FOC Quick Question

[John146]

My arrows are at 25% FOC. I do not remember the ranges of FOC that Dr. Ashby listed. I think extreme was over 30%. Is this High FOC?

[Shadowhnter]

No. Extreme FOC starts at 19%, but is to be used with a 650-ish grain total arrow weight if you are following Dr. Ashby's advise.

[Shadowhnter]

25% FOC is very good, and is extreme, if your total arrow weight is up where it belongs, you will see benefits.Dont miss Dr Ashbys advise on broadheads, it all works as a unit, in order to see the full benefits.

[highlow]

What? You can't have EFOC on a lighter weight arrow say in the 540gr range? I was just watching his video on tuning for FOC and don't recall him saying what the weight range should be.  

[John146]

Thanks Shadow, I shoot 47#@28" and my arrow weighs 500 grains. Total of 250 grains up front.

I have read almost all of Ashby's reports. I realize he cannot test every possible combination of bow weight and arrow weight. The principle is the same concerning FOC though I would think.

[Pete McMiller]

I believe the 650 grain reference is what Ed found to be the bone breaking threshold.  Yes, 25% is quite good and I think that is in the EFOC area.  When you get over about 30% you are into the Ultra Extreme FOC.  I am currently running 31.4% with a 660 gr. arrow but out of a 60# bow.  Yes, they really do fly like darts.

I wouldn't worry about the 650 grain threshold for deer size animals.  You are getting significant benefits from the EFOC already.

[John146]

Thanks Pete. I forgot all about the extreme and ultra extreme categories.

[Shadowhnter]

Todd, Im meaning no disrespect for anyone, and a person doesn't have to stick like glue to Ashby's recommendations. Everyone does what makes them happy. I do think the farther away you get from his findings and recommendations, the less of the benefits you will see though. The whole study, is based on less then perfect hits, and bone breaking and still getting penetration is exactly what his recommendations and his study are for. I have more then a few times, known him to have referenced the confusion over what size animals his original testings were for. He each time clearly states that he wanted to reach out to the bulk of bow hunters, and the bulk of bow hunters hunt medium sized game more often then anything else.So that's where he concentrated. Indeed he did do studies on heavy animals, but the FOC and arrow total weight was increased by a lot to do so. The brunt of the info he provided was for deer sized game. His recommendation, was indeed 19% FOC minimum, with at least a 650 grain arrow, and broad head of a solid 2 blade design, with single bevel edge, tanto tip, a working ratio of around 2.7%, and with a long sleek ferrule with no abrupt angles for it to hang up on.

I say all this, because too often, I see where someone only follows part of Ashby's recommendations, then they don't see much difference in performance if any at all. Then they begin doubting his findings are even legitimate. He clearly states, to see the full benefits, all the recommendations listed above should be followed.... and my friend that is for deer sized game. Tons of info out there on the net to read from him, and video's to be watched...its all there. This all of course, is only of concern, if you want to follow his recommendations for medium sized game. If not, that's perfectly fine too as we all have our own minds. Good luck!

I shoot a 45#@ 28" bow. The arrows shoot much more flat trajectory then one would imagine (20 yards and under!), even at 735 grains. I shoot a 290 grain head.