Arrow Shafts

February 9, 2010 by Bowhunter
Filed under Arrow Shafts

Archery arrows shafts play a huge role in determine the effectiveness of your archery shooting. However, trying to get a handle on all the information and propaganda that comes from different archery companies and brochures can often be daunting. To help you figure out what archery arrows shafts will work best for you, we have put together a list of tips to help you pick out winners:

1. Recognize the weight of the arrow is a key component to good archery shooting.

Although a lighter arrow will go farther in the air than a heavier arrow, it will not hit the target as hard. For hunters, this is important because you definitely want the arrow to do some serious damage. Therefore, the ideal situation for hunters is to find lightweight and strong arrows. These arrows will have shafts that are made of highly durable materials. The most promoted in this area are the carbon arrows with the newest version carbon arrows made from carbon nanotubes. These arrow shafts are scientifically made to deliver strength and lightweight power.

2. Stiffness of the spine determines how straight the arrow travels in the air.

The more stiff the spine or arrow shaft is the less the arrow's shaft will oscillate while moving through the air. Archers are interested in a straighter shot because it gives them more consistent shooting and is less likely to be impacted by wind or other conditions. Again, carbon arrow shafts tend to be the heaviest and offer the stronger straighter shots.

3. You get what you pay for in archery arrow shafts.

Generally speaking, you will have to pay more for better performing arrows. This means wooden arrows will usually be the cheapest; however, they offer poorer performance compared to other arrows. Fiberglass or aluminum arrows are the next step up and offer a more stiff spine and are less likely to be destroyed than wooden arrows; however, they are not as good as carbon arrows. Carbon arrows offer the best performing arrows and thus, they also come at slightly higher price tag. However, even in the carbon arrow range you will need to decide whether to go with a core carbon shaft, a carbon allow composite, or other carbon shafts like those using carbon nanotubes.

4. Caring for your archery arrows is important for improved archery shooting.

A few archery arrows in a dozen that get slightly warped can easily throw off your archery shooting. Even if you opt for carbon and aluminum arrow shafts which offer highly durable arrows, it is important to take care of your archery arrows shafts and address any issues of warping. Nowadays, this can be done by simply going to a sporting goods store and having them straighten out these shafts. However, if you have wood arrows, this is a little more challenging. The best thing you can do for these arrows is to use preventative treatment by applying wax to the shafts and storing them in room temperature rooms where the humidity is limited. The reason for this is you want to keep them from getting warped.