wooden dowel instead of weight tubes?

MikeP in WV · December 28, 2007, 09:19:00 AM

Anybody ever used wooden dowels for added weight in carbons or aluminums instead of 3Rivers plastic weight tubes? I noticed some in a craft store while Christmas shopping and they were in the 5/16" size, which is the size of the tubes. Also, how much would a 5/16" wooden dowel weigh anyway?
Thanks,
MP

Shape Shifter · December 28, 2007, 10:53:00 AM

I have used them. It definitely increases the spine and over weight of the arrow. Some of my bows love them and the others don't. It made the arrow too stiff and over spined so I had to really increase my head weight to get them to fly true.

Taiga Recurve · December 28, 2007, 04:51:00 PM

I have used wooden dowels in my Gold Tips and have had really good luck with them.

Taiga Recurve · December 28, 2007, 04:53:00 PM

Let me rephrase my post, I have put 6" of wooden dowel right behind my insert to have more weight forward on my arrows.

December 30, 2007, 05:55:00 PM

Hi Mike,

Big Al Smith and Bill Mason both used wooden dowels in their shafts when they went to Africa. They got along just fine.

I don't have any idea what 5/16ths dowels weigh, but I've never been bashful about loading up the front of carbon arrows. I regularly use 200 to 250 grains up front. I know folks who get heavier spined shafts and load the front even more.

Bowspirit · December 30, 2007, 06:24:00 PM

Mike,
The 5/16" weight tubes mean they fit inside a 5/16" o.d. shaft. In other words, the 5/16" weight tubes are in fact a good deal smaller in diameter than a 5/16" wooden dowel.
If you do load a dowel in one of your arrows, and it's a standard 5/16" carbon, you'd have to use a 1/4" dowel for it to fit inside...

JBiorn · December 30, 2007, 06:29:00 PM

Why not just shoot woodies?

MikeP in WV · January 02, 2008, 06:55:00 AM

JBiorn,
I've thought about that but I just got a dozen 55/75 Gold Tip Traditionals because I like the durability of carbons (I miss too much) but as you know, their too light. I have 2 MH takedowns, 1 at 55lbs and the other at 70lbs. I'm trying to fit up these GT traditionals to work in either bow.
MP

MikeP in WV · January 02, 2008, 02:34:00 PM

I've also read on stickbow.com about guys using plastic weedeater string in the same fashion. The guy said that one of the standards, .080 I think, weighed about 24 grains per 28" piece. Has anyone done any studies with weedeater string, either .080 or .095? It would seem like a pretty easy way to add weight...thoughts?

lt-m-grow · January 02, 2008, 03:08:00 PM

I used weedeater string when I went out west elk hunting last year. I put in three pieces the full length of the arrow. It increased the arrow weight by almost 100 grains exactly.

It didn't seem to change the spine (I read that it wouldn't and that is why I used it). The extra arrows in the quiver rattled some at each shot, something that would concern me whitetail hunting ala jumping the string.

The other downside is when I hit a stump just right, it would blow the nock out and the green string would go flying. The first time it happend I wasn't sure what I hit inside the old stump until I walked up there. It is scary to see dead weedeater string high in the moutains ya know.

Anyway, it easy and cheap though. However, I like the weight so much I added it upfront via brass inserts and heavier broadheads instead of the string. That also increase my FOC per the Ashby report suggestion.

FJTOYMAN · January 02, 2008, 06:14:00 PM

I went away from the weedeater sting because of the noise. I hate it, the whole quiver would rattle. I've started using rope. Its quite and preatty consistent in wt. I can add 70 grns to my axis arrows and not affect the spine.

MikeP in WV · January 03, 2008, 10:15:00 AM

Rope...now that's something I hadn't thought about. I guess the 1/4" cotton ropes would add some nice weight, not rattle, and wouldn't blow the nocks off either. Great suggestion FTJoyman! Thanks for your help.
MP

BobCo 1965 · February 28, 2008, 10:41:00 AM

I'm going to have to try the rope idea also. Seems to make sense.

JRY309 · February 28, 2008, 10:53:00 AM

The inside diameter of a GT is .246 and a 5/16" wooden dowel if a true 5/16" would be .250 outside diameter.You would have to sand the whole dowel down some and would most likely affect the spine of the arrow.Weight tubes will affect the spine alittle if any at all,they are very flexible and hollow.

DanDaMan · February 28, 2008, 11:37:00 AM

Why not just use 100 grain brass inserts?

dino · February 28, 2008, 12:03:00 PM

Cuz dem things are expensive :D

PA stickbow boy · February 28, 2008, 12:26:00 PM

I loaded my full length 55/75 XT Hunter's w/ 3/16 nylon rope. I gained about 100 grains w/ no rattle. I also used the 50 grain brass inserts up front. They shoot real good out of my Silvertip at 58# @28" but out of my Sheepeater Spirit they seem to fly really awkward at like 20 yards or farther. The Sheepeater has like a longbow riser where I shoot off a leather flap rest. But I do like the rope thing.

PA stickbow boy · February 28, 2008, 12:29:00 PM

oh forgot! the Sheepeater is 63# @ 28"... they fly ok till like 15-17 yards but after that you really notice the erratic flight

hopefully we both can get some answers haha