Recurve Bow: Arrow Length Guide

Choosing the right arrow length for your recurve bow is a crucial step. The wrong arrow can damage your bow, void its warranty, and even result in painful injuries. To find the right arrow length, you need to first determine your draw length. This can be done by measuring your arm span while keeping your arms parallel to the floor and dividing the distance between your middle fingers by 2.5. Alternatively, you can stand sideways facing a wall, stretch out your bow arm with your fist clenched and resting against the wall, and measure the distance from your fist to the corner of your mouth.

Once you have your draw length, adding 1 to 2 inches to that will give you the ideal arrow length. For example, if your draw length is 28 inches, your arrow length should be between 29 and 30 inches. It's important to note that the arrow length should be slightly longer than your draw length to prevent the arrow from slipping off the rest and causing accidents.

Draw length: This is how far you can pull the bowstring back. It can be calculated by measuring your arm span and dividing by 2.5, or by measuring the distance from a wall to your fist with your arm outstretched

To find the correct draw length for your recurve bow, you must first measure your arm span. Stand with your back against a wall and stretch your arms out, palms facing forward. Measure the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other middle finger. This is your wingspan or arm span.

Now, take that measurement and divide it by 2.5. The resulting number will be your draw length. For example, if your arm span is 72.75 inches, then your draw length is 29.1 inches, and you should use a 29-inch draw length.

Another method to measure your draw length is to stand sideways, facing a wall. Stretch out your bow arm with your fist clenched and rest your fist against the wall, keeping your arm parallel to the floor. Ask someone to help measure the distance from your clenched fist to your anchor point (the hand that would hold the bow).

By taking both these measurements and comparing them, you can ensure maximum accuracy when calculating your draw length.

Now that you have your draw length, you can determine the length of your arrows. A good rule of thumb is to add two inches to your draw length measurement to get the ideal arrow length. For example, if your draw length is 29 inches, then your arrows should be 31 inches long.

It's important to note that arrow length is different from draw length. Arrow length is measured from the front end of the arrow shaft (excluding the broadhead or field point) to the throat of the nock. Additionally, the length of the arrows you need is also dependent on your intended use of the recurve bow. For hunting, you will need heavier arrows for deeper penetration, while lighter arrows are suitable for target practice.

Arrow length: This should be 1-2 inches longer than your draw length

Arrow Length for Recurve Bow

To determine the correct arrow length for a recurve bow, you must first identify your draw length. This is the distance you pull the bowstring back when shooting. There are several methods to measure your draw length, including:

• Stretch your arms wide with your palms facing down and parallel to the floor. Ask someone to measure the distance between the tips of your middle fingers and then divide that number by 2.5.
• Stand sideways with your back straight and feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your bow arm with your fist clenched and place your fist against a wall. Ensure your arm is parallel to the floor. Measure the distance from your fist to the corner of your mouth.

Once you have determined your draw length, you can calculate the ideal arrow length. As a general rule, your arrow length should be 1-2 inches longer than your draw length. For example, if your draw length is 28 inches, your arrow length should be between 29 and 30 inches. This allows for wiggle room and ensures the arrow does not slip off the rest when you draw your bow.

It is important to note that the arrow length can also depend on other factors such as the type of arrow rest you are using and the desired speed of the arrow. Additionally, the spine of the arrow, which refers to its flexibility, should be considered to ensure a straight flight path.

Choosing the correct arrow length is crucial for safety, accuracy, and performance. An arrow that is too short can cause clearance issues and increase the risk of injury, while an arrow that is too long can affect manoeuvrability and slow down the arrow in flight. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with experts or use arrow selection charts to find the most suitable arrow length for your recurve bow.

Arrow weight: Heavier arrows are better for hunting, lighter ones for target practice

When choosing arrows for a recurve bow, it is important to consider the purpose of your bow. Will you be using it for hunting or target practice? This will determine the weight of the arrows you should use.

Heavier arrows are better for hunting because they provide better penetration. A heavy arrow will hit harder and retain its energy better as it passes through the target. This is important for ensuring a quick and humane kill. Additionally, heavier arrows reduce stress on your bow and produce a quieter shot. They also carry more momentum, which means they are less likely to be affected by wind or small obstructions like grass.

On the other hand, lighter arrows are better for target practice. Deep penetration is not as necessary in this context, so lighter arrows can still pierce the target without causing harm to objects behind it. Lighter arrows also allow for more speed, which can be beneficial for longer-distance shots.

