How to Select, Measure and Cut Arrows

by Mike McCombie

Arrows are probably one of the most overlooked variables when it comes to the archers ability make a good shot. In too many cases the archer is sold whatever the dealer has on the rack, which may not always be the best choice for many of my fellow shooters. This section will take you through a step by step procedure in making an educated decision on Arrow selection.

First, you will need to decide what you are going to use the arrows for. Are the arrows going to be hunting arrows, target arrows, or both? Target arrows are usually lighter and faster, making them a flatter shooting arrow, but don’t be sucked in by speed. Target arrows won’t yield as much kinetic energy as a heavier, slower hunting arrow; meaning, if your shot placement on a animal isn’t perfect, and you hit a bone you may not get enough penetration to make a clean kill. Lighter, faster arrows also tend to be much more difficult to tune once you screw in a broadhead. On the other hand, heavier hunting arrows make yardage estimation a real chore on the 3D range.

The next question you have to ask is, do you want to use carbon arrows, or aluminum? Aluminum arrows are usually slightly less expensive than carbon arrows, but don’t tend to last as long. Carbon arrows tend be a lot tougher than aluminum and will probably last much longer. These are some of the factors, but only you can decide which to use, based on what you intend to do with your arrows. My own personal arrows are a dual purpose carbon arrow. After shopping around a little, I found a fairly inexpensive, large diameter carbon arrow, thus giving me the durability of carbon and the weight of aluminum, all for price of aluminum hunting shafts.

Now that you have decided what you’re going to do with your arrows, it’s time to purchase them and get measured. Don’t make the mistake that many people do and assume that since your bow is a certain draw length, then that is what your arrow length should be. Arrow length is determined by many factors, such the rest you use, the release you use, the model bow that you shoot, and so on. You can’t get measured at your local dealer using one of those cheap fiberglass recurves and a measuring arrow. When you get measured for arrows you should have your own equipment (bow, rest, release, etc.) or an arrow that you are currently using. There is nothing worse than driving home with your new arrows to find out that you need to buy a new rest or a overdraw because your arrows are 1/4” too short when you draw your bow.

Measuring the arrow length of an individual is not as difficult as many people make it out to be. The dealer or pro shop that you choose should either be using a measuring arrow or mark your arrow with a marker when you are at full draw. Either way works just as well and the results are the same; an arrow that without a doubt will fit you and your equipment. After you have been measured, it’s up to your dealer to cut the arrows and glue in your inserts. Make sure your dealer is using a HIGH SPEED ARROW CUT OFF SAW. These saws are designed just for this purpose, and are the only way to cut arrows accurately. I have seen dealers use anything from hacksaws to belt grinders to cut off arrows, and there is no way that they can get any kind of consistency using these methods. Don’t be afraid to ask your dealer questions, after all, it’s your money being spent.

Some of the best references for arrows can be found online from the manufacturers themselves. While some really hype the living daylights out of their design and/or construction, at least you’ll begin to understand what goes in to arrow construction. We recommend you check out Cabelas or Basspro. Both have branded arrows for reasonable prices with a wide selection of manufacturers represented. Some other sites to get information are,Easton and Carbon Tech .

The bottom line is this: do your homework; talk to your local archery shop pro, research what your friends and hunting pals use, take full advantage of the www, and do not forget the straightness factor. Besides shaft construction and sizing, this factor can play an important role in the frustration level as you tune your arrows! Don’t be afraid to make some mistakes along the way, it’s the best way to learn what works for you.

Next time we’ll be talking about Basic Bow Tuning, so stay tuned! As always, feel free to email us any questions at info@ArcheryWorld.com.