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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: TI_Bowmen on July 29, 2026, 06:00:05 AM

Title: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: TI_Bowmen on July 29, 2026, 06:00:05 AM
Hi all. I've picked up a bear black bear recurve that's 45#.  I shoot 2016 aluminums in my 52# long bow. They seem to shoot pretty good out of the long bow but they come off the recurve very fishtailing side to side for a bit before straightening out. Not sure how to fix this thanks
Title: Re: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: Otto on July 29, 2026, 07:59:39 AM
Draw length??   Dacron or FF string??

2018's or even 2020's can work but it depends primarily on your draw length.
Title: Re: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: Orion on July 29, 2026, 09:49:18 AM
A 2016 is about 61-63# static spine at 28 inches. I suspect your longbow is a reflex/deflex hybrid with a low stretch string.  The 2016s may be a tad stiff for your 45# recurve. You could try adding a bit of point weight, or building out the side plate a little. Even going to a low stretch string might do it. Should be able to get 2016s to work.

Before you do anything, check your brace height on the recurve.  A brace height that's too low can cause the shaft to glance off the riser as it passes, causing fishtailing. Brace height should probably be in the 8 inch range, give or take a little.   

   
Title: Re: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: TI_Bowmen on July 29, 2026, 10:59:55 AM
Quote from: Orion on July 29, 2026, 09:49:18 AMA 2016 is about 61-63# static spine at 28 inches. I suspect your longbow is a reflex/deflex hybrid with a low stretch string.  The 2016s may be a tad stiff for your 45# recurve. You could try adding a bit of point weight, or building out the side plate a little. Even going to a low stretch string might do it. Should be able to get 2016s to work.

Before you do anything, check your brace height on the recurve.  A brace height that's too low can cause the shaft to glance off the riser as it passes, causing fishtailing. Brace height should probably be in the 8 inch range, give or take a little. 

Could be the problem I was shooting closer to 7

 
Title: Re: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: TI_Bowmen on July 31, 2026, 06:26:23 AM
Increased brace height and adjusted nocking point. Bow shoots like a dream now. The difficult part is now which bow to hunt with this season! Crow Creek Clovis or the bear recurve...... decisions decisions
Title: Re: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: Orion on July 31, 2026, 10:40:42 AM
 :clapper:
Title: Re: Arrows for 45# recurve
Post by: frassettor on July 31, 2026, 06:51:02 PM
I shoot 2016s with a 200 gr tip out of my BX longbow 45@28" so roughly 43/44# at my draw