Compound bows made their national debut in 1970 at the U.S. National Archery competition. Since that date, compound bows have revolutionized the archery industry by allowing archers to use lightweight bows to shoot faster arrows. Compound bows come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles---and as a result, an archer must select the appropriate compound bow arrows that match the individual bow. By following a step-by-step for selecting arrows, an archer increases the chance for consistently shooting accurately.
Step 1
Consult an arrow shaft selection chart available from the arrow manufacturer. The arrow selection chart takes the cam type, broadhead or field tip weight, bow draw weight and arrow length into consideration for determining spine strength. The selection chart will have recommendations for aluminum or carbon arrows.
Step 2
Measure the length of the arrow. Attach a full-length arrow to the bow string and come to full draw. Use a permanent marker to mark 1-inch in front of the rest. Add another 1/2- to 1-inch for beginners.
Step 3
Shoot the recommended arrows through a paper tuning machine---a device used to show how the arrow is flying after it leaves the bow. Stand about 10 feet away from the paper and shoot an arrow through the paper into a target placed 10 feet behind the paper tuning machine.
Step 4
Adjust the spine stiffness of the arrow according to the tear on the paper tuning machine. If there is a "left" tear where the vanes flying left of the tip, right-handed archers have an arrow shaft that is too stiff and left-handed archers have an arrow shaft that is too weak. With a "right" tear, right-handed archers have an arrow shaft that is too weak and left-handed archers have an arrow shaft that is too stiff.
Step 5
Test the straightness of each arrow with an arrow spinner. Every type of arrow will have a tolerance rating provided by the manufacturer. An arrow that is properly aligned with the field tip or broadhead will be more accurate than an arrow that isn't straight.
Tips and Warnings
- Online shaft selection tools are available on most arrow manufacturer websites.
- Always be aware of your surroundings while shooting a compound bow. Never "dry fire" a compound bow, or shoot the bow without an arrow on the bow string.
Things You'll Need
- Compound bow
- Release aid
- Arrow shaft selection guide
- Permanent marker
- Target
- Paper tuning machine
- Arrow spinner
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