I think most people just put one on because they think they need to. Or, because everyone else has one. I don't hunt with one! My bow really doesn't need one. My next bow might though. As Len said, stabilizers have a purpose........what is yours? Normally most people want to 1st - simply balance their bow and 2nd - reduce shock and vibration.

If you go to your local proshop and shoot with several differant stabilizers(start out with diffeant extremes - 12" heavy to a 4" light) You'll definetly feel what they can do. Then hone it down from there!

Good Luck!