Different woods for arrows?

Don Armstrong · January 02, 2008, 09:02:00 PM

I have used several different type shaft woods. POC makes good shafts but aren't very tough. Ash makes a VERY tough shaft, but way to heavy for my set up. Doug fir is a little tougher than POC and could be my go to shaft. I have some Stika spruce coming to try. I may just be expecting to much but was hoping for a tough medium weight shaft but so far, haven't found it yet. Any help or opinions would be appricated. Thanks, Don

Orion · January 02, 2008, 09:15:00 PM

Sitka Spruce is likely to be lighter than cedar and about of the same durability. Doug fir is a good intermediate. Is sometimes a little brittle and it's sometimes hard to find good Doug fir, but good stuff is quite durable and about 10-20% heavier than cedar.

Chundoo (pine) and ramin are also a little heavier and more durable than cedar. My experience with them is limited, but a lot of folks like them.

varmint · January 03, 2008, 07:09:00 AM

Birch is my favorite........heavy,but not too heavy.Tough,and not too hard to straighten.Most of my arrows come out at about 640gr w/125g WW on the front.

KodiakBob · January 03, 2008, 07:33:00 AM

Whispering Wind Hex pines are pretty tough,

jchunt4ever · January 03, 2008, 09:29:00 AM

So far with my limited experience, I am going to have to agree with Varmint on this one. White Birch is exactly what you describe, middle weight and much more durable than cedar. Also, note that I said limited experience, I have only tried Cedar and White Birch, but judging from others' comments Birch seems to be just about perfect. The problem that I have is I can't find any where to get them anymore.

Varmint, do you know where a person can pick some up?

fatman · January 03, 2008, 10:00:00 AM

jchunt,

try www.thenockingoint.com for laminated birch

varmint · January 03, 2008, 10:03:00 AM

I come by it hit and miss.If I have an opportunity I'll buy 4 dozen or so at the time since I never know when I'll be able to get it again.So,I guess to answer your question,I have no regular reliable source unfortunately.

Aeronut · January 03, 2008, 10:09:00 AM

I shoot a lot of Poplar. It's a little heavier and tougher than cedar and it is easy to straighten. It is between cedar and Pine on weight.

Dennis

Don Armstrong · January 03, 2008, 05:37:00 PM

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to look into getting some birch and poplar to try. Don

doctari · January 04, 2008, 06:43:00 AM

I am looking for some Hickory or Ash 11/32 tapered to 5/16 shafts. I could taper them myself too. I need them spined at 65-70#. I would like two-three dozen. I want to make some big game arrow's for elk and bear.