Arrow Selection Based on Your Setup
Professional guide to selecting the perfect arrows for your specific bow configuration
Professional Spine Calculator
Use our advanced calculator for precise arrow recommendations based on your exact specifications.
Step-by-Step Arrow Selection Process
Determine Your Bow Specifications
Draw Weight
Compound: Peak weight at your draw length
Recurve: Weight marked on limbs
Measure actual: Use bow scale for accuracy
Most important factor for spine selection
Draw Length
Measurement: Nock groove to throat + 1.75"
Professional: Use draw length measurement tool
Important: Affects cam timing and efficiency
Critical for compound bow performance
Bow Type
Compound: 85-95% let-off typical
Recurve: Traditional shooting style
Longbow: No arrow rest, different dynamics
Affects efficiency and spine requirements
Determine Required Arrow Length
Safety Requirements
Minimum Clearance: 1" past arrow rest when at full draw
Recommended: 1.5-2" for safety margin
Broadheads: Additional 0.5" clearance recommended
Formula: Draw Length + 1.5" to 2.5" = Arrow Length
Performance Considerations
Shorter Arrows: Stiffer effective spine, faster
Longer Arrows: Weaker effective spine, more forgiving
Sweet Spot: Usually draw length + 1.5" to 2"
Each inch of length = ±5 spine adjustment needed
Calculate Basic Spine Requirements
Critical: Spine = Arrow Length vs. Poundage (NOT Draw Length!)
Common Mistake: Thinking spine is calculated from draw length
Reality: Spine is calculated based on ARROW LENGTH vs. bow poundage
Key Point: Draw length only determines minimum safe arrow length
Optimization: You can shoot longer arrows for sight window and point-on benefits
Each different arrow length requires a different spine calculation!
Manual Spine Calculator for Carbon Arrows
Base Formula
Starting point for 28" arrows with 100gr points
Point Weight Adjustment
-5 spine per 25 grains over 100gr
+5 spine per 25 grains under 100gr
Length Adjustment
+5 spine per inch over 28"
-5 spine per inch under 28"
Worked Example
Example: 60lb Bow, 29" Arrow Length, 125gr Points
Step 1: Base = 400 - (60-30) × 2 = 340 spine
Step 2: Point adj = 340 - 5 = 335 (heavier points need stiffer)
Step 3: Length adj = 335 + 5 = 340 (longer arrows need weaker)
Result: 340 spine for this ARROW LENGTH
If using 31" arrows instead: 340 + 10 = 350 spine needed!
Safety Range
Professional recommendation: Test 320-360 spine range for this setup. Start with 340, then fine-tune based on paper tuning results.
Center Shot Impact on Spine Requirements
What is Center Shot?
Center shot refers to how the arrow's path aligns with the bow's centerline. Traditional bows are often "off-center" requiring arrows to bend around the riser, while modern compound bows achieve true "center shot" with straight arrow flight.
Traditional Longbows
Center Shot: Usually 1/8" to 3/8" off-center
Archer's Paradox: Maximum arrow flex required
Spine Effect: Need arrows 5-15# weaker than bow weight
Example: 50# longbow often shoots best with 35-40# spine arrows
Traditional Recurves
Center Shot: Slightly off to cut past center
Archer's Paradox: Moderate arrow flex
Spine Effect: Usually 2-8# weaker than bow weight
Example: 45# recurve typically uses 40-45# spine arrows
Compound Bows
Center Shot: True center shot design
Archer's Paradox: Minimal arrow flex
Spine Effect: Close to actual bow weight
Example: 60# compound uses 55-65# spine arrows
Measuring Your Bow's Center Shot
1. Nock an arrow on the string at your normal nocking point
2. Measure horizontally from the arrow to the center of the bow riser
3. Positive measurement: Arrow is off-center (toward your bow hand)
4. Zero or negative: Arrow is at or past center shot
Use this measurement to adjust spine calculations!
Select Appropriate Point Weight
Target Archery
Optimal: 100-120 grains
Benefits: Speed and flat trajectory
FOC Target: 7-12%
Considerations: Wind drift, pin gaps
Hunting Applications
Range: 100-150+ grains
Match broadheads: Exact weight critical
FOC Target: 12-20%
Benefits: Penetration, blood trails
3D Archery
Typical: 100-125 grains
Bullet points: Reduce target damage
FOC Target: 8-15%
Priority: Accuracy over penetration
Factor in Your Intended Use
Professional Use Case Considerations
Performance Priorities
Target Competition
Prioritize consistency and precision. Lighter arrows (5-6 grains per pound) for flatter trajectory and reduced pin gaps.
