Help with arrow spine

Kyle Patterson · September 04, 2014, 04:33:00 PM

Hey guys, haven't posted here in a while. I fell off the train for a bit after a few failed bow builds and no money to buy.
I just picked up a used Checkmate Knave Hill style longbow, 40lbs@28, that I draw to about 28.5". I'm hoping someone can give me a hand choosing some arrows for it.
I have a couple carbons with feathers that I've been trying, but it's quite obvious that they aren't right for this bow.
Anyways, I am leaning towards going the wood route, so do I just buy a half dozen 40-45lb spined arrows and give it a whirl?

Also, anyone have any recommendations on where/who to buy from? I would be quite happy to support a forum member if I could! Thanks a ton guys. I hate being the rookie, but I'm trying to make the switch from compound and I'm a little lost!

Cavscout9753 · September 04, 2014, 06:00:00 PM

Well someone will be along who eats and breathes arrows, but for my opinion, you could look at any number of arrow dealers (I like Surewoods douglas firs myself) and give them a call with your set up and they could probably tell you better than most what would work. Test kits are one route, but I'm too cheap and impatient for them, even though I usually regret not getting them. I like the douglas firs because they're strong, stay straight well, and take a beating. Good luck and welcome! I do know longbows tend to favor weaker spine but don't know much about your bow. For a good starting part you can either use the 3rivers archery spine calculator (always been good to me) or include more info on your set up for those not familiar with your bow. Such as shelf depth, string material, desired tip weight choice, etc. however all anyone can give you is a best-guess scenario since each set up can be unique due to form and such.

Bjorn · September 04, 2014, 06:21:00 PM

I would get a couple of 45/50 and 50/55. That way you could play with point weight and shaft length. You don't state string type which would factor in. And you will likely need a 29.5-30.5" shaft.
Surewood offer test kits and Fir is a great choice.

Kyle Patterson · September 13, 2014, 05:09:00 PM

Thanks guys.
I took a run out to the closest archery shop that carries anything traditional. They set me up with some 45-50s that are flying great.
When I started in archery as a kid it was with a recurve, and I'm happy to say that instinctive shooting is coming back to me quite quickly. Now I just need two find a quiver and try to resist buying anymore bows just yet!

The Ole' Bowhunter · September 13, 2014, 06:26:00 PM

Great Northern Pines makes awesome bow quivers fot both long and recurve. The one I use on my recurve has rubber straps the you wrap around the riser to keeo it on. it's a great quiver and holds 5 arrows.

The Ole' Bowhunter · September 13, 2014, 06:27:00 PM

Ooops...its Great Northern Bowhunting Co.

Kyle Patterson · September 13, 2014, 06:29:00 PM

I've looked at them a little and they do seem quite nice. I am somewhat leaning towards a back quiver though. Just don't know if I want to get spendy or make it myself...

slowbowjoe · September 13, 2014, 10:56:00 PM

There's what looks like a very fine back quiver in the classifieds right now for $60.
It's pretty easy, and quite satisfying to make your own. Good leather is not cheap though, if you need to buy materials.

Kyle Patterson · September 14, 2014, 07:57:00 PM

Hmm, I would be quite interested, but as I'm not a contributing member I do t have access to the classifieds...