If you are a new archer, you probably know by now that choosing the right bow, stand and arrow isn’t the easiest task. Archery has been practised for millennia for hunting and combat, and today it’s still used for hunting, as well as for sport. However, with the advancement of technology and of the art itself, today we have many different choices of bows and arrows. However, one of the most frequent questions from new bowhunters is: “how do I choose the right arrow?”
Source: bowhunting.com
Things to Consider When Buying Arrows
There are many things to keep in mind when you are getting your archery equipment, and even more so when it comes to the arrows themselves. Of course, you can get lucky and find the perfect arrow for sale and get it right on the first try, but it’s still important to learn as much as you can beforehand. There are many things to take into consideration when you are looking for the right archery arrow, and the basic ones are arrow spine, length, weight, fletching and material.
Arrow Spine
Even if you have everything perfect, the skill, the bow, the shooting form, picking the wrong arrow spine can render it almost useless. This is why the spine is often referred to as a vital factor in choosing the right arrow. Arrow spine is measured in numbers, and they represent how stiff the arrow is – or how much it will wiggle when it shot.
Though it may seem strange to the laics, this wiggling is normal for arrows, and it happens because of something called “the archer’s paradox“. Different arrows have a different amount of spine and you need to find the right amount, so neither too much, nor too little. Arrows that are too stiff aren’t accurate, and arrows that band too much can collapse on themselves.
Source: rokslide.com
Arrow Length
When you are buying an arrow, one of the first things to think about is the length. You probably know that in order to find the perfect length you should measure your draw length, and get arrows that are longer than that. Beginner archers should start with arrows that are around 5 cm longer than their draw length. Arrows that are too short can be dangerous.
Arrow Weight
It’s logical that the weight of the arrow will affect the speed, as well as the accuracy, with lighter arrows going faster and heavier slower. Generally heavier bows use heavier arrows, and lighter bows use lighter arrows. If the arrow is too light it can be dangerous, which is why you need to find what’s your minimum arrow weight. However, hunters generally prefer heavier hunting arrows, since they are more likely to penetrate a target since they retain more kinetic energy. For new archers it’s recommendable that they shoot with arrows with the same weight for a while, and then switch to heavier or lighter arrows to see the difference.
Source:
archeryreport.com
Fletching
The vanes on the back of the arrow are called fletching. They provide stability during flight. These three parabolics “wings” are usually made of plastic or feathers, and often two of them are in one colour, and the third one, called “index vane” is in another. Plastic vanes are very popular amongst archers, because they are waterproof and durable, though feathers remain popular as well, because of their lightness and stability.
Arrow Materials
Arrows are generally made from wood, aluminium, carbon or an aluminium/carbon mix. Each of these have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there isn’t an easy way to say that one is better than the other. The truth is that every experienced archer will have their own opinion on the arrow materials, regardless of whether they are a hunter, a target or a traditional archer.
Aluminium and carbon arrows are the most popular choices for archery today, with aluminium being the cheaper option. Carbon arrows are the most expensive option. They are stiffer and heavier, which makes them great for hunting, and perfect to match heavier bows. They can also be very thin, which makes them perfect for penetrating the target.
However, if you are a new archer, it may be better to look for aluminium archery arrow for sale, since not only are they cheaper, but they also come in a variety of sizes, and they perform perfectly both for target archery and for hunting. Furthermore, though they are a great choice for beginners, they are also great for experienced archers.
It’s safe to say that the first arrows used at the dawn of our civilisation have been made from wood. Today arrows made from wood are the perfect choice for beginners, since they are cost-effective, and since you can make them on your own, for practice and for fun. Since they are made from a natural material, you won’t find two arrows that are exactly the same. This means that each will fly differently. They are almost never used in competitions.
Hybrid arrows with an aluminium centre and carbon surrounding the aluminium are a very popular choice for competitive archers. They are light and stiff, and they perform well in wind, but they can get very pricey.