Hey All,
I am new to archery, bow hunting, and to this community. I got my bow in February, and I bought a set of arrows just to start out. But, now I am about to buy some new arrows. Will some one point me in the right direction on this blog to some posts where I can learn about what I am looking for in buying some arrows? Any posts would help!
Thanks everyone, and glad you have created this sight!!
Josh
What bow, weight, and draw length are you shooting? Also, do you have a certain broadhead in mind and what do you intend to hunt?
And welcome to the Gang.
I have a Samick Sage Take down. 50 pounds at 28" Draw length. And, I have a Bear Grizzly (I think it is) at 50 Pounds at 28" Draw length that a friend gave me recently. I haven't invested in broad heads yet because I am practicing/learning. I hope to hunt everything, but practically that looks like boar and white tail for right now (and any rodents for fun along the way).
I really like Carbon express heritage shafts and Gold tips.
If I were starting out I would probably go with Big Jims GT blems and save some money on a great shaft. Depending on your preferred point weight you will probably need a 3555.
Jim will also fletch whatever you want as well.
Josha,
Rob is right but I'll add that we still don't have enough info. What is YOUR draw length? How long do you want your arrows? What point weight do you want to use?
In general (VERY general!!) you will want a shaft of ABOUT .500 spine rating but that is VERY ball park!
Since you are just starting out, a good book like "Shooting the Stickbow" by Anthony Camera can give you a lot of answers.
Arne
Rob W.,
Thank you for the help. How much does he usually go for when selling arrows? I am unfamiliar with understanding point weight. Does he explain that on his website?
Moebow,
I have a draw length is 30" and I want the arrows 31". I don't know how to choose what weight I want to use. I am a rookie at this. I know very little comparatively to you guys.
Go talk to experts at archery shop near you or call tech support at 3 Rivers Archery. Get straighten, tightest weight variance you can afford. Got choice is top end shafts from Easton, Carbon Express or Carbon Tech.
Do not get blemished GT's unless accuracy is not top priority. They vary to much in weight and spine from arrow to arrow. They are rejects from quality control not just cosmetic blems.
Good arrows is just as or more important than a good bow.
For starters a good mid grade arrow is Easton Axis. I would not go cheaper than that for carbon. Dont rule out aluminum arrows for the learning process and practice now either. Just my opinion
Big Jim has very good prices and I'm sure if you give him a call he can set you up with a good shooting arrow. I think he will also sells 6 at time instead of a full dozen if you want.
That said a good book on the subject, reading here on Tradgang, and trial and error will help you find that perfect setup down the road.
At 30" of draw those bows are different animals than at 26" or 28". Also, the point weight will affect your flight through either stiffing or weakening the spine. Total arrow weight will also come into play and there will be a balance there somewhere.
It seems like a lot at first but its part of the fun and there are a bunch of very knowledgeable people here that are always willing to help.
I also have to respectfully disagree with the above comments about the GT's being rejects. They are great shafts and shot by many here.
Awesome. Thanks Rob W. You have been very helpful. Will post back to let all know what direction I went.
Love the community,
Josh
I still welcome more advice if anyone else wants to give it.
To claify I have some GT'S blems and have shot them. I am not against them just clarifying the blems is not just cosmetic period. That is a fact, they have failed GT's quality tests and been stamped as blemished. I don't think GT'S would take a high quality shaft, stamp as blems, wholesale them if they were not a reason for it. Does not mean cant use them just that they are not near same quality as other GT's or higher end arrows. Great value but average arrow that is it, great for stump shooting.
As I try and improve my form and ability I just don't want to he held back by average arrow. Just my opinion as stated before.
I'm with Rob, get the GT Blems and save some money. They can't be beat for value. Once you find an arrow that is suitable for your bow, focus on form, practice, and enjoy the fun. I wouldn't worry too much about slight variations in weight or spine of your arrows at this point. Proper form and a consistent release are much more important to your overall accuracy...in my opinion.
Many have been shooting the GT blems for years with no issues.
