Nearly all recurve archers use two short side stabilizers angled back toward them in a V shape. These are often called side rods, side stabilizers, short stabilizers, or V-Bars. Their purpose is to increase stability and allow fine-tuning of how mass is distributed across the bow.

To mount these stabilizers, you'll need a V-Bar bracket—either fixed or adjustable. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each style to help you find the right fit for your setup.

A fixed V-Bar mount is a solid, one-piece bracket with threaded ports for your side rods. Once installed on your riser or extension, your front stabilizer mounts directly to the front.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable and simple
  
• Easy to set up and never slips out of position
• Guarantees a consistent, specific angle
  
• Lightweight (typically 1.5 to 3 oz)
  
• Affordable ($20–$50 for a quality mount)
  
  

Cons:

• No angle adjustments—what you see is what you get
  
• You’ll need a new mount if you ever want to change your side rod angle

Adjustable V-Bar mounts are made of multiple interlocking components that allow you to customize the angle and position of your side rods. Just like with fixed mounts, your front stabilizer bolts onto the front of the assembly.

Pros:

• Lets you dial in the exact angle that works best for your form
  
• Adaptable, ideal for growing archers or changing setups over time
  
  

Cons:

• More expensive ($100–$165 for a quality mount)
  
• Heavier (typically 6 to 10 oz)
  
• Lower quality models can slip out of alignment