Firstly, I hope that I am in the correct topic of the forum.
I was at my parents house recently, six months ago, and I discovered my Bear Archery Kodiak Hunter 1977 40# bow. I didn't think much about it and brought it home. Two of my three boys, ages 17 and 14, took a keen interest and asked if I could teach them how to shoot it. Long story short, I bought them a "Samick Rage" 23# bow and a dozen arrows along with the target, Morrell, and here I am. I started shooting with them as well. We are having loads of fun. I have some questions, if I may ask them here!
I went to the local archery store here in NJ and was set-up with 30", Easton XX75, 2216 arrows, 100gr tips, and a five inch helical fletching. My draw length is 28.5".
Are the tips too lights?
Are my arrows the right ones?
I'd like to start shooting wooden arrows. Is this a realistic goal at this point?
Who do you get your supplies from?
I purposely didn't put the name of the archery store in this post because I feel as though they provide contradictory answers to my questions depending upon who you speak with at the shop.
Well, I suppose that is all for now. My goal is to go out and try and hunt winter bow here in NJ. Also, I want to be a sponge and try to take-in as much help that you all can provide. I am honored to be a part of this community, albeit a cherry newbie.
Welcome to the Gang from Pa.
Great way to start with the kids. :thumbsup:
Up top there is a sponsers list a bunch of places to get your supplies.
Welcome.......I think the arrows will be to stiff for your set up. I am not surprised with your results at the local bow shop......most deal with modern gear and really don't have a clue. There a good number of sponsors on this site that can get you headed in the right direction. Take your time and learn all you can......I'm also glad to see your including your kids in this....... :thumbsup: Remember have fun!!
Welcome as I hope you find much pleasure, comfort and enjoyment here.
There should be others here that will be more than willing to adress your questions.
And more welcome.
I've never shot aluminum. but from the spine charts I've looked at, 2216's will indeed be stiff, as Ron says.
And another recommendation to work with one (or more) of our sponsors.
I started with wood arrows, tried carbon for a season or two, and my wife and I agreed we'd prefer to shoot wood. Got a few tools and learned to build them, after buying several nice sets from a few sponsors. "Snag"; Wilderness Custom Arrows, would fill all your wood arrow needs, no worries.
For all the rest- accessories, parts, tools, and what have you... many good choices. Braveheart, Lost Nation, the Nocking point, Kustom King, are a few off the top of my head.
And of course, you will find a wealth of help and information here on the forum.
Thanks for the warm welcome. Regarding the arrows I am shooting. There was a gal who started helping me, then a second gentleman chimed in. The models that they chose for me needed to be made-up. They gave me the receipt and when I went to the front of the store to pay, the owner, changed everything aside from the length.
Thanks again, I will do my due-diligence, and consult with the sponsors that are on the site.
Welcome to the best campfire on the net.
:campfire:
Welcome to the Gang!
I would be willing to bet my bottom dollar that thos 2216's are waaaaaaaaaaaaay too stiff for a 40# bow! I would think you would need more like a 1916, or even 1816, depending on your draw length.
Bisch
Hi there-Hap
Welcome! You are in the right place.
Welcome! Good to have you!
:archer2:
Welcome from the Mississippi Delta
James
welcome to the site. Are those fletches made of feathers or plastic (vanes) ?
As was pointed out above, modern archery shops tend to not deal with traditional archery equipment and tend not to have the knowledge or the stuff you will be looking for. . . BUT. . we have some great knowledge right here and some great sponsors right here, so. . you came to the right place.
ChuckC
Welcome from sunny, warm, Florida!
Are the tips too lights?
No
Are my arrows the right ones?
As the others have said - too stiff
I'd like to start shooting wooden arrows. Is this a realistic goal at this point?
Shooting wooden arrows is a realistic goal at ANY time.
Who do you get your supplies from?
Arrows -- you really should have two different stiffnesses; one for your bow and one for your bow's bow.
Unfortunately, none of the sponsors here deal with arrows specifically for bows lighter than 40# draw. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys.
I shoot low draw weight bows -- 30# -- and these would be good arrows for your boys:
http://www.twigarchery.com/low-poundage-cedar-arrows/
You don't need $100 a dozen arrows for backyard shooting. This place has inexpensive arrows both for your boys' bow and yours: http://www.bows.net/arrowsandaccessories.htm#arrows
I've bought from both and gotten good service.
Your tips are fine - no harm in shooting 100 grains. You will see a lot of talk about "FOC" or "EFOC" which will refer to loading the front of your arrow with weight to get the weight balance "front of center" for better penetration. Many choose to set up an arrow this way, but it's not necessary anyways.
As they said above, definitely check out sponsors if you want to try wooden arrows. They will match your bow/draw length up with the exact arrows you need.
As for supplies, everyone above hit the nail on the head - check out the sponsors. 3RiversArchery is sort of a one stop shop for every general accessory or item you could ever need, if you're just looking to browse.
Welcome :campfire:
Thanks for all of the valuable feedback. I just picked up a Bear Super Kodiak 50#. I'm waiting for it to be delivered. I decided today to drive up just over the border into NY and went to a sports shop that deals hunting, fishing, etc. I spoke with the salesman and described my dilemma with my 40# bow and, as you all said, he said the arrows were too heavy. I told him about the Super Kodiak and he suggested XX75 2018s. I checked the arrow chart and this does come up to be within range for a 125gr head. I will be picking them up on Friday. While there, I expressed my interest in wooden arrows to the salesman and he scoffed and told me that it is too moist and humid in the northeast to be shooting wood, "they'll only warp," he said.
I didn't tell him that I had ordered a test kit so that I can ease my way into them. I may need some guidance from you guys in this arena. I ordered the kit from 3RiversArchery.
That's all for now, I hope to have some positive updates once I get the Super Kodiak singing.