Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Shooting and Hunting => Topic started by: JBL on July 08, 2008, 11:56:01 am
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I have a really short draw length (23.5") at this draw my 45# bow only is 32#. The bow is not center shot and I am concerned about arrow spine vs arrow length. I know if I was to have the arrows cut at 25" they will be much stiffer than lets say 27"; I do not have a problem with "extra" arrow if it will allow for better arrow flight. My question is what are the problems with having arrows that are longer than an inch past draw length?
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All of my arrows are 29" for my 26" draw. There is no problems that I have noticed with longer arrows. You can reduce spine weight without having to use weaker arrows and I like the added weight I get from longer arrows. I believe I answered your post on TradGang also. ;) Pat
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Pat- Yes you did and thank you again. The big question I had was about arrow length past draw length. I guess the other question I have is if arrow flight is not effected by an arrow being cut more than an inch over draw length why is there an obsession in many circles to cut the arrow to this one inch mark?
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I think it has to do with some folks having to have everything perfect. With primitive stuff perfection isn't always an option. Some South American Natives and other cultures use very long arrows and no fletchings. They make their living with them and have for eons. Sometimes we get hung up on what some think is necessary but it is proven that ain't necessarily so.
A bit of experimenting will help you find the appropriate arrow length for your bow, short draw and shooting style. Good luck and keep us posted. Pat
ps. What is your shaft material?
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This arrow is 50" long, and shoots good with my 26" draw. I usually make most of my arrows about 2" longer than my draw, but I know people who make all their arrows about 6" over their draw.
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I am using cedar but I am looking at other woods, I would really like to try bamboo. I think you are right about everything being "perfect", one thing I love about the Primitive Community is that many understand that things are not perfect and to work with what the Good Lord has given us. Thank you again for your time and answers and I am going to do some more experimentation and alot more practice.
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To get cedars that short will give you either an arrow that is way too stiff or too weak. With cane and hardwood shoots the natural taper will allow you to shoot an arrow that is about 10# heavier spine. Add a few inches to that and you can get your arrow near where it needs to be. You may also try tapering your cedar arrows to achieve the same effect. Make the point end the biggest and taper to the fletching or at least the last 10" or so of the fletching end. Pat
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...heavier points will also help!
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I think the biggest reason people cut their arrows short is because they are infected with compound mentality and they have to get every bit of speed they can. The extra 3-5" might cost them a few FPS so they cut it off.
All of my arrows are at least 30 1/2". Justin
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That was my next question about points I was thininking about trying 145 vs 125 and see how the grey goose flys. One thing I am finding out as I really have become obsessed with archery is: the first 6 mos I was just plinking arrows; now I know what path I want to pursue as far as my tackle and shooting style. I am also hitting the target alot more. I also don't believe my short draw length will be as much of an obstacle as I once thought because there seems to be many solutions to this so called problem.
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The standard spine weight is also calculated with a 125gr point attached. Anything above that will decrease spine weight but I don't know the values of that weight change. Pat
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I like short arrows because I use a short draw and always have compound guys who want to shoot my stuff. They think 44'' wood bows pull 32'' just like theirs. Saves me from HAVING to make a new one every week. When I shoot alone though, long arrows are easier to spine and find in the woods. Plus if you break a few inches off (tree, rock...) they're still usable.
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All of my arrows are 29" for my 26" draw. There is no problems that I have noticed with longer arrows. You can reduce spine weight without having to use weaker arrows and I like the added weight I get from longer arrows. I believe I answered your post on TradGang also. ;) Pat
I think this is the idea of the South American Native arrows. They have arroas in overlegth, so the spine is unimportant.
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This arrow is 50" long, and shoots good with my 26" draw. I usually make most of my arrows about 2" longer than my draw, but I know people who make all their arrows about 6" over their draw.
But wouldn`t it be difficult for a short selfbow made for lets say 23" draw? You have a longer draw and you have longer arrows. A little more on a highly stressed bows and it could be firewood?!
In this way you should make a coloured mark on the shaft.
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Uwe, I draw about 26" whether the arrow is 26" or 126" long. Middle finger anchored in the corner of my mouth.
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I think daniel, on the arrow section needs to be in on this thread. I think I've been talking to a piece of plastic. :-\ I draw between 29 and 30" depending on how excited and how much time I have to shoot. All my arrows are 32" long and I usually shoot 120 grns,
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I think the biggest reason people cut their arrows short is because they are infected with compound mentality and they have to get every bit of speed they can.
yup thats about it, heck i have a friend that shoots full length carbon arrows, 32", out of his wheelie bow. they shoot fine.
on my elb the arrows are all about 3" longer than my draw,my wheelie bow arrows are 2" longer,some 4" longer( for my guillotines >:D )
shoot what your comfortable with and what flies well ;)
peace,
tim
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I used to shoot carbons from my Martin Savannah longbow. I draw about 27" and used a 32" carbon with a 100 grain brass insert and a 200 grain broadhead. Hows that for weight forward? It looked kinda silly, but shot and penetrated awesome.
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I used to shoot carbons from my Martin Savannah longbow. I draw about 27" and used a 32" carbon with a 100 grain brass insert and a 200 grain broadhead. Hows that for weight forward? It looked kinda silly, but shot and penetrated awesome.
dang that must have hit like a sledge hammer!!! :o
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Great info! Thanks to everyone it really confirmed much of my own thoughts on the subject of arrow length and spine. I am not worried about a few extra inches or FPS; I am more about accuracy and penetration.
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I have a similar situation. I have a 25" draw and use a non-centershot bow. I'm pulling around 40# at my draw. I use cedar arrows which are 29" long. These arrows have 125 grain points. I find that longer arrows are more accurate, at least for me. I think that arrow spine is more important than arrow lengh (provided that the arrows are long enough to shoot).