With all else being equal I sure wouldn't want to hunt with a 11"stabilizer let alone a 31". For me a 8" stabilizer is on the limit of being to long and heavy. I do understand what you are saying and for 3-D competitions, and punching paper I think it is a need. But for hunting I think it would be or could be a hindrance. Maybe not so muchfor atree stand hunter that sits and waits. But for a hunter that does alot of walking/hiking that could be a problem.Mostof the hunting we have here in the west be it elk, mule deer or antelope involves hiking.Of courst western hunters douse tree stands too but you can bet they areeither hunting bears over bait, or whitetails, or maybe a good elk wallow.But for the most part its all on foot and it could be a mile or two or more too the tree stands or ground blind. A lot of archery elk hunters don't use any stabilizer at all to help cut down overall weight. Like I said before I am not trying to argue and yes I agree that itcould help you be a better shot. But overall for me I think the negitives outweigh the positivies when it comes to a long and heavy stabilizer. I am no archey expert so maybe I am looking at this all wrong? I don't know but its something that has sparked my couriousity so I'll be checking in to it.