Form and shooting skill trumps everything.

i think Moebow makes the best point. Without good form, tune doesn't mean much. So, form gets the edge.
Of course, both being perfect, or close to perfect, is what we all seek.
 

Seems to me that if incorrectly spined arrows are released consistently, then they will have identical reactions, re: the process of going through paradox.  The arrow should flex the same IF released in a consistent manner.  The goal appears to be finding the CORRECT paradox, allowing proper flexing while minimizing contact and the quickest recovery time possible.  In theory, stiffer arrows will recover more quickly than less stiff arrows, resulting in straighter flight and more downrange penetration power.  Wouldn't they be more efficient than an arrow which takes longer (distance) to recover?  Again, seems proper form takes away some variables which will affect recovery time, no?  I may have said the same thing 3 different ways but I am trying to make sure I have my thinking right.  Please advise if I have inadvertently exposed my ignorance, something I occasionally do
>>>>>>>------------->O

Nice discussion! I like it.

I think you pretty much have it TomBow.  The stiffer spine doesn't bend through paradox as much and is a major reason that they seem to shoot so well out of a more center shot bow.  The riser is "More out of the way" than a less than center cut bow.  But even then, if you are releasing the same way, the arrow will essentially behave the same way.  They may not (probably won't) fly well but they will go to the same place.

Again, I submit that just about any arrow spine will fly to the same place IF you have consistency in your shot process.  Notice that I am NOT saying "good form" ( although that can't hurt) I am saying consistent shot process.

Good form, it makes everything easier.

I have found that a stiffer arrow is less forgiving.  The bow does not put out enough energy to make the arrow flex around the riser.  That means that there is more contact with the riser and/or rest and an increase in drag.  Same thing with a bow that is cut past center.  I do not like them because the 'require' a stiffer arrow.  I like them because I have more room to move the strike plate in and out.  I actually had the shelf on my Tomahawk built more before center than the normal .06125.  I have found that it is more forgiving on the shot.  May be contrary to what a majority of the trad world is doing, but I know several people that can pick up my set up and shoot bullet holes with it.  But I digress, this discussion has brought up points that I would not have considered before.  The wide range of views on an act that can be scientifically broken down is outstanding.  I have done some more tests since my previous posts and I believe that I have narrowed down the argument a bit further.  It is not the whole form that is causing the mismatched arrows to fly similarly; it is the release.  The paradox is caused by the string rolling off of the fingers towards the shooter and then trying to get back to center.  This is what causes the arrow to leave the bow at an angle.  The flex in the arrow is to compensate for this paradox.  The cleaner your release the less paradox you should create.  If the arrow, regardless of spine, has less of a paradox to travel through then the spine of the arrow does not matter as much.  Again, I welcome all points of view.  If there is a flaw in my reasoning please address it.

No matter what testing at 16 yards might not tell yo enough.  Start backing up and those tight groups will open up.  When you can group at 25-50 yards it's a combination of form and flight.