Arrow selection - help getting started?

[Longbow rookie]

Ok.  After reading many posts here and watching "Masters of the Barebow 1+2" (both excellent) I've somewhat realized why my arrows are flying so inconsistently.  Obviously, a lot has to do with me being a new shooter but after seeing how a properly spined/tuned arrow should fly I see the importance correctly matching arrow and bow.

I'm shooting 60" 48# @28 TurkeyCreek Longbow.  I want to order a set of arrows or test kit.  I'd really like to shoot one of the heavier woods with a grizzly head.  However, the more I read about the durability of carbons and how much guys love aluminum I'm baffled!  I've recieved a few recs but I'd be really curious for anyone to chime in with what you like and where you think I should start: I'll be hunting whitetails this fall.  Eventually, when I'm ready I will hunt bigger game.

1) Wood(ash,lam birch,or hickory)?  Carbon? Aluminum?  Brands or wood type?

2) Spine?

3) Total weight with broadhead?  I'd like to be around 550.

4) Arrow Length (based 28/29" draw)?

5) Feather config. (3,4,??)

As I said, I'm looking for a solid starting point and to hear what works for you guys.  I know I'll get a lot of personal preferences here but I think that's good because it will allow me to compare and figure out what will eventually work for me.  

In the meantime ***I will watch "Masters of Barebow" about a hundred more times to try and soak up all that info.!!

Thanks guys for all the help so far.

CJ

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I only use wood'n arrows ASH.

Mine are spined about 15# over draw weight

They weigh in at 650 grn w/160 grn Snuffers

BOP 27".... 1" pass draw length

I use both... mostly 3 fletch


Going by your bow & taking you draw 28"... I would say 60-65# cut to 29"BOP...

[geno]

Guido is right ()imo on the 60-65#
I like wood but have only used poc. The next will be tapered ash. I shoot 2018 alum with 200 up front.

This is for a 60" 49@28 striker LB

[vermonster13]

Where in NY are you?

[Longbow rookie]

Ok..so far....rec's for Ash, 60-65#, 29" BOP, 3 fletch 160 up front.

2) 2018 alum, 200 up front.

Good deal!


vermonster...I'm out on Eastern Long Island.

[Bjorn]

If being at a total weight of 550 gn is important then you can rule out the hardwoods and stick with cedar, spruce or fir-if you want wood.
3Rivers offers a test kit, and I am sure Ted at raptorarchery.com would be willing to guide you to the right spine and material for that matter-he sells wood and carbon.

[John3]

Great advice.. Buy the test kit. All being said by people that know more than I; every longbow and selfbow I've ever owned "liked" wood arrows (POC) that were spined lighter than the bow draw weight. I don't shoot bare shaft with a longbow. Cut your shafts to correct length, fletch and shoot them. One of them should be right down the middle. Benefit is you will have the kit to test your next bow. Yes, there will always be a "next" bow... LOL

The test kit is a great tool to use.

John III

[jts15]

I am also new to this...don't even have my bow yet.   When it's ready I'll also have to start looking at what arrow to use.  

I'd like to ask a question (hopefully without high-jacking this thread)...why are you guys using arrows with such a heavy spine?  I thought the spine would coincide with the draw weight?  I'm glad I saw this thread before I started buying arrows!

Hey Vermonster, I'm right on the border in Granville NY, you?

[Longbow rookie]

Bjorn...good advice regarding test kit.  I shouldn't have written 550.  I want to shoot what works out of my bow and I realize now that the heavy woods will all come in above 550...keep em' coming.  All helpful to the rook!

CJ

[Longbow rookie]

John...I hear you!  I've already been thinking about the next one but I won't let myself until I atleast get things right with this one.  

Besides...you guys should have given me more warning about the power of the addiction!!!  Bank account is dwindling, landlord asked me about my target, watched "Primal Dreams" with my girlfriend before the superbowl, family thinks I'm insane....but I'm having a blast!  I know it's been said about a thousand times but if you haven't watched "Primal Dreams" watch it!!  What an amazing tribute to our sport.  

Thanks again boys!!!  

CJ

[BobW]

Originally posted by jts15:
why are you guys using arrows with such a heavy spine?  I thought the spine would coincide with the draw weight?  

Reasons are many:

Not drawing to standard 28"/Length of arrow over 28"
Different weight at tip
Bow not center cut.

to name a few........

[Longbow rookie]

Jts...so much for not hijacking!  Joking bro'!  Hope you can get some help out of this as well.