The weight of your arrows should also be considered in relation to the poundage of your bow. As a general rule, lighter bows work best with lighter arrows, and vice versa. A good starting point is to use approximately 10 grains of arrow per pound of draw weight. For example, if you have a 50-pound recurve bow, your arrows should weigh around 500 grains. However, you can go heavier or lighter depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Arrow material: Wood, carbon, aluminium or fibreglass. Carbon is durable and easy to customise, but can shatter. Aluminium is tough and affordable. Wood is cheap but requires maintenance

When choosing arrows for a recurve bow, it is important to first identify your draw length. This is the measurement of how far you pull the bowstring back. Once you have this measurement, you can then determine the exact specifications of your arrows, including their length, diameter, weight, and material.

Arrows can be made from various materials, including wood, carbon, aluminium, and fibreglass. Each material has its own unique characteristics and is suited to different types of archery. Here is a detailed overview of each type of arrow material:

Wood:

Wooden arrows are typically associated with bare bow or traditional recurve shooting. They offer a classic look and feel, favoured by traditional archers striving for a purist equipment setup. Wooden arrows are usually fletched with feathers, completing the traditional aesthetic. When ordering wooden arrows, you must specify the poundage you will be shooting, as this will determine the spine of the arrows. Wooden arrows tend to be cheaper, but they have no performance advantage due to the natural inconsistencies in the material.

Carbon:

Carbon arrows are popular among hunters due to their weight, improved penetration, and durability. Carbon arrows have a smaller diameter shaft, which, along with their weight, helps them achieve greater velocity and overcome errors in range estimation. Carbon arrows are also highly durable and do not bend easily, even when hitting hard targets. However, they can be more expensive than other options, and there is a risk of shattering upon impact.

Aluminium:

Aluminium arrows offer the highest precision-to-price ratio of any arrow construction. They are available in a wide range of sizes and quality levels, catering to both beginners and high-level indoor shooters. Lower-level aluminium arrows are more affordable, while higher-end arrows provide improved tolerances for spine, weight, and straightness. Aluminium arrows are designated by a four-digit code that indicates their approximate outer diameter and shaft wall thickness. A bigger diameter and thicker walls result in a stiffer arrow, better suited to a higher-poundage bow.

Fibreglass:

Fibreglass arrows are durable, relatively inexpensive, and offer solid flight characteristics with high load resistance. They are similar to carbon arrows in terms of stability and durability, and they do not bend easily. However, fibreglass arrows are typically heavier, making them better suited for short distances and beginners. There is a risk of splintering or breaking with bows that have a high tensile weight, and the flight characteristics are not as advanced as those of carbon or aluminium arrows.

Arrow spine: This is how much the arrow bends. Stiffer arrows are needed for bows with high draw weight

Arrow spine refers to the stiffness of an arrow, or how much it bends when loaded and in flight. It is an important factor in determining the accuracy of your shot.

The spine of an arrow is influenced by the draw weight of your bow, as well as the length and weight of the arrow and its head. A higher draw weight, longer arrow, and heavier arrow head will require stiffer arrows.

To determine the correct arrow spine for your setup, you need to know three numbers: the peak draw weight of your bow, the tip weight, and the length of the arrow shaft. Using this information, you can refer to the arrow manufacturer's spine chart to find the correct spine for your arrow. It is important to note that not all manufacturers use the same spine designation for stiffness, so be sure to reference the specific manufacturer's chart.

Draw length is not used to calculate the correct arrow spine. A bow set at 30 inches of draw length may be shooting a 29-inch arrow. Choosing arrows based on draw length may lead to an overly stiff arrow that does not correct itself quickly in flight. Therefore, it is crucial to use the actual draw weight of your bow when selecting arrows.

Additionally, changing the point weight of your arrow will affect its spine. A heavier point weight will make the arrow flex more, while a lighter point weight will result in less flex. It is recommended to pick a point weight and maintain it for consistent accuracy.

By selecting the correct arrow spine for your setup, you can improve flight performance and accuracy. An arrow with too weak of a spine will over-flex, reducing flight performance, speed, and accuracy. On the other hand, an arrow with too stiff of a spine will not be able to oscillate enough to fly straight, leading to decreased efficiency and accuracy.

Frequently asked questions