Arrow spine selection
How do you know what arrow is the right one for you? What do those numbers on the arrows mean? These are a couple of things we are going to look at this week as well as common mistakes or misconceptions. We are not going to go over determining arrow length this week. We will save that topic for its own posting. So for this week we are going to use an arrow length of 28".
Now that we know our arrow length there are some more details we need to look at. We need to know the weight of the tip we are going to use and the draw weight we are going to shoot. The standard point weight is 100 grains. If you are not sure what weight your points are, they are more than likely 100 grains. To find out your draw weight you need to have it checked with a scale. I would recommend taking your bow to your local pro shop/archery store to have it checked. Do not just trust what your limbs say your weight should be.
We are going to use the chart below to find our recommended arrow spine for a 28" arrow, 100 grain point, and 60 pound draw weight. These numbers put us in a number 4 block. That means we need an arrow with a spine of .380 to .420. Now we know the range for the arrow spine we need, but what do these numbers mean?
Arrows are rated by their stiffness. This is the amount of flex they have. You need a stiffer arrow for longer arrows, heavier point weight, and/or heavier draw weights. The industry standard for determining arrow stiffness is to put an arrow across to points 28" apart and suspending a 1.94 lb weight in the middle. The amount the arrow sags is its deflection, or spine. The higher the number the weaker the arrow, or the more it flexes.
So far we have learned how to read an arrow chart. This is an important thing to do. You will not be able to get good consistent broad head flight with an improperly spined arrow. Now the next time you see one of these charts you will know how to use it.
However there are a few misconceptions people have and mistakes people make. The first mistake people make is to use their draw length instead of arrow length. If you pay attention to the charts you will see that they ask for arrow length not draw length. The other very common mistake I see is people just guessing at their bows settings and arrow length instead of having them checked. The biggest misconception I see is people thinking that arrow spine is the weight of your arrow. A 400 spine arrow doesn't mean that it weighs 400 grains. This also means that if you are looking for a heavier arrow you don't want to buy the one with the highest number on the box.
This was really brief, but if you would like more detailed information please leave a comment and we will address your concerns. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to browse the rest of our website.
Now that we know our arrow length there are some more details we need to look at. We need to know the weight of the tip we are going to use and the draw weight we are going to shoot. The standard point weight is 100 grains. If you are not sure what weight your points are, they are more than likely 100 grains. To find out your draw weight you need to have it checked with a scale. I would recommend taking your bow to your local pro shop/archery store to have it checked. Do not just trust what your limbs say your weight should be.
We are going to use the chart below to find our recommended arrow spine for a 28" arrow, 100 grain point, and 60 pound draw weight. These numbers put us in a number 4 block. That means we need an arrow with a spine of .380 to .420. Now we know the range for the arrow spine we need, but what do these numbers mean?
Arrows are rated by their stiffness. This is the amount of flex they have. You need a stiffer arrow for longer arrows, heavier point weight, and/or heavier draw weights. The industry standard for determining arrow stiffness is to put an arrow across to points 28" apart and suspending a 1.94 lb weight in the middle. The amount the arrow sags is its deflection, or spine. The higher the number the weaker the arrow, or the more it flexes.
So far we have learned how to read an arrow chart. This is an important thing to do. You will not be able to get good consistent broad head flight with an improperly spined arrow. Now the next time you see one of these charts you will know how to use it.
However there are a few misconceptions people have and mistakes people make. The first mistake people make is to use their draw length instead of arrow length. If you pay attention to the charts you will see that they ask for arrow length not draw length. The other very common mistake I see is people just guessing at their bows settings and arrow length instead of having them checked. The biggest misconception I see is people thinking that arrow spine is the weight of your arrow. A 400 spine arrow doesn't mean that it weighs 400 grains. This also means that if you are looking for a heavier arrow you don't want to buy the one with the highest number on the box.
This was really brief, but if you would like more detailed information please leave a comment and we will address your concerns. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to browse the rest of our website.
KEY
1) actual spine
deflection of:
.580-.620"
2) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.480-520"
3) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.430-470"
4) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.380-420"
5) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.330-370"
6) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.280-320"
7) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.230-270"
1) actual spine
deflection of:
.580-.620"
2) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.480-520"
3) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.430-470"
4) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.380-420"
5) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.330-370"
6) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.280-320"
7) Use arrows with
actual spine
deflection of:
.230-270"