Field points for kids' arrows

[Rusty Snuffers]

I'm ordering all the pieces parts to make some arrows for the Pup Longbow I ordered for my 7 yr old.  The bow will be 20# @ 24" and I'm planning on using some 5/16" hardwood dowels from the hobby store.  Which weight should I look at for the field points?  3 Rivers has 70, 100, 125 grain available.  Should I wait to get the bow and try a few to see how the arrows fly or at that low draw weight, would it make much difference?

Thanks,
Rusty

[Orion]

Won't make much difference.  I'd go with the lightest heads.  Will improve trajectory a little.

[lpcjon2]

You could email or call Mike @ Maddog and he would let you know where he gets the points for the arrows he gives with the bows.

[scedvm]

Rusty, my 7yo daughter shoots a bow that is 18@24 and I buy the 1/4" ramin shafts from Kustom King which are less than $5/dozen.  They also sell 1/4" nocks and 1/4" steel points that are 60gr I think.  
I just turn her loose with Sharpies and craft paint, then a couple coats of poly.  It is a blast to make them together and very inexpensive, plus the 1/4" fly very good out of her bow whereas the heavier, fatter 5/16" fly like logs.  Something you may want to look into....Shawn

[Brett Wilmore]

I buy the inexpensive youth arrows from 3 Rivers for my kids, cut off the crimp-on points, re-taper, and glue on 70 gr points.  They do need at least that weight to hit targets hard enough to stick.  They will probably be spined too stiff to shoot bullet holes in paper, but shoot decently within 5-20 yds.
--Edit--Shawn's post sounds like a great lead!

[Sal]

I also recommend that you go with 1/4" for that bow,they'll fly much better and stick to the target. My rule of thumb is 1/4 up to 10 years, or less than 25#.

[Sal]

You can still get the dowels from the hardware store, just get the 1/4" birch.  Birch is best for these little arrows.

[Rusty Snuffers]

Thanks for all the input guys.  Luckily, the only 5/16 item I've already purchased is the taper tool.  I'll look into the 1/4 goodies instead.  Is there a big difference between the birch and raminwood?  At $4.75/dozen it's about as cheap as you could want and I get to support a TG sponsor.  

[reddogge]

I used 1/4" cedars and 70 gr points and 3" fletch for my grandkids arrows and they fly like darts out of a 20# bow. I wrapped tape around the shaft and used my 5/16" taper tool to taper.

[scedvm]

Reddogge, that is an excellent idea!  I always use a pencil sharpener and always wish I could find a better way, I will try that for sure.  Rusty, I have only used the raminwood and been happy but Sal up higher says the birch is better so I will try them for sure.  Four daughters starting to shoot means lots of arrows!

[Rusty Snuffers]

Four daughters...  bless you.    

Reddoge:  You mentioned 70gr but I only see those in 5/16" size.  Do you use those with a bit of extra glue or can you get those in 1/4"?

Thanks

[Pete W]

For the little ones I have been using 1/4" ramin shafts for years. 60 gr steel points and 2 1/2" fletchings. Often I 4 fletch so it is 1 less thing to remember when they start out.
These little arrows fly great, fast and far!! and they stick in, not bounce out.
So far the 5/16 seem just to heavy for real small bows and kids.
Another durable option is the Beman Flash carbons. They come in spines down to 1400, are cheap, and very durable.

Pete

Pete

[Dave Earley]

I don't see 1/4 " ramin shafts at Three Rivers site ?

[Rusty Snuffers]

Dave - Check Kustom King.  That's where Shawn had said to get them.

[jamesh76]

I would suggest 70 grainers from the nocking point. Cheap fast shipping and great customer service.

When Chezney gets his new pup longbow bow he will be pulling around 25 lbs and shooting poplar dowels 5/16 with 70 grain points. He's 8 btw.  He is currently shooting a pup thats 17# and shooting 24" gold tip youth lightning arrows with the 60 grain nibbs. They shoot and fly good but just not quite heavy enough to stick into my morreals bag target every time.