Help with arrow type please

[Eastern fisher]

I am a "Traditional Archery Virgin"  I am going to ask a question and it might even be a stupid one, but I will ask it anyways.  I am from Eastern Canada so you will have to excuse me LOL.  I am getting a 45lb longbow from my best friend.  Can I shoot any type of arrow with it?  Is there a type of material that works better than most or is this personal preference?
I was just checking out some closer Archery shops in my area and I asked the price of aluminum.  He just laughed at me.  He said that he cannot sell aluminum arrows.  Every one buys the Carbon (whatever they are called).  

[frassettor]

Check out 3 rivers archery. You can buy alot from those guys! They are very helpful as well. Go under the sponsor list.

[Killdeer]

Shoot what you like. The aluminum and carbons will let you develop form and have the advantage in being repeatable. If you lose one, you can get another just like it. I don't know much about carbons, I grew up with wood and aluminum.

Wood is good, but very variable. Each wood has its own characteristics, and the weights can vary widely. I find that when I get a set perfectly mached to my bow, I am apt to cry as they dwindle in numbers due to loss and breakage. This is an excellent excuse to make more, however!

What is your draw length? What make/model bow?
Killdeer

[jhansen]

Your bow will shoot whatever arrow type you settle on.  I agree that aluminums seem to be on the way out.  Carbons are more expensive but also last longer and don't get bent.  Carbons also have a very wide range of spine in one shaft.  The numerical designations vary between makers but you can generally figure on having shafts good for bows from 35-55#, 55-75#, etc.

Woods are another option.  You can't get much more traditional than Port Orford cedar!  They require a little more experimentation to find the right spine for your bow because they come in 5# increments (40-45#, 45-50#, etc).  Depending on the design of your longbow you might need a shaft anywhere from 40-50#.  This is if your draw length is 28" which is the standard by which arrow spine is measured.  Check to see what your draw length really is before buying arrows.

Good luck and have fun!
John

[draco]

I was hoping you had a picture on your profile cause I wanted to know what an archery virgin looked likr

[Pete W]

http://git-r-donearchery.com/

Drop Dennis in Calgary a line. He will help you with arrows and any other gear you need or want.

[deadpool]

ha!!
hahahahahahha traditional archery virgin!!

hahahahah

aww man that made my day, i wonder how you'll be made into a traditional archery man later on in ur life!!!

and thier called carbon arrows,
you can find alluminums almost anywhere still,

thier prices can range from 30 to around 70 per dozen

carbons are more expensive,

they can go from 40 to over 300 dollars per dozen

[Bjorn]

Just when I needed a laugh in the worst way!! Archery Virgin Avatar!! IAROFLMAO!
Thank you draco

[Eastern fisher]

Draco.  The pic would not be a pretty one.  Thanks to all for your help and advise.  I'm sure I will be posting again with other questions.  Thanks again all. Dave from Nova Scotia