I am happy with how my bows shoot, and like to chronograph them for fun. Please to not chime in with how accuracy is more important and speed doesn't matter. Everyone knows that. In the real world, yes, but not on this thread. If anyone has chrono'd their bows, please share. Mine are as follows, all at 10 grains per pound;
Martin Savannah Stealth, 57#@28"- 178 fps
Yellowstone Half-breed, 56#@28"- 175 fps
Wapiti Spike, 53@28"-172 fps
I have yet to chronograph my Lewis Hollow Hayestini or my Black Widow SAG but they're pretty quick. I'm curious to see how quick.
Have you checked your chrono-results up against the theoretical speed from spine calculators? I haven't chronographed my Cayuga, but the ArrowPerfect calculator says that I should have 179 fps with arrows at 10,9 grains per pound. Could have been fun to find out if that is true...
My specs are in my signature below.
I have a relatively short draw length but I'm pleased with the results of my Kanati. I have a very consistent chronograph that I've had for many years. I've used it with reloaded ammo for rifles and pistols, wheelie bows, recurves, longbows, etc.
I just went over to a friends house and chronographed my bows. All were shot with the same 540 grain arrow with a 55-60# spine. My draw is 27" but all the bows are weighed at 28" and all had a heavy Dacron string except the Classic with a D 97. To say my release is not very crisp would be an understatement but I only once had a bow vary over two fps with several shots.
Howard Hill Tim Meigs 61#-167fps
21st Century 59#-161fps
Northern Mist Whisper 59#-158fps
Northern Mist Classic 53#-154fps
I put a 414 grain arrow through all my bows and a pro-chrony. I've done this with more than 30 bows over 5 years.
The bows range from 44-49#@26". All but one have ranged from about 165-180. Most are around 168-172. One was just barely over 150...that one lives somewhere else now.
One of the quickest I've ever tested was also the most economical bow I've owned...a new Bear Super Kodiak Grayling Green. I paid only $175 for that blem during a visit to the factory.
At my draw length I'm happy with bows around 170 with that arrow. I hunt with a bit heavier arrow so the FPS drops considerably but I like having a baseline.
I don't have chrono, but my bigfoot ss 57@27.5 was sent through the chrono by Kirk before shipping it to me. It came in at 194 fps at 10 grains per inch.
I chronoed my bow for the first time on sunday
53 lbs 574 grain arrow 190 fps
Morrison 17' xd riser with morrison max 2 limbs
I couldn't say for sure where my chrony even is...
Last time I used it on one of my bows I was averaging 187 fps (if I remember correctly) shooting 9.5 gpp @ 30.5" draw. That was with a 14 strand Dynaflight '97 string shot with fingers and a fairly lousy release.
Where did all those 200+ fps with 10 gpp@28" shot with fingers go? :D :p :rolleyes: :saywhat:
I had a couple that were getting readings over 200 back when chronos first came out. I do not know if those were ever accurate, but I did get a surprise when I found out how light some of my cedar arrows were when I bought a grain scale. I know that was accurate and I was not shooting ten grains per pound. I had a dozen of perfect flying 70 pounders that only weighed 490 to 495 grains, no wonder those 2018s seemed heavy to me.
My post was tongue in cheek.
This thread reminded me of several years ago when I took my chrony to a rendezvous and set it up. Lots of folks got their feelings hurt...they were certain they were getting "around 200 fps" until they shot through the chrony. Seems most were in the 160's-170's. Never had it calibrated, but I did compare it to two or three others--we were the same.
Also reminds me of an article in an old Archer's Digest I have, where in an article the claim is made that a recurve is shooting over 200 fps, and I think the claim is the arrows are well over 10 gpp. At that time I don't think there was a wheel bow that could have matched it...but I am sure the speed was embellished just a bit...probably not more than 50 fps or so...I'll have to dig it out and read it again.
