Arrow Flight Problems
Comprehensive diagnostic guide for identifying and solving arrow flight issues
Quick Problem Finder
Select your arrow's behavior to get instant diagnostic guidance:
Paper Tuning Tears
Left/Right Tears
Left Tear (Arrow flying left)
Causes:
- Arrow spine too weak (under-spined)
- Rest position too far left
- Draw weight too high for arrow
- Point weight too light
Solutions:
- Move rest 1/32" to the right
- Increase point weight by 25-50 grains
- Use stiffer spine arrow
- Reduce draw weight if possible
Right Tear (Arrow flying right)
Causes:
- Arrow spine too stiff (over-spined)
- Rest position too far right
- Point weight too heavy
- Draw weight too low for arrow
Solutions:
- Move rest 1/32" to the left
- Reduce point weight by 25-50 grains
- Use weaker spine arrow
- Increase draw weight if possible
High/Low Tears
High Tear (Arrow flying high)
Causes:
- Nocking point too low
- Arrow rest too low
- Weak arrow release
- Bow grip issues
Solutions:
- Raise nocking point 1/16"
- Raise arrow rest height
- Check release technique
- Verify consistent bow grip
Low Tear (Arrow flying low)
Causes:
- Nocking point too high
- Arrow rest too high
- Excessive draw weight
- Form inconsistencies
Solutions:
- Lower nocking point 1/16"
- Lower arrow rest height
- Check shooting form
- Ensure proper anchor point
Grouping Issues
Erratic Grouping
Random arrow impacts
Common Causes:
- Inconsistent shooting form
- Poor arrow rest clearance
- Damaged arrows or fletching
- Inconsistent release
- Bow torque issues
Check List:
- Arrow condition (straightness, fletching)
- Rest alignment and clearance
- Shooting form consistency
- Release technique
- Bow grip pressure
Vertical Stringing
Arrows grouping vertically
Primary Causes:
- Inconsistent anchor point
- Varying draw length
- Release timing issues
- Nocking point problems
Solutions:
- Practice consistent anchor
- Use back tension release
- Check nocking point height
- Verify draw length setting
Horizontal Stringing
Arrows grouping horizontally
Primary Causes:
- Bow torque/grip pressure
- Wind drift
- Rest centershot issues
- Sight windage problems
Solutions:
- Practice consistent grip
- Check rest centershot
- Perform walk-back tuning
- Account for wind conditions
Poor Clearance Issues
Arrow Rest Contact
Symptoms:
- Fletching damage or wear
- Inconsistent arrow flight
- Noise during shot
- Erratic grouping
Solutions:
- Adjust rest height and centershot
- Check arrow spine compatibility
- Verify rest timing (drop-away)
- Use correct arrow diameter
Cable/String Contact
Symptoms:
- Fletching contact marks
- String/cable wear
- Left/right arrow impacts
- Audible contact during shot
Solutions:
- Adjust nocking point position
- Check arrow length and spine
- Consider smaller fletching
- Verify cam timing and sync
Diagnostic Flowchart
Step-by-Step Problem Solving
Initial Assessment
Shoot 3-5 arrows through paper at 6 feet. Note tear patterns and grouping at 20 yards.
Equipment Check
Verify arrow condition, rest alignment, and bow setup. Check for obvious mechanical issues.
Form Analysis
Assess shooting form consistency: grip, anchor point, release technique, and follow-through.
Systematic Tuning
Make one adjustment at a time. Test with paper tuning, then verify at distance.
Final Verification
Confirm improvements with multiple shot groups at various distances.
Apply These Solutions
Use Your Bow Setup
Configure your bow setup in the calculator to track tuning changes and arrow performance over time.
Open CalculatorTrack Your Progress
Save multiple arrow configurations to compare performance and document your tuning journey.
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