The longer stabilizers on the target bows are more for weight distribution....to help balance the bow forward and aft. The same goes for the other stabilizers thatcome off the first (say at a 30 degree angle rearwards)....these help stabilize the left/right movement when shooting. It's supposed to give a good overall balance to the bow.....learned all this from a girl I used to date when she did a lot of organized target shooting (can't think of the name right now). Hope this helps