Making the lightest arrow

[david w.]

I dont really care about speed but i would like to get the flatest trajectory possible from one of my 40lb longbows for target shooting.  What would be a good wood to use?  Also wouldthat reed that starts with a PH (i dont know how to spell it)  I heard it was really light.

Could i use 3" fletchings instead of 5-5 1/2" fletching?

[El Destructo]

Your talking about Phragmites....they look like Boo or Cane....but are really punky and full of some honeycombed looking stuff....but the Indians used them ....and they are light.....cant hurt to try....but I don't know what they would spine out at...

[armymedic.2]

add more weight to the bow, ooggaa boogga.....no really though, what about good ole' port oxford cedar with a light coat of sealant and a 90 gr point? that stuff is super light and is a great contender for being the most consistent arrow wood around imo.

[ZanderPommo]

or sitka spruce

Zander

[Kegan]

You could saw up pine board squares (provided the grain's straight) and plane them round. Works pretty well for target arrows. Especially tapered !

[david w.]

That was what i was thinking.  white pine would make a light arrow

[stickbender]

     As for your fletching, you can use shorter fletching on your target arrows.  Look at some of the english target arrows.  They use short sheild type.
                                                                                      Wayne

[Hillbilly]

White pine makes good light arrows. I've made a couple sets over the years, and they're good, flat shooting target arrows.

[M-P]

Hi,  My 3D arrows are currently POC, 90 gr points, one coat of water based varnish, 350 gr finished weight.  I'm getting ~170 fps out of a 42 lb bow.  It sure makes for a flatter trajectory than a heavy haunting arrow, but the foam deer don't seem to mind.  The main problem is that POC breaks easily.
Ron

[ZanderPommo]

uhhggg

sitka spruce is super strong, barely lighter  than poc, and not too bad for straightening

Zander

[Pat B]

David, if you are going to shoot primarily targets and 3-D then lighter arrows will give you flatter trajectory.   I shoot the same arrows whether I'm shooting 3-D or hunting so my knowledge of the arrow's trajectory is implanted in my mind. It doesn't matter how flat your arrows fly as long as you can put them where you want them. I believe you complicate your shooting by shooting different arrows for target and different arrows for hunting.    Pat
 

[El Destructo]

I am 100% behind what Pat just said.....I believe that you just make it that much harder on yourself by using different weight Arrows for different Tasks.....I shoot different Arrow for Hunting than I do for 3-D and 5-Spot Target Shoots.....but they are of the same Material (Sitka Spruce)....same Fletchings(5" Turkey Wing)....and as close to the Same weight as my Hunting Arrows (145 gr Points and Broadheads)....this way you get yourself programmed to the Arrows flight...and you have no problem judging distance and drop.....it will make it a lot easier on you David...if you can find a good weight for both....and stick with it......now thats just an Old Mans Opinion....so Take it or Leave it!!

[Pat B]

...two old men!

[El Destructo]

                                                                                             

[hawkbow]

Willow shoots make good light wight arrows, HAWK