Selecting Arrows: The Primitive Bullet

Now that you selected your bow, your going to need to buy some arrows.  Word of advice, most buddies will only allow you to mooch their arrows for so long until they start getting mad at you. Selecting arrows can be a daunting task because there are so many different variations which include the type of material, length, fletching, weight, etc. If you're inexperienced it's best to have an archery shop help you select and assemble your first set of arrows.  They have all the tools and experience to make sure you get the most accurate arrow possible.  Arrows can also be purchased pre-assembled  at pre-cut lengths from either archery shops or sporting goods stores.  They typically come in a box and have a table on the box that helps you select the correct arrow (arrow selection tables will be covered in a later post).


Key Tips:

1.  If you're inexperienced have an archery shop help you select and assemble your arrows.
2. Typically arrows are sold in quantities of a 1/2 doz. (approx. $60.00) or 1 doz. (approx. $120.00)  Most archery shops will not sell individual arrows or anything less than a 1/2 doz.
3. Most arrow manufacturers have tables that help you select the correct arrow (more to be covered on this in a later post).
4. Carbon arrows are recommended over aluminum because aluminum arrows are more likely to kink when flexed, whereas carbon is more pliable. There are also wooden arrows but these are typically used by the traditionalist bowhunter using a long bow or recurve bow.
5. The length of the arrow should be at least an inch to two inches past the riser when the bow is at full draw.  If it's too short, the broad head will hit the riser and not allow the bow to be fully drawn.
6. Arrow fletching is typically made out of either feathers or plastic.  They each have their pros and cons and it's more based on preference.  Feather are lighter and more forgiving when damaged, plastic is more durable and quieter.
7. If your just starting out it's best to have the archery shop glue the fletching to your arrows.  Archery shops have special jigs to apply the fletching to the arrow.
8. It is recommended to go with brightly colored fletching that doesn't blend in with the area you are shooting. Imagine trying to find in arrow that has red, yellow, and orange fletching  in the woods during the fall. 
9. Make sure you install field tips on the end of your arrows, these will be needed before you're able to shoot at a target.  They come in various grains (weight).  Try out a few different field tip weights and see which one groups your arrows the best and go with that one.

Terminology:

• Fletching - is the three feathers or vanes that are glued to the shaft of the arrow that controls the flight trajectory.
• Riser - it's the part of the bow that consists of the hand grip, arrow rest, and site.
• Broadhead - is an arrowhead that consists of three sharp blades used for hunting.
• Field Tip - is an arrowhead that is bulled shaped and is used for target shooting.