Josh,
In about 3 weeks the traditional bowhunters of Florida will be having their fall gathering in Ocala National Forest. I HIGHLY recommend you wander over that way. Big Jim is usually there and several other vendors as well. You'll be able to ask questions, pick up arrows, points, fletching and just about anything else you can think of and you can shoot the 3D courses as well.
http://www.tbof.org/documents/2014_Fall_Flyer.pdf
After playing around with many different arrows over a period of 5 years I am coming back to where I started...stick with aluminum arrows until you find some compelling reason to change...just a lot less hassle with them...if you are sure you have a full 30 inch draw you will be shooting a lot closer to 55 pounds and you will likely do best starting with 2117's or possibly 2216's...I am just coming back to them because I am shooting reduced draw weight due to shoulder issues...I have a 30 plus inch draw which has been confirmed many times over a 5 year period...just leave your arrows full length and tinker with dynamic spine by trying different point weight...also take a look at the Stu Miller dynamic spine calculator to give you a better idea of the factors that affect dynamic spine and why we cannot give you a definitive answer...I just reread your initial post and I wonder what you consider to be a set of arrows...when I am tinkering trying to find the correct spine for a new to me bow (I average about 3 a year, oops just did the arithmetic...over 30 in 5 years is an average of closer to 5)I like to try a few arrows of a particular spine before buying more...many people think you can only buy arrows by the dozen...my current arrow source, who it took me 5 years to find, will sell me a single arrow if that is what I want...it will likely take you 5 to 10 years to get good at this...just relax and enjoy the trip
DDave
I hate being a Math teacher who cannot do simple arithmetic...that would be an average of 6 bows a year...with only 2 so far this year I am apparently improving (unless of course I mention how much I paid for those two)
DDave
I guess I am being contrary but Form and Practice are much more important than perfect arrows. I can shoot very well with five different weight and spine arrows if my form is good. Cant hit a barn with fancy arrows with bad form and neither can anyone I know some are world class shooters. With both can I do better of course but good grief the guy is a beginer spend the cash on a coach!!!
this might interest you if your just getting started shooting a bow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96KGWC0PB6s
Welcome aboard from Texas! Samick Sage was my first bow, good choice.
I would also disagree concerning the GT Blems I have shot them for a couple of years now and find no weight disparity in the ones I have.
I buy the shafts from Big Jim and build my own and get them to within 2 grains or less of matching weight.
If there are other defects other than cosmetics I have not found them, neither do I believe GT would put themselves at risk of liability in selling a "defective shaft".
I never could detect anything wrong with GT blems. They are all in the same weight- and spine range. They only have cosmetic flaws, such as stamping that went wrong.
I am shooting them for years know, without any complaints.
I recommend getting your Draw length rechecked if you are simply bringing over a compound draw length and assuming its the same.
If you have measured it and it is 30, you should assume your bows are shooting 3 lbs per inch past 28 inches of draw length.
If your 30 inch draw length is correct then your bows are about 55-56 lbs for you shooting them. This is helpful when looking for arrows.
Just a personal preference.... I prefer my arrows to be 1.75-2 inches longer than My draw length because a lot of broadheads will tough my fingers otherwise when at full draw. I don't want to think about cutting my fingers when drawing down on a deer.
You have been given good advice.
I recommend getting together with the Florida bowmen. They should help you a lot. Also dont be shy talking to our sponsors and doing business with them. If you get them specifics, they should be able to get you arrows which fly good.
Here's a link with everything you need to know, brought to you by the Tradgang moderators:
http://tradgang.com/docs/trad.html
If you click on my signature it will take you to my podcast site. I have a ton of info for people new to traditional archery as well as a bunch on arrows, heads, etc.
I'd go with Big Jim and the GTs. Been using them for years.
QuoteOriginally posted by ddauler:
I guess I am being contrary but Form and Practice are much more important than perfect arrows. I can shoot very well with five different weight and spine arrows if my form is good. Cant hit a barn with fancy arrows with bad form and neither can anyone I know some are world class shooters. With both can I do better of course but good grief the guy is a beginer spend the cash on a coach!!!
Sorry I got the thread away from the original question. I believe you asked for advice on selecting a good arrow to learn with not whether or not Blemished GT's are great arrows. My apology.
