The world of Archery provides a wide range of fun, thrilling and exciting opportunities. With advanced technology of the modern Compound bows all the way to the classic beauty of the Longbow. Each type of bow offers its own distinct benefits and special arrows that can enhance your experience as you progress in archery. To ensure a pleasant archery experience, it is therefore crucial, to choose the right arrows for your bow.
Understanding Your Bow(s)
Common bow styles include Compound bows, Crossbow bows, Recurve bows/Longbows.
Compound Bows: These bows use a system of pulleys – (cams) to reduce the holding weight, making it easier to maintain a fully drawn position. Using pulleys and cables can help improve accuracy by ensuring a consistent and smooth release with advanced technology.. The lower holding weight enables the archer to maintain the bow fully drawn and take more time to aim for a smoother release and improved accuracy.
Crossbow Bows: Unlike compound bows, crossbows are preloaded before the shot, with the arrow or bolt secured while the shooter gets into position. Crossbows often have scopes [for viewing thru] for easier aiming but can be challenging to shoot. They tend to have higher arrow speeds than compound bows, better accuracy at moderate ranges, and an edge at longer distances for controlled shooting experiences.
Recurve Bows: As the bowstring is drawn, the recurved limbs bend further, storing more energy and increasing the Draw weight. The design allows a recurve bow to be shorter in overall length while still generating high power and arrow speeds. These bows are popular for use in the Olympics, target archery and hunting applications due to their combination of smooth draw power and flexibility.
Longbow: This is a traditional, straight-limbed bow with little to no recurve in the limbs. The draw weight increases steadily as the string is pulled back, without the leverage provided by recurved limbs. To achieve the same power as a shorter recurve, a longbow must be longer in overall length. Longbows are commonly used for recreational archery, historical reenactments, casual and target shooting applications and basic hunting due to their classic design and features.
Grasping the Fundamentals of Draw Weight and Draw Length:
Pulling Power and Shooting Stroke Length.
Draw Weight: This is the amount of force required to pull the bowstring back to its fully drawn position. It is measured in pounds. The poundage varies depending on the bow type and the archer’s strength. Draw weight measures the force needed to pull back the bowstring. Starting too heavy can make it extremely difficult to shoot with proper form.
A basic guideline is “lower is better” – while an adult male may technically be able to draw a 50lb bow, it’s not recommended for beginners who will struggle to repeat that level of effort. The key is selecting a draw weight that allows you to enjoy archery while developing skills. The recommended starting ranges based on age and experience level based on 28” standard are:
Draw Weight (lbs.) | 6-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-15 Years | 16-18 Years | Adult Female | Adult Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beginner Recurve | 6-10 lbs. | 10-15 lbs. | 15-20 lbs. | 20-25 lbs. | 20-30 lbs. | 25-35 lbs. |
Intermediate Recurve | 10-14 lbs. | 15-20 lbs. | 20-25 lbs. | 25-30 lbs. | 25-35 lbs. | 30-40 lbs. |
Compound Bow | 10-15 lbs. | 15-25 lbs. | 25-35 lbs. | 35-45 lbs. | 30-45 lbs. | 40-60 lbs. |
Crossbow | 75-95 lbs. | 75-95 lbs. | 100-150 lbs. | 150-200 lbs. | 150-200 lbs. | 175-225 lbs. |
Longbow | 10-15 lbs. | 15-20 lbs. | 20-30 lbs. | 25-35 lbs. | 25-40 lbs. | 30-45 lbs. |
Draw Length: This is the distance the bowstring travels from its resting position to the anchor point (the spot on your face where the string rests when fully drawn). Draw length is typically measured in inches and is influenced by the archer’s arm span and body proportions.
To find your Draw Length:
- Stand against a wall of some type.
- Clap your hands together straight in front of you.
- Now spread them wide out to your shoulders – your palms facing forward.
- Your Draw Length can now be measured with a yard stick or measuring tape from your middle finger all the across to your other extended arm – middle finger.
- Find that number.
- Last step is to divide by 2.5
- You have now discovered your Draw Length!
Factors to consider when choosing the right arrow for your bow:
Not all arrows are designed equal; the materials used in making arrows can affect the performance of archery shots. It is therefore important to find the right arrow for your compound, recurve or bow. Arrows are typically made from three primary materials: aluminum, carbon, and wood.
Aluminum Arrows: While providing great value and durability, these arrows are recommended for target use or hunting where the distances do not exceed medium ranges.
Carbon Arrows: They are the favored choice for tournaments and lengthy hunting shots – carbon arrows deliver stiffness and low weight at premium prices.
Wooden Arrows: Wooden arrows, preferred for tradition and looks by some, demand greater care but deliver pinpoint accuracy in practiced hands.
The perfect arrow selection hinges on three key factors:
Length, spine, and total weight. Matching arrow length to your draw length and spine stiffness to your bow’s draw weight is vital for pinpoint accuracy. Target archers often prefer lighter setups, while hunters opt for heavier arrows for better penetration.