Hunting Success
Balance speed with kinetic energy. Heavier arrows (6-8+ grains per pound) for better penetration and blood trails.
Environmental Factors
Wind Conditions
Heavier arrows with higher FOC resist wind drift better. Consider lower profile fletching for windy conditions.
Temperature Effects
Cold weather increases string tension and effective draw weight. Consider slightly weaker spine for winter hunting.
Professional Selection Workflow
Decision Tree Approach
Selection Priority Order
- 1. Safety First: Ensure adequate arrow length clearance
- 2. Calculate Base Spine: Use draw weight and arrow length
- 3. Point Weight Effects: Adjust spine for your point weight
- 4. Use Case Optimization: Fine-tune for intended application
- 5. Manufacturer Verification: Cross-check with spine charts
- 6. Testing Protocol: Paper tune and field test
Professional Safety Margins
Spine Range: Test ±20 spine from calculated value
Conservative Approach: Start stiffer, add point weight to tune
Never Compromise: Arrow length safety clearance
Real-World Adjustments
Manufacturer Variations
Spine Tolerance: ±5-10 spine between brands
Testing Required: Single arrows before dozen purchases
Chart Differences: Some manufacturers run stiffer/weaker
Quality Matters: Premium arrows have tighter tolerances
Fine-Tuning Guidelines
Left Tears: Try stiffer spine or lighter points
Right Tears: Try weaker spine or heavier points
Broadhead Tuning: May need different spine than field points
Distance Testing: Verify tune at maximum shooting distance
Complete Arrow Setup Specifications
Component Weight Budget
Shaft Weight
Formula: GPI × Arrow Length
Carbon: 6-9 GPI typical
Aluminum: 8-12 GPI typical
Example: 8.5 GPI × 29" = 247 grains
Component Weights
Insert: 12-20 grains
Point: 100-150 grains
Nock: 8-12 grains
Fletching: 15-30 grains total
Total Arrow Weight
Example Total: 247 + 16 + 125 + 10 + 22 = 420 grains
Target Range: 350-450 grains
Hunting Range: 400-550+ grains
Compound Bow Setup
Spine Considerations
High efficiency requires slightly stiffer arrows. Account for aggressive cam profiles and fast acceleration.
Arrow Rest Compatibility
Drop-away rests allow wider spine tolerance. Whisker biscuits require precise spine matching for clearance.
Recurve Bow Setup
Spine Requirements
Generally need weaker spine than compounds. Longer power stroke and different acceleration curve.
Traditional Considerations
Center shot tuning more critical. Arrow paradox more pronounced with traditional shooting styles.
Traditional Bow Setup
Arrow Paradox
More pronounced arrow bending around bow. Spine selection more critical for consistent flight.
Weight Preferences
Heavier arrows (8-10+ grains per pound) work better with traditional shooting form and arrow paradox dynamics.
Common Mistakes and Professional Solutions
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Guessing Draw Weight
Problem: Using bow's marked weight instead of actual draw weight at your length.
Solution: Measure with bow scale. A 70lb bow may only pull 65lbs at your draw length.
Ignoring Point Weight
Problem: Selecting spine without considering final point weight.
Solution: Calculate spine for your actual hunting broadhead weight, not practice points.
Cutting Arrows Too Short
Problem: Minimal safety clearance to save money or weight.
Solution: Always maintain 1.5"+ clearance. Safety is never worth the risk.
Professional Validation Methods
Cross-Reference Multiple Sources
Compare manufacturer spine charts, our calculator results, and manual calculations. Look for consensus in spine recommendations.
Test Multiple Spine Options
Buy 1-3 arrows each in adjacent spine categories. Test all options through paper tuning and field testing before committing to a dozen.
Document Your Results
Keep detailed records of what works for your setup. Use our bow setup system to track arrow performance and tuning changes over time.
Quick Selection Reference
Target Archery
• 5-6 grains per pound
• 100-120gr points
• 7-12% FOC
• Carbon preferred
Hunting
• 6-8+ grains per pound
• 100-150gr points
• 12-20% FOC
• Match broadhead weight
3D Archery
• 5-7 grains per pound
• 100-125gr points
• 8-15% FOC
• Bullet/blunt points
Traditional
• 8-10+ grains per pound
• 125-200gr points
• 15-25% FOC
• Wood/carbon options