The above is the most important. Form is everything so might as well learn what is good form first instead of learning a lot of bad habits. Good form allows you to be consistent. Coaching, clinics, seminars, books and dvd's from the true experts is your best use of money when getting into archery. I would save up to attend a Rod Jenkins clinic or someone else first and foremost.
A point in the right direction may be to call the tech experts at 3 River at 1-866-732-8783 and ask their thoughts. Go to your local archery shop and talk to them also. Go to local shoots or events and meet more experienced archers and others you can learn from.
Get the book "Shooting the Stickbow" by Anthony Camera or books by Brian Sorrels or Byron Ferguson. Check out the "Masters of the Barebow" DVD series.
Yes, get your draw length measured by a professional or someone who really knows what they are doing. Unless you are a big, tall guy it may be less that 30". Learn about arrow tuning, spine, point weight, FOC and good form before you start trying to tune a bow or arrow. That will come in the future.
For now simply buy the best arrow you can afford. I would not shy away from aluminum arrows. That is what I shot when first getting into traditional archery and lots of guy still shoot them
Some options to research may include Big Jim's GT Blems., Easton xx75 Gamegetters, Easton Camo Hunter, Easton Axis Traditional, Carbon Express Heritage, Beman Centershot or Traditional Only by 3 Rivers. All good quality, middle of the road arrows
Most likely you would need a 500 or 400 or 2016 or 2117 spine??? You may want to consider a spine test kit from 3 Rivers. Same arrow with 3 different spines to try out before you commit to an entire dozen. Most trad guys use 4 or 5 inch True Flight feathers in parabolic, shield or banana cut applied with some degree of helical.
In the future if want to maximize your ability and you use good form you very well may want a high end arrow. Your choice if or when that day comes.
I do stand by my comments about GT blems. I am not bashing them and as I said I have some. It is simply not honest to say the only problem is a minor cosmetic flaw. I also never called them rejects or implied they are unsafe to use. The facts are the are defective and therefore stamped as blemished. I have spoken directly to product specialist at GT and was told that since they have imperfections they have been sorted out, stamped blemished and wholesaled. The process stopped there and they were never straightness tested and GT can not say if they are +- .009 or +-.001. They could be way off or near perfection and vary from dozen to dozen. They also could vary more than their normal standard in weight from shaft to shaft. They are not faulty, just not quality controlled like there normal shafts. Blems cost $56.00 per dozen and the regular ones are up to $139.00. You would have to be kidding yourself to think there is no difference at all. That being said money talks and if you are cool with the straightness and weight variation you just found a bargain.
I hope that counts as a point in the right direction.
I would recommend aluminum arrows. They are a little cheaper, usually. Maybe a 2117 would work, or maybe 2018s or 2020s.
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the helpful advice!! I will take it all in and heed the wisdom.
Swampdrummer,
I'll try my best to make it over that way to Ocala. Maybe I can meet up with you or a couple of people you know and trust.
Damascusdave,
When I said a set of arrows, I bought a pack that came with 6 arrows from bass proshop. I am hearing they are not the best, but it was my starting point. I will check out that Stu Miller Calculator.
Thanks again,
Josh
Oh man, I didn't see the second page of replies! This is great! This is all really good stuff. Got my homework :) .
Cyclic-rivers, I did have my draw-length measured by a trad shooter. I haven't had experience with a compound, and I started out with a Trad bow. I'm 6'1"-ish with a 76 inch wingspan.
I would also recommend aluminum shafts. You would probably do well with 2018s. If those are too weak, try some 2215s.
The videos that Ken Beck (the former owner of the Black Widow Bow Company) put together are the best aid I've come across to help with arrow selection and tuning.
You can find them here:
http://youtu.be/BSJ6-HjPMTM
http://youtu.be/3j6fcVAZWNU
Joshua E., The fall shoot at silver springs is next weekend (the weekend of the 9th and 10th). I will be set up there if you would like some help.
As far as the blems go, you will have to decide that for your self. I sent over 3100 dz out of hear last year and people standing in line to get them again this year.
I guess i must have spoke to a the wrong product specialist year after year.
If I were leaving on a hunt of a life time, I would have no reservations about using blemis arrows...come to think of it, I have used them on more than a couple hunts of a life time. You never know which one will be the one of a life time.
BigJim