Barebow arrows 1 - How to select the arrow

The next phase for me is to understand the basics of arrow selection or customisation. 

Having learnt to aim using the tip of the arrow as a reference, I figure why not look into how to get the correct arrows. Yes, all this while its the arrows that the shop provided, uncut and based on their recommendations. Found the Easton arrow selector chart useful.

The arrow that I have;

Carbon shaft material which is Easton Inspire 630, having length 30.5 inch. Small knocks, standard point and 3 vanes that feels like rubber having length of 2 inch length. Having a bow with strings that provide about 30lb at full draw.

Easton reference chart describes Easton Inspire 630 as follows;

• Shaft weight GPI  = 7.9
• Shaft OD = .254 inch (6.45mm)
• Stock length = 30.5inch (77.5cm)
• Nock fitment = 5MM
• Zink point fitment = 5MM #1

Other Arrow brands include Victory (America), Carbon Express and Accmos (China).  

Spine

What I know about arrows at this time;

1. For longer distance, the arrows should be shorter and lighter. Have a weaker spine (A smaller number). Point of aim will be lower.
2. For short indoor range, the arrows should be longer and heavier, with longer vanes. Have a stiffer spine (A larger number). Point of aim is higher.

Spine determines the amount of flex at the center of the shaft. In the Easton Inspire series, a higher spine number indicates a stiffer spine, that flex less while in flight.

Arrow and Draw length

Arrow length will always be longer than a draw length. Typically a problem if this is not followed,. Imagine going for a full draw and the tip of arrow falls of the arrow rest because its TOO SHORT. However, making an arrow that is extremely long will make it difficult to tune the arrow.

Archery Trade Association (ATA) defines draw length as "the distance, at archer’s full draw, from nocking point on string to the pivot point of the grip, plus 1 3/4 inches". The references are all at 28 inch draw length.

Draw weight

Lets see, to determine the draw weight (ATA) for given bow weight (W);

X = W / 20

Z = X x 2.5 inch

Draw weight = W +/- Z (if draw length is less than 28inch, then minus. Otherwise add).

For my case, I know the following;

1. Bow weight (W) = 32lb,
2. Draw length = 26.25 + 1.75 = 28inch
3. Difference from ATA reference. 28 - 28 = 0 inch.

X = 30 / 20 = 1.5

Z = 1.5 x 2.5 = 0.25

Draw weight = 30 + 0.25 = 30.25lbs = 31lbs (rounding up)

Yes, its light and meant as a training bow to focus on form.

Still referring to Easton Archery selector chart, where recurve bow with draw weight = 31 lbs and draw length = 28 inch, I can reference table T3 in diagram below.

If I am going for the recreational arrows, Inspire range, it recommends the Easton Inspire 750, having spine of 0.750 and weight grs/inch of 8.1. 

Easton Inspire 750 as follows;

• Shaft weight GPI  = 8.1
• Shaft OD = .227 inch (5.76mm)
• Stock length = 29.5inch (74.9cm)
• Nock fitment = 4MM, G nock 7gr.
• Zink point fitment = 4MM #2

As a comparison for outdoors, the Protour which is of higher range, it recommends X10 Protour 720. having spine of 0.720 and weight grs/inch of 6.2.

• Shaft weight GPI  = 6.2
• Shaft OD = .183 inch (4.65mm)
• Stock length = 29.75inch (75.6cm)
• Nock fitment = 2 gr #2 + X10pin 8gr
• X10 point weight range = 90-110

Another outdoor arrow is the A/C/E range, which it recommends A/C/E 720 or 780R. The A/C/E 720 has a spine of 0.720 and weight 6.4.

• Shaft weight GPI  = 6.4
• Shaft OD = .215 inch (5.461mm)
• Stock length = 29.625inch (75.2cm)
• Nock fitment = 4MM HL point #1 (4mm pin is 9gr)
• X10 point weight range = 80-90

After browsing online, I found prices of these arrows. 

A dozen of these Easton Inspire with plastic vanes, points and nock as a set is approximately RM300.00.

A dozen of A/C/E arrow shaft ONLY, will cost RM1561.00.

A dozen of X10 Protour arrow shaft ONLY, will cost RM2134.00.

Conclusion

First step has been to identify the required arrow shaft. I will require a stiffer arrow shaft and to cut the shaft down as the stock length is more than 28 inch. Let me know if I missed anything.

In regards to price, the Easton Inspire is for budget conscious and beginners as myself. Looking at being more competitive would require stiffer arrows that are customised to the shooting style, and these are more than triple of the budget Inspire arrows. 

Alternative brands need to be reviewed, but at this moment I have not been able to get similar spine selector charts and arrow specifications for other brands. For now, its back to improving my shooting form at 18 meters.