Hi & Welcome .

First of all ……………… How ya gonna hunt ??? Sitting a treestand in the hardwoods you would probably want a heavy arrow to penetrate at close range and leave a low body exit wound.  Stillhunting / spot & stalk in more open areas you might want something a bit lighter for flatter trajectory.  Therefore, I can say without a doubt; It all depends.

Arrow material is a personal choice. Pros & cons with all of them.  I build (assemble) my own and find aluminum easier to rebuild when they start to show wear.  Carbon is probably the most popular right now.

There are a number of spine charts available.  I believe that the Three Rivers Archery catalog has them in it.  Note when you hold a spine chart that it’s printed on paper and not carved into stone.  Everything affects spine, static & dynamic.  Point weight, shaft length, brace height, actual draw length and even the possibility that the weight printed on your bow is more of a suggestion than an accurate measurement.  Your shooting form can also affect arrow spine.   Clear as mud, eh ??

My standard advice to newcomers;

(1) If there’s an archery club within 100 miles of you, join it.  You will meet like-minded folks that can help & inspire you.

(2) Roving archery, alone or with friends is a great way to spend time and get ‘real world’ practice.  You will lose and break some arrows.  I just assume that they await me in Valhalla and move on after a reasonable search.

(3) Keep an eye on eBay under ‘archery book’ for the title Shooting The Stickbow by Anthony Camera.  A wealth of information and well worth the coin.

(4) Take all advice, including mine, with a grain of salt.

If you’re in the neighborhood, I’m going to be shooting at the Tucson Mountain Park archery range on Mon. 6 Dec. mid-morning with some friends.  It’s a stunningly beautiful place to shoot among the Saguaro Cactus.

Good luck & keep us posted on your progress.