I chronographed my Wapiti Spike again, but with an arrow that was a little too still. I was really amazed that with a 31" Gold Tip Traditional arrow with a 200 grain field point. This bow was breaking 170, but when I tried a 30" 5575 GT Trad arrow with the same 200 grain point I was only getting 155. The 5575 arrow was only about 15 grains heavier, weighing in a 517 grains. The 5575 flew poorly, indicating a stiff spine while the 3555 flew perfectly. Also, my Yellowstone Halfbreed flings the very same GT Trad 5575 @ roughly 175 and a heavy 615 grain 2117 @ 166. Bow arrows fly great out of this bow. Is there just a correlation between speed and proper spine or is there a direct causation?
QuoteIs there just a correlation between speed and proper spine or is there a direct causation?
Speed and chrony readings. An arrow that isn't flying true, light conditions, distance from the chrony, etc. can all affect the reading.
Older Craig Ekin HHA Big 5 (probably 20 years old or so), straight limbs (no reflex or string follow), 68" 50#@28" (drawn to 29.5", so probably 53-54#), 14-strand B55 dacron flemish string; 555 gr. 2117 Easton GG aluminum arrows 30.5" long; 169-171 fps.
2013 Seven Lakes string-follow ASL (3 cedar and 1 walnut lams in the limbs), 68" 52#@28" (55-56# at my 29.5" draw), 14-strand 8125 HPME flemish string; same arrows as above; same 169-171 fps as the Big 5 above.
Omega Original hybrid LB (by Kegan McCabe), 66" 43#@28" (I draw this one to 30", so probably 48-49#@30"), 12-strand D97 flemish string; 505 gr 2114 Easton aluminum arrows 30.5" long; 180-182 fps.
Kegan's not kidding when he says his bows are fast. I recently picked up a used Omega Delta recurve, 62" 42#@28" (probably 47-48#@28"); 8190(?) HPME endless-loop skinny string. I think I was shooting the 505 gr 2114 Easton aluminums out of it (could have been carbons weighing 475 gr, I'm not sure. Either way, the arrows were at least 10 gpp), and it was running 188-192 fps.
All results above are with split-finger release with a basic Neet glove.
All through the same chrono at my club.
Chronographs are nice for checking speed between different arrows from your bow, but my speeds don't come close to what is calculated by the 3Rivers Dynamic Spine Calculator.
My Shooting Chrony gives me 184-190 fps with a 405 grain arrow at 54#. The 3Rivers calculator shows projected speed of 210 fps. That is a lot of difference.
I am using a battery that is a year and a half old, so I am not sure how much that enters into things.
Could be release. Chrono picks that up really well. It's one reason I really prefer thumb release-one finger, not three. Still, that's quite a discrepancy. Optimistic calculator?
I would guess that a chrony set up under a tree on a warm breezy day with the dancing particles of light that sparkle between the leaves on the unit can give some false readings as well. When they were charging a dollar a shot, I was not about to spend my life's savings on finding an average, but when I had one in stable light with no charges, I was surprised to find that at about ten grains per pound, my average arrows speeds were very close with all of my bows, 172 to 176. I did learn that I had way more soft releases than I liked when I stopped my draw and held for a second. I got my consistent readings when I simply hit anchor and released, my normal hunting shot tempo.
QuoteOriginally posted by dougbutt:
I don't have chrono, but my bigfoot ss 57@27.5 was sent through the chrono by Kirk before shipping it to me. It came in at 194 fps at 10 grains per inch.
Maybe he meant grains per pound. Other wise you are shooting a 275 grain arrow out of a 57# bow or 4.83 grains per pound which is scary light.
If you look in the catalogs, arrows are often rated at grains per inch. You have to allow for nocks, feathers, inserts, points, etc.
Morrison Gen 2 riser with medium SF Ultimate Pro's 53@28, 9 grs per pound, 193. Max 1's same weight, 190
For true and honest performance comparisons between bows each bow has to be shot out of a shooting machine (like a Hooter-Shooter) with mechanical release, the same setup as far as string, the same arrow, and at the same draw length. Way too many variables otherwise.
If you just want to check performance as it relates to only your set up and shooting style then just a chrono is fine.
