Help with choosing arrow spine

[Joshua Sexton]

Update. I built the shelf up a few mm with moleskin and a toothpick as a very slight retainer on the outer edge of the shelf. That took care of the knuckle cutting issue. Not sure if it is due to the height of the shelf, which isn't a whole lot, or the retainer, but I didn't hit my knuckle. Let's call that progress.

Now, bareshaft testing GT 500's full length and Easton 2018's at 30.25". They are shooting well right, which is a weak arrow. So, I looked at GT spine chart and it says I should be shooting .400 deflection. So, perhaps I was getting a super weak arrow flexing and hitting my hand. Likely compounded with a nock point too high or low. To confirm this I short drawed the bow and zip, right down the pike, the bare shafts flew perfectly straight.

So, I'm going to a friend's tonight to trim some of the weak arrows and try to get them stiff enough. Here's to hoping it works!!!

[the rifleman]

Joshua, do you have any lighter field tips---125 grain--even better--85-100?  You may be able to get your 500s to tune with a much lighter point weight---might not be what you want for hunting, but at least you could use your current arrows and verify tune before buying 400s.  Just an idea...

[Joshua Sexton]

Thanks John. I have cut them down to 29.5" and they are flying better. I am meaning to call you and stop up to shoot with you still. I've just been preoccupied with my girlfriend's health concerns lately. As soon as I get a weekend to stop up I'll make a plan with you.

I have been shooting with 125's and that was the tip weight I was getting all my initial results with. I do not have any lighter weight points unfortunately.

Do you happen to have any 400's I might test?