Loading Explosive Arrows: Recurve Bow

Loading explosive arrows into a recurve bow is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. To begin, you must identify your draw length, which is the distance you can pull the bowstring back. This measurement is crucial for determining the exact specifications of your arrows, including their diameter, weight, and length.

Once you've established your draw length, you can start selecting your arrows. The spine of the arrow, referring to its stiffness and how much it bends, is influenced by the draw weight of your bow, as well as the length and weight of the arrow and its head. If your bow has a high draw weight and you intend to use long and heavy arrows, stiffer arrows are necessary to prevent excessive bending.

Additionally, the intended use of your recurve bow will impact your choice of arrows. For hunting, heavier arrows are required to ensure deep penetration and a swift, humane kill. In contrast, target practice or archery competitions may call for lighter arrows, as deep penetration is not a primary concern.

When choosing arrows for your recurve bow, it's essential to select the appropriate length, diameter, and weight to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.

How to load an arrow onto a recurve bow

To load an arrow onto a recurve bow, you must first establish which hand is your 'bow hand'. This is the hand that will hold the bow, and it is usually your non-dominant hand. If you are right-handed, your bow hand will be your left hand, and vice versa.

Next, you need to grab the arrow. There are two ways to do this, depending on the type of quiver you are using. If you are using a back quiver, grab the arrow by the nock point (the small part at the end of the arrow that attaches to the bowstring). If you are using a hip quiver, grab the arrow by the shaft. Whichever type of quiver you are using, make sure not to hold the arrow by the feathers, as this can damage them and alter the arrow's flight path.

Once you have the arrow, pull it from the quiver and prepare to nock it. Nocking the arrow involves fitting the notch at the end of the arrow onto the bowstring. This is done before you lift the bow, and without drawing the string.

When nocking the arrow, point the bow towards the ground as a safety precaution. This will reduce the risk of accidents if the arrow were to slide off the rest and fall. Place the arrow on the rest, taking care to follow the correct procedure to prevent it from falling off. If you are shooting with a thumb draw, the arrow should be on the right-hand side of the grip, just below the thumb of your bow hand. If you are shooting with a Mediterranean draw, place the arrow on the left-hand side of the grip.

Determine the index vane of the arrow (the feathers or fletchings) and point it away from the bow. The index vane is usually a different colour to the other two vanes. Positioning it away from the bow is important, as it will prevent the feathers from hitting the bow when you shoot.

Finally, put the arrow onto the bowstring below the nock locator. You will feel it snap into place, and you will know that the arrow is securely attached to the string and ready to fly.

How to choose the right arrow material

Arrows are available in a variety of materials, including wood, aluminium, carbon, and a combination of aluminium and carbon. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on factors such as your experience level, budget, and intended use. Here are some considerations to help you choose the most suitable arrow material for your recurve bow.

Wood

Wooden arrows are a cost-effective option, making them ideal for beginners or those on a budget. They are popular among traditional archers and longbow enthusiasts. However, wooden arrows are not suitable for competitions due to their lack of uniformity and durability. They tend to break, warp, and splinter, resulting in inconsistent performance.

Aluminium

Aluminium arrows are a step up from wooden arrows in terms of durability and performance. They are suitable for both target archery and hunting. They typically feature screw-in tips, allowing for easy customisation with different types of arrowheads. Aluminium arrows are also more affordable than carbon arrows, making them a good choice for intermediate archers.

Carbon

Carbon arrows are stiff and well-suited for heavier bows, particularly compound bows used for hunting. Their thin design enables better penetration, making them ideal for hunters. However, carbon arrows can be prone to splintering, and they are generally more expensive than other options.

Aluminium/Carbon Mix

The combination of aluminium and carbon offers the advantages of both materials. These hybrid arrows are light, stiff, and perform well in windy conditions, making them a popular choice for competitive archers and Olympic athletes. They tend to be more expensive, but they provide a good balance of stiffness, weight, and wind resistance.

When choosing arrow material, it's important to consider factors such as durability, accuracy, and cost. For beginners, it's advisable to start with cheaper options like wooden or aluminium arrows to gain experience and develop your technique. As you progress, you can explore the benefits of carbon and hybrid arrows, which offer improved performance but come at a higher price point.

How to measure your draw length

Your draw length is how far you pull the string back on your bow. It is important to get your draw length correct to ensure your success in archery. If your draw length is too short or too long, you will not be able to learn the proper archery shooting form.

There are two main methods for measuring your draw length: Calculated Draw Length and ATA Draw Length Standard (Actual Draw Length).

