Carbons - Yay or Nay?

[Red Beastmaster]

I don't see how you are getting away with 1916's from a 30# bow. I use them with 45-50# bows.

[Gdpolk]

The main benefit to carbons in my opinion is their increased durability in the woods.  Aluminum arrows are cheaper and easier to tune.  Wood arrows are cool, but much more work to maintain.  

In my opinion, I would shoot aluminum for now as they are inexpensive, the easiest to tune to the bow, and your likely to loose a few more than you break for a while.  Those that you do break hitting target stands and stuff will likely break other types of arrows too.  

Once your form is down and your not loosing so many arrows, try both carbons and wood arrows.  Carbons will be more expensive and harder to tune but will likely be the most durable of your options.  Woods are just plain fun and nostalgic; also because they are heavier they make less noise off the string.

[Holybeardman]

Originally posted by Red Beastmaster:
I don't see how you are getting away with 1916's from a 30# bow. I use them with 45-50# bows.

That was what the pro shop in the area here recommended to me. I was shooting 1716 when I was sharing a bow with my Fiancé (20 lb @ 62")

Its entirely possible they sold me the wrong arrows but they do seem to be quite knowledgeable. The gentleman who owns the store has been active in the area for over 50 years.

They do a lot of movie work too since they are the only archery shop in the region.

[toddster]

My .02 cents, I don't see the benefit of carbon, yes I know tougher, but for the price difference, to me mute point.  Keep in mind, that I am a American Longbow shooter, and it loves my wood arrows.  I have used Aluminum and other material as well.  My biggest problem with carbon, is the cost and time of tuning and getting the arrow weight up.  For that amount of work, I will stay with wood shaft's.  Mainly because I know the work that goes into it, and exactly what the bow needs.  Like many, I have experimented, think natural.  But come back to why change what is working.

[Holybeardman]

Thanks Todd!

The more opinions, the better. Its good to see all sides of the coin.

[Holybeardman]

I just double checked... I am shooting 1916 alums right now on my 30 lb bow and my Fiance is shooting 1616 out of her 20 lb...

Based on the information I am seeing here, were we sold the wrong arrows by the local shop here?

Sorry... I'm still a newbie clearly and just trying to learn.

[the rifleman]

How far toward center your bow is cut will have a BIG impact on what spine it will need.  The less center cut it is it will want weaker arrow.  If cut past center a stiffet arrow should work.  That being said id be very surprised if 1916s were right for a 30# bow.  Shoot them for awhile as you build form and then see what a bareshaft tells you.  My hunch though is 1716 or 700 spine...

[Holybeardman]

So I went out and shot those Trad 600s with a 125 grain field point and i'm not sure if it was a placebo effect but I don't believe I've ever shot better...

We will see how things go today.

[Holybeardman]

Just got a new set of limbs today. 40# nighthawks. going to see if there's a difference in my shooting.