I would like to try some wood arrows again (I've been shooting carbons) and had a question about a hardwood footing affecting arrow spine. I would like to use a footed arrow for two reasons, one to get a little better front of center and two to get arrows that are long enough. My draw is a touch over 31 inches and my bow is 57# @ 28" so my draw weight would be around 64-67#. Anyone with any experience using footed shafts? Let me know what I can expect. My finished arrows would be around 32.5" to back of point. Thanks!
I have some parallel footed shafts that I was working on today. Those are my first parallels so I can't comment on them till I get them shooting. The footed arrows that I have shot for years are tapered (10" nock taper and a 6" point taper). I have always shot the same spine footed as non footed. Can't say if it will work the same for you. Best bet is to give Bob Burton a call. He has alot of experience with footed shafts and makes em too. I am sure that he will be able to steer ya in the right direction. dino
The effect is very little on spine. Most bending takes place in the middle. I just tested some on my spine-o-meter from Cupcake, and the effect did not really register, meaning that in this case, they were still in the 75-80# range which is where the unfooted shafts were before I sent them to Raptor for footing.
Thanks for the info. guys. One more question though, does it affect the arrow like adding more point weight would? Causing a weaker spine during flight because of the added mass up front?
Yes that is correct. Just like putting on a point of 70-100 grains depending on the amount of hardwood up front.
Because you will have a little more footing length on your finished arrow, it could increase the spine, but I agree with Bjorn, the effect, if any, would be negligible. You're going to need about 85#-90# spine or more at your draw length. Hard to find. Good luck.
In bare-shafting, I've found that the footing affects dynamic spine more than static spine. That's shooting from non-center shot bows. Also consider that I have used very heavy footing woods (ipe and purple heart), and (generally) fairly long footing length. With the Internal Footings on the carbons, the effect on the dynamic spine was marked.
Safest way, bare shaft tune ALL your shafts.
Ed
TGMM Family of the Bow
Thanks to all. Does anyone know a place to get shafts other than cedar in that weight range. 3rivers has pretapered but they are expensive and not knowing exactly what spine i need it could get really expensive in a hurry. I would also like something a little tougher than cedar too. Clayton