62" Zipper Nitro 63@28 I draw to 29 750 gr arrow 191-193 checked on 2 differant chrono's.
fun thread... lets see some more.
my 64" 'Kenny M' R/D longbow @ 50# with 10.6 gn per #- 170- 171 fps- no tip wedges or powerlam- maybe next time!
I don't have chrono, but my bigfoot ss 57@27.5 was sent through the chrono by Kirk before shipping it to me. It came in at 194 fps at 10 grains per inch.
Whoops double post, yes I meant 10 grains per pound not inch
I chronoed my Border Covert Hunter stats as follow
55#@28" I draw 29.5
440GR. arrow
3 shots
215,215,216 FPS
d97 endless loop string built by me. picture is in the link below
web page (https://www.dropbox.com/s/r2hducxknkl0xju/covert%20hunter.JPG?dl=0)
The problem with a lot of bow tests for me is that I do not have the draw length that the bows are tested at. Not all bows function the same, comparatively, at my less 27" draw. While a Hooter shooter will produce a standard, I am not a Hooter shooter, so what any bow does for me is what counts for my shooting. Using a chrono when comparing bows at anyone's individual stats is a valuable thing in it's own right, I have been thinking that I should have one, but I do not know what would be a good one for the money.
I draw so long that nobody wants me to post my scores, the one time I did have it.
My old Martin recurve at 8.6 gr/lb would do 212 fps and at 10 gr/lb was 187 fps.
A Hooter Shooter makes and apples-to-apples comparison. A particular bow can vary in speed a LOT from one shooter to another just due to differences in release.
For an honest comparison you need a Hooter Shooter, arrows spined for the bow, a calibrated chronograph, someone who knows how to use it properly and is familiar with AMO/ATA specs, etc.
Even different light conditions can affect readings.
Pavan, I have had a Chrony for over 20 years and it works fine with bullets and arrows.
You guys prompted me to fetch my notes and record some data from last year.
All these bow weights are based on actual scale just prior to running them over the chrono. The two arrows were the same for all bows. Heavy arrows for these bows, but I look for comparisons based on arrow speed minus bow weight + 100.
I measure from the back of the bow, so not a match to AMO. (this is a major flaw in my system. I should go with AMO since it will repeat the actual length of the arrow drawn )
68" NTN flat ASL, My build
46# @28"
520 gr arrow at 164 fps 650 gr arrow at 156 fps
Vintage Howatt Cavalier Static Recurve
44# @28"
520 gr arrow at 170 fps 650 gr arrow at 162 fps
68" NTN 1/4" string follow ASL, my build
34# @ 28"
520 gr Arrow at 149 fps 650 gr arrow at 144 fps
Vintage Shakespeare Super Necedah
28# @28"
520 gr arrow at 153 fps 650 gr arrow at 146 fps
68" NTN ASL 3/4" reflex at tips, my build
35# @28"
520 gr arrow at 165 fps 650 gr arrow at 157 fps
Chad, I was not considering it for comparing bows. I was thinking that one would be good for checking myself. As in what one of my longbows does with my new small looped Champion string versus my old B50 with different arrows or slight form changes. While I am not so concerned what speed one bow shoots over another, I am curious about how arrow differences, or strings, or silencers, or nocks can affect my shot; but mostly how repeatable my own shot can be with the same bow. When I had a chance to use one for an hour, it told me quite a lot about me, I tend to have more varied things going on than I like at times. I have in the past tested myself at point on range and my bow and arrow differences at shooting for average distances, a chrono would be a good back yard tool.
IMO what you are talking about is the best use for a personal chrono. You can compare your personal equipment, check the consistency of your release, etc.
With my other post I meant for marketing purposes. One guy checks a particular bow and gets X fps, the next might get Y fps. Unless a standard is followed, it won't be reliable for advertising purposes.
This has reminded me of a time back in the early 80s , we had a crono that was the type that you had to enter the length of the arrow before you shot threw it .
I took my 60# K-Mag and shot a lady's 27" 1816 with a 100gr point , the reading was 302fps.
