If you've spent any time in the world of archery, you've probably heard someone mention tungsten gear. From arrow points to stabilizer weights, tungsten has earned a reputation for being small, heavy, and, let’s be honest, kind of expensive.

So what’s the deal? Is tungsten worth the hype, or is it just a high-dollar trend?

Tungsten is a dense metal known for its extreme hardness, resistance to corrosion, and one of the highest melting points of any element. It's used in applications that demand durability and compact mass, which is why it's made its way into archery.

For stabilizer weights, the appeal is simple: maximum weight in minimum space. That density also makes it challenging and costly to machine, hence the higher price tag.

The biggest difference is density. Tungsten is roughly 2.5 times denser than steel. That means you can achieve the same mass with much less volume.

Here’s a look at RamRods 1.25-inch weight specs:

Steel Weight

• Length: 0.76 inches
  
• Diameter: 1.25 inches
  
• Mass: 4 oz
  
  

Tungsten Weight

• Length: 0.34 inches
  
• Diameter: 1.25 inches
  
• Mass: 4 oz
  
  

A 16 oz stack of steel is about 3 inches long, while the same stack in tungsten is only 1.36 inches.

In addition to being more compact, tungsten is also more durable, though for most archers, the size advantage is the bigger win.

Tungsten might not help archers shooting lightweight stabilizer set ups (6 ounces or less) or if they're just getting started and still need to refine their shot process.

Tungsten will benefit archers that use heavy mass weight (+16 oz), because a shorter weight stack will be less exposed to the wind will decrease wind drag. For archers already running a lot of weight, shortening the stack can improve both wind efficiency and bow feel. If you're noticing that a long weight stack is making your stabilizer feel odd or unstable, switching to tungsten is a smart move.

Tungsten isn’t magic, but it is really effective when applied correctly. If you’re a high-level archer running a heavy setup, the shorter stack and improved wind performance can be a clear win. 

But if you're not quite there yet, steel weights will still serve you well—and they’ll leave you with more room in your budget for things that will move the needle more, like coaching or travel.

That said, tungsten weights are pretty darn cool and considering that archery is just a passion and hobby for most people, there is nothing wrong with upgrading something on your gear just because you think it’s cool or it brings you joy.

Ready to grab some weights?