Arrow Spine: This refers to the arrow’s stiffness, measured in terms of how much the arrow bends or flexes when shot.
The arrow spine recommendations are based on typical manufacturer charts matching draw weight, arrow length, and point weight. The stiffer the spine number, the stiffer the arrow shaft. Factors like release type (fingers vs release aid) can also influence ideal spine selection.
Additional Tips for Hunting:
Use a Broadhead arrowhead – for hunting. They have wide, sharp blades compared to target practice points. These blades create a larger wound channel upon impact, causing quicker and more humane kills on game animals. These blades come in assorted sizes, typically with two, three, or four blades.
To find your Spine Group:
Find the manufactures website of the arrow, enter your bow’s draw weight in the “Draw Weight” cell.
Measure the distance from the nock (where the string attaches) to the end of the insert (where the field point or broadhead screws in) of your arrow in inches.
Enter the weight of your field point or broadhead (typically in grains) in the “Point Weight” cell. – with one grain equaling about 0.0648 grams. Knowing the weight of the arrow tip is important for determining the overall weight and balance of the arrow, as well as its performance when shot from a bow.
It is important to use the correct size and spine arrows for your bow. Using the wrong arrows can damage your bow and affect accuracy.
Detail Arrow Specifications Chart:
Arrow Weight: Heavier arrows offer flatter flights and better wind resistance but sacrifice mobile dynamic energy, possibly leading to shallower penetration.
Arrow Length: The length of the arrow should be slightly longer (1-2 inches) than the draw length of the bow to prevent it from falling off the rest or hitting the bow when it is released.
Other Features: Factors like fletching (the feathers or vanes), nock design, and point weight can also affect arrow performance.
Matching Arrows to Your Bow
The most critical aspect of arrow selection is matching the arrow spine to your bow’s draw weight and draw length. This is typically done using an arrow spine chart, which provides recommended spine ratings based on these factors.
Heavier draw weights require stiffer (higher spine rating) arrows, while lighter draw weights require more flexible (lower spine rating) arrows. Similarly, longer draw lengths require stiffer arrows, while shorter draw lengths can use more flexible arrows. Never compromise on proper arrow-to-bow matching.
Testing and Fine-Tuning:
Fine-tuning your arrow selection involves testing options, observing flight, and possibly adjusting bow or arrow parts.
Safety Considerations
Dry Firing: Using arrows that are too lightweight for your bow can cause the arrow to clear the bow before the string has fully transferred its energy, resulting in a dangerous “dry fire” that can damage your bow. Safety is very important. Always prioritize safety and seek guidance for selecting the right arrows for your bow.
Overdrawing: Arrows that are too short for your draw length can cause the nock to slide off the string when fully drawn, leading to potential injury and damage to your equipment.
Premature Wear: Using the wrong arrow spine can cause excessive wear on your bow’s components, shortening their lifespan and potentially leading to equipment failure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right arrows for your bow is a crucial aspect of archery that can significantly impact your accuracy, consistency, and overall shooting experience. Matching your bow’s draw weight and length to arrow material, characteristics, and spine is key. Remember, finding the perfect arrow might involve testing and adjustments – prioritize safety and seek help from experienced archers if needed.
FAQs
How do I choose arrows for a compound bow?
While compound bow arrow selection relies on draw weight and length, consider your bow’s let-off too. Higher let-off bows might need slightly weaker (more flexible) arrows compared to recurves with the same draw weight.
How do I choose arrows for a recurve bow?
For recurve bows, follow the arrow spine chart recommendations based on your draw weight and draw length. Recurve bows generally require stiffer arrows than compound bows with the same draw weight due to the lack of let-off.
Are lighter or heavier arrows better?
Neither lighter nor heavier arrows are inherently better; it depends on your specific shooting needs and preferences. Lighter arrows typically have flatter routes and less wind drift but may lack penetration power for hunting. Heavier arrows can penetrate deeper but cold drop quicker at longer ranges.
What happens if your arrows are too light or heavy spine for your bow?
If your arrows are too light (weak) spine for your bow’s draw weight and length, they will flex excessively and likely wobble or porpoise in flight, resulting in poor accuracy and consistency. If your arrows are too stiff (heavy) spine, they may not flex enough and produce an erratic flight path, leading to similar accuracy issues. In extreme cases, arrows that are too stiff can even cause dry fires or premature wear on your bow.
References:
https://n1outdoors.com/bow-draw-length-measurement-calculator/
https://bahamasarchery.com/bow-weight-getting-it-right/
https://www.goldtip.com/arrow-spine-selector
https://blackeaglearrows.com/arrow-sizing-spine-chart/
https://www.victoryarchery.com/arrow-guide/
https://www.bowhunter.com/editorial/how-to-choose-arrows-for-hunting/182244
https://www.triggersandbows.com/2020/08/05/how-to-choose-arrow-shafts/
