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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: BCR1985 on December 29, 2025, 11:12:35 PM

Title: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: BCR1985 on December 29, 2025, 11:12:35 PM
Hi Gang,

I'm trying to select the correct weight of cedar shafts for my new setup. I am shooting a Browning Wasp 42#@28. My draw length is 27-27.5. I'd like to use a 30-inch shaft if possible, with a 190-200 grain head. I looked at multiple spine selection charts. The general consensus based on the charts was 60-65 spine. However, when I called and spoke with a rep from Three Rivers, his recommendation was 50-55. He also advised that their company spine chart was on the heavier side. I am torn on this. Any advice or recommendations to break the stalemate would be appreciated.

Best,

Ed
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: Kelly on December 30, 2025, 06:53:54 PM
Because a 30" shaft is ten pounds spine weaker than a 28" one, of which all wood shafts are spined for. And your use of 190-200 grain points weakens it another 10 pounds spine.

Why do you want to use such a long arrow?
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: M60gunner on December 30, 2025, 07:14:13 PM
What Kelly said. Long arrow, heavy point make the shaft weaker. Part of what I call the "5# rule".
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: Stumpkiller on December 30, 2025, 07:57:16 PM
55-60#.  Does Three Rivers still sell bare "try shafts" of three different spines?  Try 50-55, 55-60 and 60-65#.
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: Orion on December 30, 2025, 08:25:40 PM
I agree with Kelly.  If you went to keep your arrows that long and points that heavy, you're going to need the heavier spine.
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: Tajue17 on December 31, 2025, 05:00:28 AM
Im not a gap shooter but a local friend has long arrows that are a specific length so his gap distance works,, maybe thats why the longer arrows but im just guessing,,,, if not i agree trim them back.
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on December 31, 2025, 10:23:19 AM
My setup is 64" Yellowstone Longbow 42@27.5 and my arrows are 29" 45/50 and my point weight is 145 gr and that a little stiff out of my bow but that the way I like it, I uses the same arrow with my 47@27'5 bow I wouldn't go with the 60/65
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: Orion on December 31, 2025, 01:09:30 PM
Blake.  Though your bow's about the same weight at about the same draw length, it's probably cut proud of center whereas the Browning is likely cut to center.  Your arrows are an inch shorter and point weight 50 grains lighter. All of those enable the lighter spine you shoot.   
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: Maclean on January 01, 2026, 08:55:43 AM
Quote from: Tajue17 on December 31, 2025, 05:00:28 AMIm not a gap shooter but a local friend has long arrows that are a specific length so his gap distance works,, maybe thats why the longer arrows but im just guessing,,,, if not i agree trim them back.


If using the arrow tip to aim, a longer arrow will shorten your point on distance, whereas a shorter arrow will lengthen it.
Title: Re: Cedar Arrow Shaft Selection
Post by: BCR1985 on January 02, 2026, 09:16:04 AM
Thanks everyone. The reason for the longer shaft is more weight for penetration, better flight stability, and ill be able to use that tip more easily for aiming. I figure if it's too weak I've got some room to trim it back a half inch or even an inch and it won't compromise the shaft for my setup. Also decided to go with Douglas for at 55-60. Seems to be a tougher wood than cedar.