I haven't shot a bow in 16 years and have just got into trad a couple of weeks ago. I bought a Wing 68" 40#@28" and am shooting at 28". Now I need to purchase a lot of arrows to practice with and don't know which direction to go. Which would be the best to start with, Wood, Carbon or Aluminum and what size. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, JB

Cedar or fir.  IMO

29" 1916 xx75 should be close with 125 grain tips

IMO, aluminum is the cheapest and easiest way to go to start out.  It's actually cheaper than wood if you compare matched wood arrows to aluminum (which will be matched to tight specs).  If you can get to a shop that will let you try several different sizes that would be ideal, but the 1916s that acadian archer suggested should be close. Don't get the cheaper Fall Stalker arrows but get some XX75s.  They will last a lot longer without bending.

Call Big JIm, sponsor here, and he will fix you up with some GT 35/55 blems, that is the print is slightly off on the carbon arrows. I shoot these in all my #40-#50 bows with excellent results, and the price will be cheaper than wood or aluminum. PM me if I can help more. Sam

for a basic newbie or getting back into trad, stay away from wood arrows - you'll never know if it was your form or the arrow that missed the target.

alums will be the easiest to match to yer bow and buy, but not as durable as carbon.

carbon will take a lickin and keep on tickin, but *might* be a concern to match to your bow and you.

also consider that as your form develops, your draw length might change ...

It appears that you have made a great choice in draw weight to start out with.

Try and do your best to locate someone with experience that you can work with you. Reading what to do may not always translate into the real world especially when your form is under developed. Note: Stu's calculator may get you in the ball park.

If you're going to go the aluminum route, you might want to try Stu Miller's free Dynamic Spine Calculator program. But, you have to insert all the correct data in the 13 categories it uses. It will give you a pretty close tunable arrow which you can tweak.


The program will open automatically for you if you have Excel or Open Office programs on your computer.

 http://heilakka.com/stumiller/

A 1535 would fly sweet out of that set up. If you need some help, give me a call.
229-344-1616.

thanks,bigjim