This is derived from a couple of other threads about the subject, but not quite answered.
I was wondering about the sweet-spot when it comes to grains per pound. Me, as a stump-hunter only kind of guy, won't have to think about penetration and front weight of my arrows just about what arrow that suits my bow best.
So, is there a sweet-spot on arrow weight/bow weight? Maybe a dumb question, but anyway...
For me the sweet spot is 9-11 GPP(grains per pound) of the bows weight.Too light of an arrow is harsher on the bow and most likely louder.I like to tune my arrows as well as I can to my bow.Then checked the weight to see if I fall in my GPP I want.Or I will need to readjust the weight and tune of the arrow.In the days before carbon arrows,weight I don't feel was as big of a factor as much as with carbon arrows.Aluminum or wood usally had enough weight to them.One of my bows I tuned an aluminum and carbon arrow to it and the carbon arrow was almost a 100 grs. lighter then the aluminum.So I had to add more upfront weight and shorten the carbon to get in my 9-11 GPP range for that bow and be tuned.
My arrows seem to fly best at 10-12 gpp., and probably more toward the heavier end of that range. At less weight, they seem to be more sensitive to my shooting flaws/form errors.
If I am only stump shooting or target shooting, 8-9 gr per pound of draw weight should be fine.
I find a heavier arrow to be more accurate for me 12 gpp is what works best for my shooting-hunting, stumping and 3 D. It is a matter of whatever you practice with and what makes you confident. I get fliers with lighter arrows simply because it isn't what I practice with.
You are going to find the arrow weight that your bow really likes the best is going to depend on the bows limb design. Some bows are very compatible for lighter weight shafts, and others do much better with heavier shafts....actually most bows are more user friendly with heavier shafts at shorter distances.
The one thing you'll always find is that with heavier GPP ratings in the 10-12 gpp or heavier is always going to give you a quieter bow, and will be more forgiving to a less than perfect release.
But.... if you like shooting long distances with flatter trajectory, lighter weight arrows can be fun to play with...
I agree with Kirk
Yeah, the arrows I like best is in the range 10-11 GPP so that just may be right. Don't know how I should find an arrow with a lower GPP with my 37# bow...
I am around 11 but most top shooters use 5-6 on the 3D.