Spine Arrow Selection For 45Lb Recurve Bows

If you've recently purchased a 45lb recurve bow, you'll need to select arrows with the right spine weight to ensure optimal performance. Spine weight refers to the arrow's rigidity, which should increase with draw weight. For a 45lb bow, you'll generally want arrows with a spine weight of 400 or 500. However, arrow selection depends on various factors, including draw length, arrow length, and arrow material. Aluminium arrows are a popular choice for beginners due to their low cost and ease of tuning. Alternatively, carbon arrows are known for their straightness, weight consistency, and durability.

Arrow weight, brand, and type

When it comes to selecting arrows for your 45lb recurve bow, there are a few key factors to consider: arrow weight, spine stiffness, length, and brand.

Let's start with arrow weight. It is generally recommended to use an arrow with at least 5 grains of weight per pound of draw weight. For your 45lb bow, this would mean using arrows with a minimum weight of 225 grains. This weight includes your field point or broadhead.

Now, let's discuss spine stiffness. The spine refers to the arrow's rigidity, and as draw weight increases, so should the spine. For a 45lb recurve bow, you will likely need arrows with a spine stiffness of 500 or higher. However, keep in mind that other factors such as arrow length and your specific bow setup can also impact the required spine stiffness.

Speaking of arrow length, this is another important consideration. The ideal arrow length will depend on your draw length, which you mentioned as being 30.4 inches. It is recommended to use an arrow length that is above your draw length. For your draw length of 30.4 inches, you may want to consider arrows that are 31 inches or longer.

In terms of brands and types of arrows, there are a few options you can consider. Some popular choices include:

• Carbon Express Predators: These carbon arrows have a spine stiffness of 30/50 and can be purchased for around $60 per dozen.
• Gold Tip Expedition Hunter 3555: These arrows are another good option and can also be found for about $60 per dozen shafts.
• Aluminum Arrows in 1916: Aluminum arrows are known for being straight, accurate, and easy to tune. For your setup, 1916 aluminum arrows left full-length at 31 inches with 100-grain field points are recommended.
• Easton Arrows: You can use Easton's online shaft selector tool to help determine the appropriate arrow for your setup.
• Custom Carbon Arrows: You can also find custom carbon arrows online that are specifically designed for 45lb recurve bows, offering various spine options to match your requirements.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and it is always a good idea to consult with a local archery expert or dealer to ensure you select the most suitable arrows for your specific bow and intended use.

Arrow length and draw length

Determining the right arrow length is crucial to your archery experience. The wrong arrow can damage your bow, void its warranty, and even result in painful injuries.

The ideal arrow length is your draw length plus 0.5" to 1". For example, if your draw length is 29", you can use an arrow that is 29.5" to 30" long.

It is important to note that your arrow length should be slightly longer than your draw length to ensure that the arrow does not slip off the rest and cause accidents. However, your arrow length also depends on the type of arrow rest you have and where you want the end of your arrow to sit on the shelf.

If you have a drop-away arrow rest that sits back towards you from the shelf, you need to ensure that your arrow length is long enough to avoid clearance problems with broadheads. Fixed-blade heads tend to have large blades that may catch the front of the shelf as you draw, causing issues.

On the other hand, if you are aiming for speed, you can consider using a shorter arrow as it weighs less, which will increase your arrow speed. However, keep in mind that a shorter arrow gets stiffer, which can affect your shooting experience, especially when using fixed-blade broadheads.

Additionally, your arrow length should be considered in relation to your draw weight. A shorter arrow will be more rigid than a longer arrow of the same spine. Therefore, if you have a 60-pound bow with a 24" arrow, you would need a more flexible shaft compared to a 60-pound bow with a 30" arrow.

When choosing your arrows, it is crucial to seek expert advice to ensure that you get the right tools for your specific bow setup and your goals, whether it is for hunting or competitive shooting.

Arrow spine and bow weight

The spine of an arrow refers to its stiffness. The spine rating is a measurement of how much an arrow bends when a weight is suspended from its centre. The lower the number, the stiffer the arrow. For example, a 330 arrow is stiffer than a 500 spine arrow.

The weight of the bow will determine the spine of the arrow required. As the draw weight of the bow increases, the arrow rigidity (spine) must also increase. It is recommended to use an arrow with at least 5 grains of weight per pound of draw weight. For example, a 60-pound bow should use an arrow of at least 300 grains.

There are two types of arrow spine: static spine and dynamic spine. Static spine is measured by suspending an 880-gram weight from a 29-inch arrow supported by two points, 28 inches apart. The amount of deflection (bend) in inches x 1000 is the spine size. Dynamic spine refers to how the arrow reacts to the stored energy of the bow when shot. There are many factors that determine how an arrow will react when shot, including bow weight, point weight, arrow length, and bowstring material.

