Recurve Bow Arrow Sizes: How Long?

When choosing arrows for a recurve bow, the first step is to determine your draw length. This can be done by measuring your arm span and dividing the value by 2.5, or by measuring the distance from your fist to the corner of your mouth while standing sideways with your fist against a wall. Once you have your draw length, you can add 1-2 inches to get your ideal arrow length.

The next factor to consider is the purpose of your shooting. Target and competition archers typically prefer thicker arrows, while hunters prefer thinner arrows that are less affected by wind and penetrate game more effectively.

The weight of your arrows is also important. Lighter bows tend to work best with lighter arrows, and heavier bows work best with heavier arrows. The spine of the arrow, or how much it bends, is another crucial factor. Bows with higher draw weights should use stiffer arrows, and longer arrows will generally need to be stiffer as well.

Finally, the material of the arrow shaft is an important consideration. Common materials include wood, carbon, aluminium, and fiberglass, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood arrows, for example, require constant maintenance but fly quieter than carbon and aluminium arrows. Carbon arrows, on the other hand, are straighter and more durable but tend to shatter when they break.

How to measure your draw length

To measure your draw length, you must first understand what draw length is. Draw length is the distance from the nock point to the throat of the grip plus 1 3/4″. This length is typically the same as the length of the arrow you will need.

There are several methods to measure your draw length. One way is to stand with your back against a wall and stretch your arms out against it. Measure the distance from the end of your middle finger on one hand to the end of your middle finger on the other hand. This measurement, minus 15, then divided by 2, is your draw length. Your wingspan is typically the same as your height in inches, so another way to calculate your draw length is to take your height in inches, minus 15, then divided by 2.

Another method is to measure your wingspan by standing with your arms outstretched, parallel to the floor, and making sure not to pull in your shoulder blades. Have someone measure the exact distance in inches from the tip of one middle finger to the other, then divide that value by 2.5.

If you have access to an archery shop, they may have a draw length check bow with a faux arrow and measurements marked. You can draw the bow and read off the measurement indicated on the arrow. It is important to use proper form when doing this, meaning your arm holding the bow should be slightly bent, not locked at the elbow, and the string should only be drawn to the corner of your mouth.

For recurve bows, it is important to note that they do not have a set draw length and can be fired from virtually any length the archer chooses. Therefore, when selecting a recurve bow, you should consider the draw weight and efficiency of the bow at different draw lengths. The efficiency of the bow is dependent on its geometry and your draw length. As you draw a recurve bow, the limbs bend and the recurves uncoil, and there is a "sweet spot" where the limbs bend and uncoil just the right amount, unleashing the bow's full potential.

By taking into account your draw length and the efficiency of the bow, you can select a recurve bow that will provide the most efficiency for your shooting.

How to choose arrow length

When choosing arrows for a recurve bow, the first thing to consider is your draw length. This is the measurement of how far back you pull your bowstring. To measure your draw length at home, you can do one of the following:

• Spread your arms wide, keeping them parallel to the floor without pulling in your shoulder blades. Measure the exact distance in inches from the tip of one middle finger to the other, then divide that value by 2.5.
• Face a wall sideways and extend your bow arm with your hand in a fist. Gently rest your fist against the wall with your arm parallel to the floor. Measure the distance from your closed fist to your anchor point. This is your draw length.

Once you have your draw length, add two inches. That is the minimum length of the arrow you need. It is recommended to have an arrow at least one inch longer than your draw length. This is because you don't want the arrow to get caught up on the shelf or to inadvertently draw a sharp broadhead onto your hand.

The next thing to consider is the purpose of your shooting. Target and competition archers usually prefer a thicker diameter shaft, as they are more likely to strike the lines of the target for higher points. Hunters, on the other hand, usually prefer a smaller diameter, as there is less surface area to be affected by the wind and they more effectively penetrate the game.

The weight of your arrows should also be related to the poundage of your bow. Lighter bows tend to work best with lighter arrows, and heavier bows work best with heavier arrows.

The "spine" of your arrow refers to how much it bends or wiggles around your bow and on its way to the target. Spine is affected by the draw weight of the bow, the weight of the arrow, the weight of the arrowhead or tip, and the length of the arrow. Bows with very high draw weights should use stiffer arrows, and longer arrows will need to be stiffer.

Finally, consider the material of your arrows. Wood arrows are one of the least expensive options, but they require constant maintenance to keep them in shooting condition. Carbon arrows are straighter and more durable than wood, and they are easily customizable. Aluminum arrows offer great penetration, an affordable cost, and dependable performance. Fiberglass arrows are extremely strong and ideal for bowfishing or youth archery.

