Guide to choosing the right arrow
Guide to choosing the right arrow
Choosing the right arrow is crucial for accuracy, safety, and compliance with regulations in archery. Many archers find that even small differences in arrow properties can significantly impact their shot groups. In this guide, we will review the most important factors: spine, length, and weight – and how to choose the right arrow.
What is spine (stiffness)?
Spine describes how much an arrow bends when stressed. It is one of the most important factors when choosing arrows.
- Low spine value (e.g., 300) = stiffer arrow
- High spine value (e.g., 800) = more flexible arrow
Why is spine important?
When you shoot, the arrow bends around the bow, a phenomenon known as "archer’s paradox", which primarily applies to recurve bows.
If the arrow is:
- Too stiff → it will typically hit to the left (for right-handed archers)
- Too flexible → it will typically hit to the right
What affects your choice of spine?
- Bow draw weight (pounds)
- Arrow length
- Point weight
- Your draw length
In short: The stronger the bow → the stiffer arrow you need.
Read our guide about spine here
Arrow length
Arrow length is measured from the nock to the end of the shaft (without the point).
How to choose the correct length:
- The arrow should be at least your draw length + approx. 1–2 cm
- Too short an arrow = safety risk
- Too long an arrow = lower efficiency and poorer accuracy
Effect on performance:
- Longer arrows = more flexible (lower effective spine)
- Shorter arrows = stiffer
Arrow weight
Arrow weight is typically measured in grains (gr) and consists of:
- Shaft weight
- Point (arrowhead)
- Nock and fletching
Light vs. heavy arrow
Light arrow:
- Faster
- Flatter trajectory
- Less penetration power
Heavy arrow:
- Slower
- More stable in the wind
- Better penetration (hunting)
What should you choose?
- For target shooting: often lighter arrows
- For hunting: heavier arrows for better penetration
How to choose the right arrow
Use this simple approach:
- Find your bow's draw weight (e.g., 40 lbs)
- Measure your draw length
- Choose the correct spine from the manufacturer's spine chart
- Determine the arrow length (draw length + safety margin)
- Choose appropriate weight depending on purpose
Common mistakes
- Choosing arrows based solely on price
- Ignoring spine (most common mistake)
- Using arrows that are too short
- Mixing different arrow types in the same set
Conclusion
The right arrow is a combination of correct spine, appropriate length, and balanced weight. When these factors work together with your bow and shooting style, you will achieve significantly better accuracy and a more stable experience. If you are in doubt, it always pays to get advice from us to ensure you have the best setup. Sometimes it takes a bit of testing to find the optimal solution. Tip: We always recommend starting with the manufacturer's spine charts and adjusting from there based on your own shooting style.
If you are unsure what to choose, you are always welcome to contact us here for advice and guidance.