I don't think that was accurate , because I think the arrow went threw it sideways .
They had one of those at a shoot near Sioux Falls way back when. Our arrows shot really fast according to the machine. For some reason, only known by the machine, my bow shot blunts faster and more consistent then than field points, even though the guy measured both arrows. I would not want a chrono reading that put out more questions than it answered. I think the one that I got speeds of 172 to 176 was accurate, but that one costs hundreds of dollars more than what I can justify for personal testing.
Whoops double post, yes I meant 10 grains per pound not inch
QuoteOriginally posted by LBR:
Where did all those 200+ fps with 10 gpp@28" shot with fingers go? :D :p :rolleyes: :saywhat:
Here's one....
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Bows%202014/ILF%20stuff/Test210gpp.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/kirkll/media/Bows%202014/ILF%20stuff/Test210gpp.jpg.html)
Below is a link to the review.
http://www.tradarcher.com/BigFootReview/bigfoot_review.html
ACS 2pc longbow 54@29.5 64"
31" Beaman Camo Hunter with 175grn tip total: 525grns
188-190 fps
Roy, you got impressive results from your C/H, but alarm bells are ringing.
From your figures you should have about 58lb on your fingers at full draw and according to Borders minimum arrow weight chart for this bow yours should be at least 468gn, this works out at 8.06gpi, where as your 440gn arrow comes in at 7.58gpi.
The C/H is designed as a hunting bow and enables you to throw a much heavier arrow at a speed equal to that achieved by a heavier bow.
It also states that using arrows below the recommended minimum weight will reduce the life of your bow.
I have 53lb on my fingers at full draw, my arrows weight in at 545gn, that works out at 10.2gpi. I have not shot mine through a chronograph but get excellent speed. My reason for purchasing a C/H was so that when I get to hunt next, swapping my field piles for broadheads makes no difference to how I aim or shoot the bow at my effective range with a small increase up front of 10gn making a total arrow weight of 555gn.
I feel compelled to say something Roy to arm you with knowledge that could prevent you wrecking your bow in the future.
Attached is picture of mine, hope I've copied and posted it right !
Hobgoblin :)
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Don't know, i dont have a chrono and i know they are not going to break any speed records. I shoot 52-58# ASL's, 27" draw with B50 strings. Target arrows are 600gr. POC And my hunting arrows POC 660gr and Leopard wood are 780gr. Im sure they are well under 160fps but they hit a target like a frieght train!
Yewbender, I don't think you have to worry too much. I bet your arrows are faster than an atlatl dart, a spear, or a bowie knife...
My bow is really fast!
I know because I've shot thru a 800+lbs bull elk at 30yrs, a 500+lbs black bear at 17yrds, and 29 whitetails from 6yrds to 37yrds. This is how I like to chrono my bow.
Blackie Schwartz has done this testing under controlled conditions with dozens of high end custom bows over a number of years for Traditional Bowhunter Magazine. He tested every single one with 9 to 1 arrows at 28 inches of draw with fingers and a shooting machine. If a bow ever recorded 200 f.p.s. with fingers I don't recall it. Any time a thread about bow speed is posted here and especially on the "other site" it drives home to me that there are some really fast
chronographs out there.
Titan ll with 48#@29" Centaur longs, at my 29" draw shooting a 450 grn GT @ 197 fps. It was repeated twice on two different chronos.
I chronoed all mine a while back. Nothing scientific but if I remember correctly they were all around +/- 175 fps. About what I expected. All setups shot at about 10 gpp. Still have all those bows and shoot them all. I think nothing less of any of them. Fairly certain that if I do my part they'll all do theirs.
10 gpp, 28" draw is that magic number. Even with a shooting machine. I don't know if wheel bows can do much better.
Chad,
you have to remember that every inch over 28" you gain #10 of energy.. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
I can't remember where I read it, but I remember reading a report done by a guy where he was getting 202 feet per second with a Border bow at 28" of draw and a 10 gpp arrow, and Blacky put his seal of approval on the test.