Arrow material

The material of an arrow is an important consideration when choosing arrows for a recurve bow. The most common arrow materials are wood, carbon, aluminum, and fiberglass, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of each material:

• Wooden Arrows: Wooden arrows are traditional and one of the least expensive options. However, they require constant maintenance and are not as durable as other materials. They tend to break, warp, and splinter, and each arrow may fly differently due to the organic material. Wooden arrows are generally used by traditional archers and longbow shooters but are rarely used in competitions. They are quieter than hollow carbon and aluminum arrows and can be customised with different stains and seals. The weight of wooden arrows varies depending on the type of wood used, with Port Orford Cedar being the most popular choice.
• Carbon Arrows: Carbon arrows are lightweight, fast, and easy to customise with different nocks, inserts, and weight systems. They are straighter and more durable than wooden arrows and are suitable for target practice, competitions, and hunting with recurve bows. Carbon arrows can be manufactured to be thin, which improves penetration when hunting. However, they can be prone to splintering and shattering upon impact, so it is important to check for cracks and replace them regularly.
• Aluminum Arrows: Aluminum arrows are heavier than wood and carbon arrows, offering greater penetration. They are affordable, durable, and have tight tolerances that produce consistent performance. They are commonly used for target archery and hunting, and they can be customised with different nock bushings for improved accuracy. Aluminum arrows can bend from hard impacts, and while they can sometimes be straightened, severe bends may render them unusable.
• Fiberglass Arrows: Fiberglass arrows are inexpensive and suitable for beginners or programs with many participants. They are extremely durable and strong, making them a good choice for youth archery or bowfishing. However, they are heavier than other materials and less common for target archery or hunting.

When choosing arrow material, it is important to consider your shooting needs. Target shooters typically prefer lighter arrows for longer distances and flatter trajectories, while hunters favour heavier arrows for deeper penetration. Additionally, the type of bow you are using will also influence your arrow material choice. For example, longbows typically use wooden arrows, while recurve and compound bows can utilise a wider range of materials.

Arrow spine

The spine of an arrow is affected by the draw weight of the bow, the weight of the arrow, the weight of the arrowhead or tip, and the length of the arrow. The spine of an arrow can be manipulated by changing the arrow length, adjusting the bow's draw weight, or adding/removing weight from the ends of the arrow.

When choosing arrows for a recurve bow, it is important to consider the spine in addition to the arrow's length and weight. The length of the arrow should be determined by the draw length, which is the measurement of how far back you pull your bowstring. To ensure you are choosing arrows for a recurve bow accurately, it is recommended to do both methods of measuring draw length to make sure they match up. Once you have your draw length, add two inches, and that is the length of the arrow you need.

The weight of the arrow should be related to the poundage of the bow. Lighter bows tend to work best with lighter arrows, and heavier bows work best with heavier arrows. The spine of the arrow can then be determined using the arrow manufacturer's spine chart. It is important to use the actual peak draw weight of the bow when choosing the arrow spine, as using the draw length may lead to an overly stiff arrow that will not correct itself quickly in flight.

In addition to the spine, there are other factors to consider when choosing arrows for a recurve bow, such as the material and diameter of the arrow. Carbon and aluminum arrows are straighter and more durable than wood arrows, while wood arrows fly quieter than hollow carbon and aluminum arrows. Target and competition archers usually prefer a thicker diameter shaft, while hunters usually prefer a smaller diameter to reduce wind resistance and improve penetration.

Arrow weight

When it comes to arrow weight, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select the appropriate arrow weight for your bow's draw weight. A good rule of thumb is to use an arrow with at least 5 grains of weight per pound of draw weight. For example, if you have a 60-pound bow, your arrow should be no less than 300 grains, including the field point or broadhead. This ensures that your arrow is heavy enough to withstand the force of the bow without being too light, which could affect accuracy and penetration.

The second factor to consider is arrow length. Arrow length should be greater than the draw length of your bow, and this can be calculated by measuring the distance from the string/nock point of the arrow to the pivot point when the bow is fully drawn. It's recommended to add 1.5-1.75 inches to this measurement to determine your ideal arrow length. Additionally, the trend towards drop-away arrow rests means that arrow length and draw length are no longer directly proportional. As a result, a shorter arrow will be more rigid than a longer arrow of the same spine. Therefore, a 60-pound bow with a 24-inch arrow would require a more flexible shaft than a 30-inch arrow.

The third factor is the purpose of your shooting. Target and competition archers often prefer thicker-diameter shafts, as they are more likely to strike the lines of the target for higher points. On the other hand, hunters prefer smaller-diameter arrows as they are less affected by wind resistance and can more effectively penetrate the target.

Finally, it's worth noting that the spine of the arrow, or its stiffness, is influenced by several factors, including draw weight, arrow weight, arrowhead weight, and arrow length. Bows with higher draw weights should use stiffer arrows, and longer arrows will generally need to be stiffer as well.

Frequently asked questions