I k now there have been numerous topics on steering stabilizers but i just went through the forum and did not find one that answers this question. What all does it help you do?

 

I know some people out there have them, are they really worth $130?

 

A steering stabilizer is great for racing M/X. It helped me keeping the arm pump down. I did notice a difference when I put mine on.

 

derekhonda,
The word, "stabilizer", is not really an accurate word for this device. More accurate would be, "dampener", or "damper", because that is what it's basic function is; to damp the shock transmitted from the wheels up thru the steering stem into the bars and finally into the rider's arms and into his body. A side benefit of a damper is to alleviate the head shake incurred at high speed on relatively smooth ground by a specific bike's steering geometry combined with a certain brand or design of tire. As already mentioned a good damper can minimize arm pump and there-by reduce general fatigue thruout the entire body on long hard rides. Most dampers can be set to various degrees of damping depending on the terrain and the rider's preference. The most sophisticated of the dampers is probably the Scott, at about $400 which is mounted on the bars in the clamp area and can be adjusted while riding.
Hope this gives you a more explicit view of a steering damper.

 

Hey Derek;
I just put a Denton on my 400ex and I race XC&HS. So far I have noticed that it helps the arm pump on down hills where your have some wieght on the handlebars, and also through the bumps the handlebars move a lot less, which would allow you to use less muscle. Does you no good if you are still "hanging on with a death grip".
I also smacked a tree (not intentionally to test the stabilizer) and WOW, didn't hurt my wrist at all.
Before the tree, I would have said no there is not a HUGE difference, unless you rely on the dampner to take some hits and loosen your arms up.

Just my opinion.
I would let you try mine out, if we rode at the same place and since your are so close. Try and ride someones with a dampner.

Just don't use the dampner to try and fix a toe in problem. If the quad steers in on direction or another on it's own over bumps, the dampner is a bandaid for improper toe in and that won't work.

Good Luck, hope it helps.