stableizer

I used to have one. They're really nice. They take a lot of the shock out bars when you hit a nice rock and they take the "looseness" out of the front end. You get more of a power steering feel if you use one. Mine had 7 adjustments on it from no resistance to too much resistance. But be sure to put some blue loktite on the threads of the bolts if you get one. Mine came loose and got bent around my steering stem and ruined the whole thing. Sahft bent, seals blown out, etc.
 
Stabiliseres take the jolt out of the steering when attacking rough terrain.

When you clip a rock or a rut that wants to rip the bars out of your fingers a stabiliser cushions the jolt.

I do not think that I could ride without one now as my hands are a little arthritic.

Good call on the Loctite, I have dropped mine off a few times without it.