Opinion on Wood Arrow Spine?

[SteveMcD]

#7425

Say for a Bow that is 50# @ 28 – assuming the shaft length needs to be 29 BOP. is 55-60 enough spine or is more needed for a 125 gr Broadhead? I’m thinking 60-65 may be too much spine? Especially of the bow shelf is not cut to center. Looking opinions please. Thanks!

[David Petersen]

#61854

Steve — it can vary so much by bow. In general faster bows using FastFlight need higher spine. Black Widow, Thunderhorn and Shrew, for some examples I’m familiar with, all recommend spining 10-15 over draw weight, rather than the usual 5-10. But all things being equal your 55-60 is the place to start. With enlightenment by Ashby we now have more to work with in “adjusting” spine to a bow: in addition to shortening shafts to stiffen them, we now know we can shoot just as well or better with heavier heads, to correct for overspined shafts. You asked for opinions and that is mine. I’ve got a dozen footed shafts on order so will soon be playing the spine game again myself. I pull 28″ so ordered 30″ shafts which gives me an inch or so extra to work with if necessary. dave

[SteveMcD]

#61904

Thanks, Dave… I noticed some time ago my Northern Mist Whisper (Reverse Handle) Longbow (which I only use Dacron on all my bows). I noticed that with 60-65 arrows and field tips I could group the arrows one on top of another, The minute I changed to broadheads spine became much more finicky and I got better arrow flight with 55-60 spined arrows. I know the question came up with the gentleman (don’t remember his name) from Badger Arrow, and he was pretty firm about 60-65 being too much spine. HOWEVER, Paul Jalon from Elite Arrows like you normally says the heavier spine is better. I think I have to factor in that ny bow is not heavily reflex-deflex and I am using dacron. Northern Mist shelves are also not center cut. Going to tune to the broadhead (55-60) for this year, and adjust my shooting to compensate for the the field tip (likely to be less cant).

Thanks, Dave… your opinion matters to me. Helps me think it out.

[George D. Stout]

#15954

Steve, with longbows, typically the softer spine works best if the bow is not center cut, as the arrow has to bend around the handle. There are dynamics that enter into the equation, including how your release works…static or dynamic, and follow-up form. No two folks seem to be alike in these matters.

My longbows, with 125’ish grain heads, prefer a spine that is pretty much right on the money with a 28″ arrow. At 29″, and 50#, a 55/60 seems to work the best, but both will fly well.
I’m speaking of a longbow now and a dacron string. If you add a low stretch string and more centershot, the equation changes once again.

Actually, opinions are okay and should be taken into consideration, but the fact is you need to find what works best for you…..not Dave Petersen….not George Stout, or anyone else. The upside is that it is a fun process and can involve many a stump shooting foray, and that always brings a smile 8^).

[MontanaFord]

#23815

George,

You mentioned static and dynamic in reference to a person’s release. What are these? Can you explain the difference? Your reference made me curious.

Michael

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