How to Pick Archery Arrows
The arrow is the most important piece of equipment to any archer. The bow is considered the second most important piece. Without a high top rated arrow your aim will never be accurate, no matter how much you practice. The type of arrow also depends if you are shooting targets or wild game.
How to Pick Archery Arrows
Decide what the arrow will be used for: shooting targets or game.
An arrow used to shoot targets is larger in diameter and is made out of aluminum or wood. Arrows used for hunting are a smaller diameter and are made out of carbon, graphite and aluminum. These type of arrows are preferred by hunters. The arrow will still penetrate but is lighter and can travel longer distances.
Determine what your draw length is. The draw length is when the bow is at a full draw. The distance between your hand and your anchor point is considered the draw length. An anchor point is where the string touches the jaw line.
By determining the draw length will also help to determine the length of the arrow. When at a full draw the arrow should set on the arrow rest on the bow and be nocked on the string. The distance from the tip of the arrow to the nocking point will be the length of arrow you will need.
Decide what type of spine you will need. The spine is the amount of force the arrow can be subject to without splintering. Bows are rated by the amounts of pounds they are set at. A bow set on 50 pounds must have a arrow that is made for at least 50 pounds or stronger; this is considered the spine strength of an arrow.
The fletching of the arrow is also important. The vanes are fletched to the arrow in a hex or straight style fletch. Some archers prefer real feathers, which are lighter, but are not good for hunting. If the feathers ever get wet during rainy weather the feathers will lay down and could result in a missed target. Plastic vanes can be used for hunting and target shooting. Vanes can come in a 2 inch, 3 inch or 4 inch vanes and are available in assorted colors.
The right tip for the arrow is also a necessity. If the practice tip or broadhead is to heavy of a grain, the arrow will fishtail and result in a bad shot. Practice tips can be used for targets and are available in 90, 100 and 125 grains. Broadheads are used for hunting and are available in a variety of mechanical and fixed broadhead types.