When selecting an arrow for a 45-pound recurve bow, it is important to consider the arrow spine. A 45-pound bow will require an arrow in the 500 spine range. For example, Carbon Express Predators in 30/50 or Gold Tips in 35/55 spine would be suitable. However, it is also important to consider other factors such as arrow length and draw length when choosing the right arrow.

Additionally, the type of arrow material should be considered. Aluminum arrows are straight, consistent in weight, and accurate. Carbon arrows have a broader range of applications and are stiffer and lighter. Wooden arrows are also an option, but they are more fickle and require more experience to use effectively.

Arrow rigidity and grain weight

Arrow rigidity, or spine, is influenced by several factors, including the type of bow, draw weight, and arrow length. For a 45lb recurve bow, selecting an arrow with the appropriate spine ensures optimal performance and accuracy.

Firstly, let's discuss arrow rigidity. As the draw weight of your bow increases, you should opt for arrows with greater rigidity or spine. This is because higher draw weight requires more robust arrows that can withstand the increased force exerted on them. The spine selection is crucial to achieving accurate shots. If you use an arrow with insufficient spine, it may flex too much, resulting in inconsistent arrow flight and decreased accuracy. Conversely, an arrow with excessive spine will be too stiff and may not flex enough, leading to potential damage to your equipment and safety hazards.

Now, let's delve into grain weight. The grain weight of an arrow refers to its thickness and density. It is measured in grains per inch (GPI) and includes the weight of the arrow shaft, nock, insert, point, and fletchings. The industry standard for measuring arrow weights is grains per inch (GPI). Generally, an arrow with a higher GPI will be thicker and denser, affecting its speed, drop rate, and target penetration. Lighter arrows, typically with a GPI of 5-6 grains per inch, tend to fly faster and are more challenging to tune. They are suitable for archers prioritising speed and precision. On the other hand, heavier arrows, with a GPI of 10 or more grains per inch, fly slower but offer better wind resistance and deeper target penetration. These are often preferred by bowhunters who require more substantial arrows to take down larger game.

When selecting arrows for your 45lb recurve bow, it is recommended to use arrows with at least 5 grains of weight per pound of draw weight. This means that your arrows should have a minimum grain weight of 225 grains (45 pounds multiplied by 5 grains). Keep in mind that the grain weight will also depend on the length of your arrows. Longer arrows tend to be more flexible, while shorter arrows are more rigid. Therefore, if you have a 60 lb bow with a 24" arrow, you would need a more flexible shaft compared to a 60 lb bow paired with a 30" arrow.

In conclusion, when choosing arrows for your 45lb recurve bow, opt for those with the appropriate spine and grain weight. Ensure they have sufficient rigidity to handle the draw weight of your bow, and choose grain weights that align with your specific needs, whether it's speed, accuracy, or penetration. Remember to consider your arrow length as well, as it plays a role in determining the overall performance of your arrows.

Arrow fletching and nocks

Arrow Fletching

Fletching refers to the fins or vanes attached to the arrow shaft, which stabilize the arrow in flight. There are two common types of fletching: plastic vanes and feather fletching.

• Plastic Vanes: These are durable and relatively inexpensive. They come in various sizes and shapes, and you can choose the ones that fit your arrow setup. Plastic vanes are easy to attach and are suitable for most archery disciplines.
• Feather Fletching: Feathers provide a natural look and feel to the arrow. They are often preferred by traditional archers. Feathers offer excellent arrow stabilization but can be more delicate and require careful handling.

When choosing fletching, consider the size and shape that will provide the best clearance for your bow setup. You may need to adjust the fletching size or angle to avoid excessive contact with the bow rest. It is recommended to use a fletching jig to ensure consistent and accurate placement of the fletching on the arrow shaft.

Nocks

Nocks are the slotted components at the back of the arrow that fit onto the bowstring. They play a crucial role in ensuring proper arrow flight and accuracy. Here are some key considerations when choosing and adjusting nocks:

• Nock Size: Ensure you select the correct nock size for your arrow shaft diameter. Ill-fitting nocks can affect arrow flight and may even cause the arrow to fall off the string.
• Nock Adjustment: If you encounter issues with nock fit, it is generally not recommended to modify the nock itself, as this can affect accuracy and weaken the nock. Instead, consider adjusting your string or using a nock set designed to open or close the nock to achieve the desired fit.
• Nock Alignment: Proper nock alignment is essential for accurate arrow flight. Ensure that your nocks are aligned correctly and consistently on the arrow shaft.

In conclusion, when setting up your arrows for your 45lb recurve bow, carefully consider the fletching and nock options available. Choose fletching that provides adequate stabilization without excessive contact with your bow setup. Select the correct nock size for your arrow shafts, and ensure proper nock alignment for optimal arrow flight and accuracy. Remember that consistency and precision in your arrow setup are key to achieving the best performance from your recurve bow.

Frequently asked questions