All About Arrows (Novice Questions)

[Mark Grice]

Hey all,
Just returning to shooting after a couple of decades off. I have some questions regarding arrows.

First, I am shooting a 50# Bamboo Backed Longbow. Center-shot, 66" with slight reflex. When I get back into shape, my draw length is 29".

I had no idea what arrows to get for it, but I ended up getting Easton Aluminum Legacy XX75.

So, several questions:

1) How'd I do on Arrows? (They seem to be flying straight, but I have only shot it a few times.)

2) What do most of you like to shoot? I always loved the smell of Cedar, but back when I was shooting, Aluminum seemed to be the most consistent for me, which is why I settled on these. But man oh man! Arrows are a LOT more expensive than I remembered them!

3) I have some fletching coming off a bit in places. (Yeah, lets pretend that's because I am shooting such tight groups, and not that I am missing the whole bale and retrieving them from under the grass...) At $11 an arrow, I need to learn how to repair these. What is the best jig? The best glue? The best place to buy fletching? Do most people use helical, straight, or offset fletching?

4) Where is the best place to go to understand/learn bow tuning?

5) The guy who made this bow said it can take a Fastflight string. Right now it has a B-50 Flemish twist string. Is it worth changing over?

I probably will have many more questions... but that's it for now. Thanks in advance!

[ChuckC]

Mark,  Aluminums are fine.  

You might choose to add a bit more info.  XX75 is the type of alloy in the shaft, but it doesn't describe the shaft dimensions.  ( look at the arrow, should say something like 2216 or some such combo.  Those numbers mean something more than just an ID.  There are several books on the market.  I kinda like T.J. Conrad's book "The Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook ".  In that, most of your questions are answered, plus some you didn't know you had !

Also, look at the How To section of this site.  Lots of info there.

Good luck  Welcome to the site
ChuckC

[slowbowjoe]

X2 on T.J.'s book.
A Fast Flight string will add a bit of speed to the bow. You'll likely need to re-tune a bit, coming from a B-50.

[Matty]

Ditto above. And I'll add
Definately invest in a fetching jig. Left or right helical.  Pick one, stick with it. there's lots of good adhesives out there. Fletch tite is a common one. Lots of guys get their stuff from 3 rivers, Rocky Mountain specialty gear, Big Jims(and a host of others). There's a video series called masters of the bare bow, if you're not up for reading they are a great tool for learning shooting styles and bow tuning. And of course ask away on this site..everyone here loves to help give advice and opinions. And don't forget you can do a search on here too for most of your questions. Enjoy!!

[creekwood]

Originally posted by Mark Grice:
Hey all,

At $11 an arrow,

Wow! $11?  You should be able to find these arrows for a lot less than that price.

If you are going to shoot aluminums, you need to get an Arizona Arrow Straightener. They are pricey, at around $150, but will more than pay for themselves in a very short time. Once you figure it out, you can straighten VERY bent arrows that you would have thrown away without it!

Bisch

[Mark Grice]

Thank you all for the responses!

Originally posted by ChuckC:
Mark,  Aluminums are fine. You might choose to add a bit more info.  XX75 is the type of alloy in the shaft, but it doesn't describe the shaft dimensions.  

Eh! Sorry... they are 2018s.

Originally posted by Bisch:
If you are going to shoot aluminums, you need to get an Arizona Arrow Straightener.

OK, good tip. Haven't bent anything yet, but I know that's coming. What do you think of the Arizona Fletching Jig?

Originally posted by Matty:
Definitely invest in a fetching jig. Left or right helical.  Pick one, stick with it.

OK. Is it all just a personal preference? Any reason why I would pick one over the other?

Originally posted by creekwood:
Wow! $11?  You should be able to find these arrows for a lot less than that price.

My thoughts exactly! Yet I can't seem to find them anywhere for much less. I got my first dozen at the Cabela's store in WV, but the prices I am seeing on the web are no better. If you know of a place, PM me, I'd love to hear it.

[Matty]

To answer my re post from you. No it's a personal preference. If you got your arrows at cabelas made up from Easton. Chances are they are right wing probably easiest to stick with that. PluS RW seems to be more readily available. I've also used the Arizona jig. It works just fine. But non adjustable. And can be tricky at first.

[Mark Grice]

Originally posted by Matty:
I've also used the Arizona jig. It works just fine. But non adjustable. And can be tricky at first.

OK. Which Jig do you find easiest to use?

[JamesV]

Years ago with 3 kids shooting 3D I had to learn to straighten aluminium arrows by hand in the field. Not hard to do at all with a little practice.

James

[Matty]

Originally posted by Mark Grice:
 

Originally posted by Matty:
I've also used the Arizona jig. It works just fine. But non adjustable. And can be tricky at first.

OK. Which Jig do you find easiest to use? [/b]

Big fan of the bitzenberger. As I believe most people are. Very adjustable for offset helical etc. you can also 4 fletch as well.
On my opinion it's the best one out there.

[ChuckC]

well, it could be easy, but it likely won't be THAT easy.  First, unless you use some of the fast drying "superglue" types, you apply glue, stick on a feather, then wait about 15 minutes before you go on to the next.  A multi type fletching jig, or multiple jigs allows you to go faster.

There are many jigs available, the old standby Bitzenburger jig is one of the longstanding good ones, very adjustable.  Not so cheap, especially if you are buying multiples.  

If you use tape, a single jig is all you need and really have no down (wait) time. I personally use the Bitzenburger jig because it is so adjustable. I also use tape with cap wraps.  Glue compatibility is a non issue then.

I myself did not have luck using the Arizona jig, but others certainly do.

Regarding left or right fletch... well, there are some differences, availability on a day to day basis may be one of them, but really I find it makes no difference in arrow flight.  If you use single bevel heads, it is best to match the handedness of both the fletch and the blade bevels.
ChuckC