We've come a long way from "Lancelot" and "King Henry VIII", where bows and arrows were used for sustenance and war. We now have an era where guns have replaced such weaponry and archery has become a sport and hobby. Archery as a sport has brought with it many improvements in equipment as we see today. This article touches briefly on some, but not all of these great improvements.
Choosing the Correct Arrow Type
For many people, archery has become a lifetime hobby. For instance, many will produce their own arrows, and become very creative in the process. The materials to consider in choosing the proper arrow are as follows:
* Wooden Arrows (Yew-Birch-Ash-Maple)
* Aluminum Arrows (Aluminum Alloys)
* Aluminum Carbon Arrows (Composite Alloy Type)
* Carbon Arrows (Carbon and Silicon Resins)
1) With the above comes definition. Arrow "spine" relates to the flexibility of an arrow type. A beginner would use wooden or aluminum arrows, which are more flexible. Beginners to intermediate archers should choose a "recurve bow" in the range of 60-80 lbf string pull. Flexible arrows are not affected by the lower velocity release of such arrows.
2). An intermediate to advanced archer using a "compound bow" rated at 100-160 lbf would choose a less flexible arrow. Carbon aluminum and silicon aluminum are used for bows that release at very high velocities. This high velocity release affects to distort the shafts end-to-end stability. A soft flexible shaft can lose its original sighting at release. A professional competitor will choose his arrows accordingly. So will hunters seeking an effective kill at long range.
3). Arrow "length" is determined by your arm length and the width of your shoulders, plus approximately two inches. With a friend and a tape measure, pull a professional draw stance as if ready to fire an arrow. Measure from the corner of your lip to the outside of your knuckles, on the extended arm. Add two inches and you're in the ballpark. It is best to have this measurement done at an archery pro shop.
Note: Though the general rule for arrow length is one inch past the front of your grip, the best thing is to have three inches. This way you can replace the notch or tip of the arrow more than once. It allows you to use the same arrow longer, saving money in the end.
Making Your Own Arrows
As a hobby, creating your own arrows is satisfying, and can be financially rewarding as well. Hobby support for archery is easily found online. There are too many options to discuss in this article, but I will point out the financial reward.
1). As a beginner and avid target archer, consider shooting only wooden arrows for practice. An arrow can become damaged easily, the feathers in particular. (AKA, flights, veins, fletching) When an arrow passes through a target the flights will be damaged to some degree. An arrow will lose its accuracy accordingly, but it can be easily repaired. Note that this kind of arrow damage is the only kind that can be safely repaired. Arrows with cracked shafts, damaged tips or bowstring notches (nocks), should be retired permanently.
2). I prefer real feather flights, as they ride well along the arrow guide on your bow when release occurs. There are several other types of flights made of plastic and other materials. The feather ones are easy to remove and replace multiple times, saving you money in not having to purchase new shafts as often. However, none of the fancy vein options should be considered until you are either a competitor or hunter. This is simply because you should want to keep costs down until you become more proficient.
3). Arrow tips are predominantly made of brass. Broadheads (tips) and other hunting types are usually made of carbon steel that has been black-chromed or painted flat-black. They are used exclusively for hunting large game animals. I recommend the use of target tips made of brass; they are very easy to attach using hot glue.
In summary, as a beginner, creating your own arrows can be fun and save lots of money. Blank wooden shafts, nocks, tips and flights can be easily found online. As a beginner, you'll be practicing a lot and loving that practice. Many arrows will be damaged and repaired where possible. The repair is a fun and rewarding hobby in itself. You can become very creative in making arrows, including cresting your arrows. This involves painting them in custom ways that are very self-satisfying bringing aesthetic reward and awe from your friends. The purchase of manufactured arrows can become expensive, create your own.
Good luck and have lots of fun.
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