Another arrow spine observation…..

[BillyMarkwell]

After much research on the subject of arrow spine, I’ve come to this conclusion. Correct arrow spine is simply having an arrow that bends just enough to clear the bow. It’s not as critical in a recurve as it is in a longbow, which is what I shoot. I know all about bare shaft tuning and paper tuning; these methods are used to achieve the above results.  

Other than shooting in front of a high speed camera, is there any other way to know when you are achieving the correct clearance?

I’ve read that some people have dusted their bow with some type of white powder to see if they are getting any arrow contact with the bow. Haven’t tried this yet, but have given it some thought.

I guess the general consensus is, grab a hand full of different arrows, go out to the range, and the one that shoots the best is the one with the correct spine.

[Shawn Leonard]

Billy, ya can bare shaft tune based on point of impact instead of paper tuning or shaft position in a target. Go to A+H site under sponsor section and check out bareshaft tuning. If an arrow is too stiff for a right hnded shooter it will hit left of his fletched group and right if too weak. It works well, so no you do not have to grab a handful of arows and shoot to see which flies best. You can actually get 2 shafts of different spine that are close to what your bow will neeed and leave full length and cut until ya get good flight. It is not all that complicated but some people make it that way. I would also say spine is just as critical in longbows as in recurves and vice-versa. Bows that are cut past center are usually less critical but in todays world that is common in both LBs and curves. Shawn

[poekoelan]

Billy,
Your last paragraph is the way I do it with my self bows.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

 oh well....its all about enjoyment....Right guys?

[BillyMarkwell]

BUT......you still have to get fairly close with your shaft selection in the first place.....

What would be your recomendation on that procedure Shawn?
My sugestion would be to start with the manufacturers recomendation...Easton or Gold tip or what ever.....These companys have some high dollar engineers that have attemped to find the corrrect spine for us to start with.....