and personal vehicle to 5 different states in pursuit of roosevelt elk, whitetail deer and sika elk. Detached and stowed in either a hard case or soft case, the stabilizer secures and transports like a champ. Once on location, the quick-disconnect allows immediate attachment by three twists of the wrist. From the extreme Pacific Northwest coastal conditions to the Eastern Shore marsh, I have hunted the 821 while stalking big game, hanging in a tree saddle or confined in a ground blind.

Do you fair-weather hunt or load up and hit the back country for days on end? I can attest to the Crossover’s willingness to support your endeavors. As an amputee I often experience balance issues while covering technical terrain, especially when stalking critters. While hunting the thick, damp timber and swamps of Washington’s GMU 681 on the Pacific Coast, I extended my 821 to it’s full length and used it as a walking stick. Keep in mind, I weigh 175lbs and was carrying a daily load-out of 25lbs in my Badlands Vario Day OS pack and frame. For 10 days, covering over 80 miles of terrain, my 200+ pounds of force applied undesigned stress to the Crossover without failure!

Now for the negatives…

First and foremost is change. Yes, change is often construed as negative and the Crossover Stabilizer is a change from the norm. If you are willing to shift from a solid, single-piece design, I believe the negative of “different” will swiftly turn to satisfaction. The carbon tubes are lightweight, allowing the majority of the weight to be distributed away from the riser by the addition of the provided stainless steel weights. The Crossover does not add or require rubberized components for additional dampening as carbon naturally absorbs vibration better than alloy. 

The second is requiring customers to purchase the quick-disconnect, separately. Granted, this is solely opinion based, but I believe that this should not be an “option” as it is functionally a solid benefit to Crossroad’s overall stabilizer design.

As you have read, I am a big fan and have experienced great success with the Crossover, outside of communication with the company. I have attempted to contact Crossroad Archery since July of 2020 without success. If you are a consumer who bases their product choice and use on company interaction, this may not be the stabilizer for you. All in all, if you are on the hunt for a new stabilizer or you are building out a new bow, I strongly recommend you consider the Crossroad Archery Crossover stabilizer.

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