I shoot a 55# @ 28" bear patriot longbow.I have a 29" draw, have been shooting st epic carbon 400 arrows they bareshafted great with 175 grains out front, 4" feathers on rear.I was fairly accurate out to 20 yards.I had some 2117 aluminum amoung my other odds and ends,didnt bareshaft as well arrows tended to bend, can't afford extra bent arrows but with 125 grains out front and 5" full fletching on rear of 31 inch arrows. I'm shooting like a dream out to 27 or so yards, great arrow flight think I'll stick any suggestions??seem to be able to visualize flight a lot better now.

Since 2117s and 400s have very similar spines, I would try 175 gr up front on the 2117s and see what happens. Might be worth a look.

I believe I will, hope they fly well as I have plenty of broadheads to match..

The 2117 is a very versatile, forgiving arrow. With 5" fletching they've shot well for me from 47-55#. I've gotten a bunch for cheap/free from compound shooters who switched to carbon. Because they're much heavier, you'll notice at longer distance they drop off quicker than carbons.

QuoteI'm shooting like a dream out to 27 or so yards, great arrow flight think I'll stick any suggestions??seem to be able to visualize flight a lot better now. [/QB]

I'm happy to see this post, that is EXACTLY what I'm experiencing with 2117s for my 44# Cheyenne, and 1916s for the 40# Dakota.

Having built up and shot good tapered cedars for a long time, I can't believe how much my groups have improved with these alums. With woods and alums you are right on, I can easily visualize the flight, and that adds greatly to my general enjoyment.

I lately tried the usual front-heavy loaded carbons, and hated them from the beginning. More hand shock, they drop like a rock out there, and have a weird trajectory feedback for me. I got nothing but bad vibes from that whole exercise.

Can't imagine anything shooting better than this current crop of alums for me. I owe this change of heart to Warren Womack here in Louisiana, who a lot of you know. We visited and shot at his house last year and I tried one of his 2117s, wow.

Thanks for feedback Mark, that's kinda what I was wondering had anyone else had this experience funny everywhere I go if they sell just one aluminum it's 2117's,even have FLU FLU's I didn't have to put feathers on just picked them out of miscellaneous barrel. Now I know why just like NJ Woodsmen said versatile shaft thanks for comments!!!

Well 2117s still flying great but I picked up a dozen 2018s today, thought I'd see if maybe I could shorten them down to draw check length and still get as good a flight out of them as I have my 2117s.I still have a few other bows to get set up anyway so sure I'll find good use for them..

We picked up a few 2413 superlites for my son, and they fly great for both his 43# recurve and his 45# wheelie. Just harder to find than 2117's. always keeping my eyes open for more. had 4" feathers and 125 grain field points.

chuprinko I'm always checking pawn shops especially during off seasons, find some aluminum arrows different sizes when there long enough can pick up for around a dollar each, new fletchings ready to go. Great for a collection of test spines, carbon around two dollars each.

If you are getting good flight than that is all that matters.

2117 31 inches, 3 five inch fletch shoots great out of all of my bows.
My longbow setup is exactly the same as yours and they fly perfect.
In fact they will bareshaft at 20 yards straight into the bullseye.
I love 2117's

John

Well I was able to shorten 2018's down to 29.25 that should provide me with a way to check that full draw is consistant shot to shot.They seem to fly great also, just not as easy to find around home as 2117's, think I"ll go to work and see if I can get 2117's shortened close to that length with more weight up front and flying true at draw check length, the learning process continues and trad gang  threads have really been helpful, THANKS ALL!!!!

Well I got 2117's at 30'' 175 up front, bareshafted great, fly great, SBD string really shut my bow up,got plenty of broadheads and Judo's at this weight ready to go. Extra string on order, shooting really is a joy now. Thanks to everyone for all the help, these threads are great. ..................... SEMPER FIDELIS

The 2020 is worth a look as well.Slightly weaker spined than the 2117.But thicker walled and smaller diameter.Excellant hunting arrow.

I agree with Steelhead,  the 2020 is worth a look.  I really like the feel of a 2020 out of my 50lbs recurve.  It feels good at the shot and flies well for me.  That said, 2117 is a real good arrow and I shoot it as well.

2216's are the same raw shaft weight as 2117 but are Stiffer. These should fly just as good as the 2117's with less weight up front.