Spine For Cedar Arrows And 40# Selfbow

[Night Wing]

I have friend who has a 40# @ 28" selfbow that was given to him. He wants to use cedar arrows that are cut 30" long with a 125 grain tip weight. Here comes the sticky part. The bow is cut "1/3 to the center of the handle" is how he descibes it to me. He's using 40-45 spined cedar arrows and they don't work well for him. Any advice on which spined cedar arrows are right for him? And also, can he shoot off of his hand and use that as a shelf instead?

[moebow]

What is his draw length??  Presuming drawing to 28", and using the old 5# rule, he should be close with 50-55# spined wood shafts and 125 gr points.  Sounds like his self bow is of relatively standard construction and probably dacron for a string.  They can be finicky for spine but once you find it, it'll shoot great.

[Night Wing]

He is drawing 28" and the bowstring is dacron. Just hedging here. What if he's drawing to 29"? Would the same 50lb-55lb spined cedars still work?

[arrowslinger22]

Are the arrows flying weak or stiff?  Depending on that, you can find an answer.  I would think he would be close but I'd guess they're weak, although much depends on his shooting style and the characteristics of the bow.  I have several selfbows, I make them, and I shoot arrows that are 10-15# spine above the draw weight, but they are 30" and have 160g points.

[moebow]

I think so.  The extra inch of draw will increase draw weight by 2-3#.  That's not enough to matter much with wood arrows.  The 30" arrow length has more effect than the increase in draw weight.  You can still play with point weight to fine tune.

[Night Wing]

I haven't seen his arrow groups and he really hasn't told me how is arrows are flying, but I'm guessing his arrows are weak.

[Shaun]

Those arrows should work if he cuts them shorter, 1/4" at a time till they fly right. If he is drawing 28" he has a lot of arrow to spare. Easiest way to get close is with a test kit of arrows of different spine.