Calculated Draw Length

This method is simple and works for both compound and recurve archers. It involves measuring your wingspan and dividing by 2.5 to get your draw length. Here are the steps:

• Stand with your arms outstretched to your sides, palms facing forward, and your shoulders relaxed.
• Measure your wingspan by having an assistant measure from the tip of one middle finger to the other. Alternatively, stand with your back against a wall and mark the location of your middle fingertips with a pencil or tape. Then, measure the distance between the marks.
• Record this measurement as "Arm Span" in inches.
• Divide your Arm Span measurement by 2.5. For example, if your Arm Span is 52 inches, divide by 2.5 to get 20.8 inches.
• Round up your calculated draw length to the nearest 0.5 inches. In the example given, the calculated draw length would be 21 inches.

ATA Draw Length Standard (Actual Draw Length)

This method provides a more precise measurement of your draw length but requires a suitable bow. Here are the steps:

• Draw the bow to your proper anchor position.
• Measure the distance from the Nock Grove (the apex of the string) to the Pivot Point (PP) of the bow grip.
• Add 1 3/4 inches to the distance measured in step 2. This additional distance is specified by the Archery Trade Association (ATA) for standardizing archery measurements.

Additional Considerations

• Your draw length may change over time as your form develops, and it can also be affected by the type of bow you are using and your anchoring point.
• When measuring your draw length, ensure that you do not raise or scrunch your shoulders, collapse your chest, or misalign your elbows and arms with the arrow shaft, as this can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
• If you are a beginner, do not load an arrow, and be careful not to dry-fire the bow (releasing the string without an arrow), as this can be dangerous and cause damage to the bow.

How to choose the right arrow length

The first step in choosing the right arrow length is to determine your draw length. This is the measurement of how far back you pull your bowstring. There are a few methods you can use to measure your draw length:

• Stretch your arms wide with your arms parallel to the floor and without pulling your shoulder blades together. Ask someone to measure the distance between the tips of your middle fingers in inches and then divide that number by 2.5.
• Stand sideways facing a wall and extend your bow arm with your hand in a fist. Place your fist against the wall while keeping your arm parallel to the floor. Have someone measure the distance from your clenched fist to your anchor point (the hand that would hold the bow).
• Use a tool called a draw length indicator, which is a long arrow with measurements on it. You put the indicator into the bow, draw the bow to your anchor point, and take note of the measurement.

Once you have your draw length, you can determine your arrow length. It is recommended that beginners select arrows that are about 2 inches longer than their draw length. For example, if your draw length is 28 inches, you should choose arrows that are 29 or 30 inches long. This allows for some wiggle room and ensures safety. Arrows that are too short can fall off the arrow rest or shelf and could be dangerous.

It's important to note that arrow length can also depend on the type of bow you are using and your intended use. For target practice, you may want a thicker arrow shaft to connect with the target lines and get higher scores. For hunting, a thinner arrow shaft is preferable as it offers less surface area for the wind to catch, and it penetrates the target more effectively.

Additionally, the weight of the arrow is a factor to consider when choosing the right arrow length. Lighter bows tend to work best with lighter arrows, while heavier bows require heavier arrows. The poundage of your bow will influence the weight of the arrow you choose.

Remember that choosing the right arrow length is crucial for both safety and accuracy. Taking the time to measure your draw length and selecting the appropriate arrow length will ensure a better shooting experience.

How to choose the right arrow weight

The weight of an arrow is an important factor in determining its speed, drop rate, and target penetration. Lighter arrows fly faster and can group more tightly, but they are harder to tune and are more susceptible to wind. Heavier arrows fly slower but resist wind better and penetrate deeper.

The ideal arrow weight depends on the type of archery you'll be doing and the draw weight of your bow. Target archers generally prefer lighter arrows, while hunters prefer heavier ones.

To ensure safety and optimal performance, it is crucial to select arrows within the recommended weight range for your bow. Using arrows that are too light can damage your equipment and harm the archer, while arrows that are too heavy can void warranties and may break under high poundage.

As a general guideline, you can use arrows with a weight between 5 and 8 grains per pound of draw weight. For example, if your bow has a draw weight of 50 lbs, you should choose arrows with a weight between 250 and 400 grains.

When selecting arrows, it is important to consider factors such as arrow length, spine (bendability), diameter, straightness, and tip weight. These factors interact with the characteristics of your bow to influence the arrow's flight and accuracy.

It is recommended to start with arrows of the same weight and gradually experiment with different weights to find the optimal setup for your specific bow and shooting needs.

Frequently asked questions