I have shot the same setup for three years now, with Simmons Tree Sharks as my broad heads. However, I have reason to believe that my setup is no longer spined properly. I recently figured out how to keep from collapsing at the shot, and my fieldtips have flown really well. I went out to test my broadheads this evening, and the simmons take a sharp nosedive into the dirt at 14-16 yards. The only thing that has changed in my setup in three years, is the aforementioned shot collapse, or lack thereof. My suspicion is that this is causing my arrows to come in at a weaker spine than in years past.
Does this sound right? and how can I fix it? I only have about a 16th or 32nd of an inch available to trim(I draw 32"). I also have no arrow saw, and no money for new arrows or new broadheads. Meanwhile, elk season is approaching quickly, and I just got blindsided. It irks me, because this setup has been tested and shot out to 40 yards with no sign of wind planing. I have never seen an arrow do this before. I can only conclude I have changed the dynamic spine by ensuring my draw is the 32" I always thought it was.
Suggestions? Do I build out the sideplate? Can one trim carbons with a Foredom dental drill? (don't even ask how I have access to that one)
First thing I would do is double check your nock point to see if it has somehow changed. If your theory about the change in draw length were correct I would have guessed it would affect side to side planning more than the up and down. I'm no expert on arrow tuning, but that's where I would start.
Woops. I just gave my string two twists before I shot. Thought my brace had dropped...I will check that as soon as this thunderstorm rolls through. Thanks Whip!
I was just going to post the same, great advice Whip!
Whip, I noticed a couple of up/down movement this weekend and just checked my brace height. It was low and needed adjustment. Ready for September now! Thanks for the reminder. Oh and it's quieter too. The evils of a hot summer I guess, makes me a lazy man.
Double posted, but I have an update now. I lowered the brace a smidgen, dropped the knock point a touch, built out the side plate a wee bit, adjusted the broadheads to a horizontal orientation, and... HEY PRESTO! Good arrow flight. Unfortunately, I rolled a tip and gouged a chunk out of another blade on rocks under the grass.
Hopefully, the appropriate feedback saved damage to another broadhead.
Well, I asked for feedback right away, and it got me squared away really quickly. But the first two shots did the damage. It seems I will be using my backups (big snuffers) for elk this year.