Arrow length?

[partsman]

Okay, so I have an old recurve bow that I bought back in the early eighties off North Shore Firearms and now am thinking I should get out and practise with it, not for deer but for fun and maybe if I get good, try to get grouse and such.
If I recall it is a 40# pull, but I have never had arrows for it, so am curious how one determines the correct arrow length.

[willyqbc]

the only thing length wise you need to worry about is to be sure that it clears your riser. other than that the length will be determined by the spine of the arrow you wish to use in relation to your draw weight, draw length, point weight etc. Spine is critical in a recurve and length will effect it by stiffening it as you shorten the arrow, and weakening it with a longer arrow...this is assuming a constant tip weight. If your just learning and want some good durable arrows that won't break the bank a full length goldtip 3555 (cheapest grade) with a 100 grain feild point and 4" feathers should do well for you, its what I shoot out of my 40# recurve (I draw around 29") and it spines quite nicely. Once you really get the hang of what your doing and arent so worried about breaking or loosing arrows then go ahead and look at traditional wooden arrows which can be quite expensive and time consuming to make.

just my thoughts
Chris

[partsman]

Thanks for the info.

[huntwriter]

The length of you arrows will be determined by your draw length ( how far you can pull the string back). To find out your draw length and the arrows you need I recomend that you visit a good Pro-Archery-Shop in your area. There they will set your bow up for you properly and give you any advice you may need.
As for cheap but good arrows I recommend Easton aluminium, something like the "Gamegetter" they are extremly good and affordable. Personally, after countless field tests, I have not much regard for carbon arrows and stick with aluminium.

Hope this info is helping you.

[willyqbc]

after countless field tests, I have not much regard for carbon arrows and stick with aluminium.

Just curious about this statement, care to expand on it? I shoot both but am curious as to what trials and problems you encountered with the carbons?

Chris

[huntwriter]

Hi Chris.

Some years back I tested different brands and materials of arrows. I do such test quit often for me as I only will puy stuff which is reliable in the field. As I mentiond in another post here I hate if I have to worry or wonder how stuff will hold up in the field.

My research showed many flaws with carbon from breaking at the end where the broadhead is conected to loosing inserts (both nock and heads) in flight or when they hit the target. The worst flaws where that a fair amout of arrows would shatter like glass when they hit a bone or other hard part.

Many hunters I talked to on seminars would tell me similar stories, some even claimed that they hafe lost game because the arrow malfunctioned.

On a personal note I find carbon arrows to light. I prefer the heavier arrows, hevier has more penetration power. Rarley if ever have I witnessed a full shoot trough on any game animal with a carbon arrow. This is however, very common with a decent weight aluminium arrow and a good cut to the tip broadhead in front of it.

I hope this aswes your question.

[willyqbc]

interesting.... i have never experienced any problems with carbon arrows, nor have I heard of any problems from anyone in either of the two clubs I belong to. I have found the newer carbons to be tough as nails andlike you i like to be sure of my gear in the feild which is one reason I shoot carbons for hunting....they dont bend They are either perfect or totalled!! I shoot a 440grn arrow with a montec for hunting and have not had any problem with passthroughs....usually the only problem is figuring out how far past the point of impact I should start looking for my arrow! Anyway...to each his own, i was just curious as to the problems you encountered! Good luck with your season!

Chris

Oh... sorry for the hijack partsman!!

[blacktail3113]

Huntwriter
I think it is time to start shooting carbons again, or try them again.As for shattering arrows I have shoot carbon arrows through steel barrels and 2x4s and never had a problem, you migh want to try to shoot some more current arrow. When hunters say there was an arrow malfunction out of a stick bow odds are the did not hit the animal properly. I have shot carbons out of a recurve and a compound and have never had any problems with inserts coming out if you glue them properly. as for carbon weight you can get them up to 700 grains nowadays with field points. the best part of all is they do not bend.
shot placement dictated pass through more than anything I have shot deer with 2514 aluminums at 30 yards with a 70lb compound and did not get a pass through. oh well the deer was dead.

[huntwriter]

Like I said it has been some years since I did the tests and yes it is very likely, no make that a certainty, that the carbon arrows came a long way.
But you know how the saying goes, "burnt child fears the fire".
It is my strong belive that everyone should use what ever equipment that he or she is comfortable with and has learned to trust it.
As for me I trust my aluminium arrows with 5" helical feather fletching and Magnus I 125 grain broadheads up front. It works for me and never let me down in the field or on the range.

Have a great and successful hunting season.