Daisy Longbow: Arrow's Maximum Distance

The distance an arrow travels from a longbow depends on a variety of factors, including the draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, bowstring material, and weather conditions. The speed of an arrow from a longbow typically ranges from 175 to 214 feet per second, with heavier arrows travelling more slowly. The effective range for a longbow is considered to be up to 200 yards, with professional archers being able to shoot up to 300 yards.

Arrows from a Daisy longbow will travel slower than those from a recurve or compound bow due to their weight

The speed of an arrow depends on a variety of factors, including the draw weight of the bow, the draw length, the weight of the arrow, the type of bow, and the weather conditions.

Additionally, the design of the bow also plays a role in arrow speed. Recurve and compound bows have design features that allow them to shoot arrows at higher speeds. Recurve bows, for example, have curved limbs that store more energy and release it more efficiently, resulting in faster arrow speeds. Compound bows utilize advanced cam systems that increase arrow speed and, consequently, the maximum distance traveled.

The speed of arrows also depends on the draw weight and draw length of the bow. A heavier draw weight will generally result in faster arrow speeds, as more energy is transferred to the arrow upon release. Similarly, a longer draw length allows the bowstring to accelerate the arrow for a longer period, resulting in increased speed.

Weather conditions can also impact arrow speed, with humidity and rain acting as slowing factors.

In terms of speed, longbow arrows typically reach speeds of up to 200 feet per second (fps) or 150 miles per hour (mph). Recurve bow arrows can achieve speeds of up to 225 fps or 150 mph, while compound bow arrows can reach up to 300 fps or 200 mph.

It is worth noting that the range of a bow is influenced not only by arrow speed but also by the trajectory and accuracy of the shot. Factors such as wind conditions, the weight of the arrow, and the draw length can affect the accuracy and distance an arrow can travel.

The speed of an arrow depends on the draw weight of the bow, with a heavier draw weight resulting in a faster arrow release

The speed of an arrow depends on several factors, including the draw weight of the bow, the draw length, the weight of the arrow, and the weather conditions.

A heavier draw weight will result in a faster arrow release. This is because a heavier draw weight allows the bow to store more energy at full draw, which is then transferred to the arrow upon release. For example, increasing the draw weight by 5 pounds can add around 10 feet per second to the speed of the arrow. However, it is important to ensure that the draw weight can still be pulled comfortably.

The draw length also affects the speed of the arrow. A longer draw length means the bow is more powerful, resulting in a faster arrow release. For every inch of draw length under 30 inches, the arrow speed decreases by approximately 10 feet per second. Conversely, for every inch of draw length above 30 inches, the arrow speed increases by about 10 feet per second.

The weight of the arrow also plays a role in its speed. Lighter arrows will generally travel faster than heavier arrows when shot from the same bow. This is because heavier arrows require more force and energy to accelerate.

Weather conditions, such as humidity, rain, and wind, can also impact the speed of an arrow. Moisture and rain will slow down the arrow's flight, while wind can knock it off course.

Overall, while a heavier draw weight can result in a faster arrow release, it is important to consider all these factors together to determine the optimal setup for your specific needs and goals.

Draw length also affects arrow speed, with longer draw lengths increasing the power of the bow

The draw length of a bow affects the speed of the arrow. The longer the draw length, the more power the arrow will have and the more speed it will generate. This is because a longer draw length means the bow can store more energy at full draw, which is then transferred to the arrow upon release. The longer draw length also gives the bowstring more time to accelerate the arrow.

The draw length is the distance from the arrow's nocking point to the back of the bow grip when the bow is fully drawn. A longer draw length results in a more powerful bow, which enables the arrow to travel further and faster. Conversely, a shorter draw length will cause the bow to shoot slower arrows. There is an estimated difference of 10 feet per second in arrow speed between a 1-inch draw length and a 30-inch draw length.

The draw length of a bow is determined by the draw weight, which is the maximum weight the archer can draw back. The draw weight will, in turn, determine the power and momentum of the arrow. If an archer can draw the bow back to its full draw length, it will generate the most power and momentum for the arrow.

The draw length also affects the amount of kinetic energy the arrow has when it reaches the target, making it easier to penetrate. Longer draw lengths result in higher kinetic energy, which means the arrow will impact the target with more power.

It is important to note that while increasing the draw length can increase arrow speed and power, there is little adjustment that can be made as a full-grown adult. Draw lengths that are too long can create issues with form and shot execution, so it is important to stick to what is most comfortable for the archer.

The material of the bowstring, the design of the arrow, and weather conditions can all impact an arrow's speed

Bowstring Material

The bowstring is integral to the speed of an arrow. The weight and type of material used for the bowstring can either make the arrow go slower or faster. A stretchier, more elastic material will usually increase the distance of the arrow by a few feet per second. The weight of the string itself can also impact shooting speed. Keeping the weight of the string as low as possible, especially at the centre, can make a world of difference and increase speed by over 3 feet per second.

Arrow Design

The design of the arrow is also important. Heavier arrows will not travel as fast because the bowstring has to pull more weight. The fletching on an arrow will also play a part in how it moves through the air. For maximum speed, one would need to invest in more aerodynamic and lighter arrows. Lighter arrows will travel faster and further than heavier arrows.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can also negatively impact the speed of an arrow. Humidity and rain will slow the arrow's flight. Temperature and humidity cause changes in air density, which directly affects arrow speed. The denser the air, the more resistance there is to slow the arrow down. Cold air is denser than warm air, so cold weather will slow down an arrow.

Other Factors

Other factors that can impact the speed of an arrow include:

• Draw weight
• Draw length
• Bow type
• Fletching size and type

The speed of an arrow is measured in feet per second (FPS)

The speed of an arrow is typically measured in feet per second (FPS). The speed of an arrow is influenced by several factors, including the type of bow, draw length, draw weight, arrow weight, and weather conditions.

Arrows fired from a recurve bow can travel at a maximum speed of 225 FPS or 150 miles per hour. In contrast, arrows released from a compound bow can reach speeds of up to 300 FPS or 200 miles per hour.

The speed of an arrow is crucial to its effectiveness in reaching and piercing its target. The faster an arrow travels, the flatter its trajectory, and the less it deviates from the wind.

The International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) has established standards for testing bow speed, which include using a draw weight of 70 pounds, a draw length of 30 inches, and arrows weighing 350 grains. However, most archers do not use these exact parameters, and deviations from the IBO specifications will result in different arrow speeds.

To measure arrow speed without specialised equipment, one can compare the arrow drop at two different distances. By firing a group of arrows from 20 yards and then another group from 40 yards, both using the pin set for 20 yards, one can measure the distance between the two groups of arrows and estimate the arrow speed.

Longbows, for example, can produce powerful and speedy arrows, but their speed is dependent on various factors, including the draw weight of the bow, the weight of the arrow, and the material of the bowstring. Master Bowyer Joe Gibbs conducted a test with five longbows and three arrows, with arrow weights ranging from 60 to 75 grams and draw weights from 110 to 160 pounds. The recorded speed of the longbow arrows ranged from 175 FPS to 214 FPS.

While there is no universal measure of arrow speed, and it can vary significantly depending on the setup and conditions, understanding the factors influencing arrow speed can help archers optimise their equipment and techniques to achieve the desired speed and accuracy.

Frequently asked questions