Reply To: In love again for the first time

[Ben M.]

#8266

South Texas wrote:

Now this brings me to my question. Dave or Lyagooshka, what spine would you recomend if i shoot 55#@28″ and want to tip my arrows with 225 Tuffheads. Douglas fir or POC..I dont know where to start

The first thing to consider is your draw length. Estimate your spine weight needs based on that, then factor in the weight of your point. This will set the limitations on which species of wood your arrow shafts can be made of. It is nearly impossible to get shafts spined over 60-65lbs in POC, so right off the bat I’d recommend considering a harder wood than that. Douglas Fir could work, but in general it won’t spine out over 70lbs @ 11/32″ diameter or over 85lbs @ 23/64″.

This is the general “problem” with wood shafts when trying to make heavy-headed arrows…you wind up chasing spine weight, which inevitably leads you to harder (thus heavier) wood shafts, decreasing your overall FOC. At some point you just accept the limitations of the (admittedly fine) material you are working with and do the best you can.

Me? I draw 31″ on a 60# recurve and shoot 32″ hickory arrows (nock end tapered) with a 145grn point, spined 75-80lbs (total wt ~880grains). Won’t win me any FOC awards but, as you said, I’m in love with ’em.

Let us know what you come up with!

-Ben