Trying a new hunting arrow.

[Apex Predator]

I'll start this by saying that I normally require lighter spines than most.  Many will see what I'm shooting and assume I'm under spined, but this is not the case.  I bare shaft tune and shoot mostly broad heads.
 
I'm gonna bite the bullet and try some new arrows this year.  I have been shooting CE Heritage 90s full length with 85 grain brass insert, and a 250 grain point.  They weigh 640 grains, and shoot through stuff!  This is out of my 48@27 "Bloody Marsh" bow, which is a straight profile, 63" bow, which is not cut to center.  My arrow speed out of this bow is a blistering 135 fps.  Foward of center balance is around 24%.  It kills stuff, and I have great confidence in hunting anything in Ga with it.
 
The trajectory is another matter.  I have always kept my shots at 20 yards or less, and the arrows arc is acceptable for that.  My shooting allows for slightly longer shots on occasion, and that's why I was looking to improve my trajectory.
 
I settled on the Easton Epic 600s.  They aren't as pretty as the Heritage shaft.  They aren't as durable as the Heritage, by a long shot.  I footed these with a section of 2016 aluminum arrow to strengthen the section that normally splits on a stump or bone hit.  Due to the light weight of the shaft (6.4 gpi), I was able to achieve the same FOC (24%) with the standard aluminum insert and a 250 grain point.  My speed with these arrows, which weight 508 grains, is 155 fps.  My trajectory is much improved, and my point on range went from 21 yards to around 26 yards.  The shaft has a smaller diameter, and slicker finish.  These are fletched with 4-4" feathers in my favorite color.  I also have a small section of reflective tape on the nock end.  It makes them much easier to find in the dark, and shows up really well if the game runs off with your arrow.  One of the biggest benefits of four fletch, for me, is that they are much more visible in flight to the target.  I think with a Wensel Woodsman, they will shoot through what I hunt.  
 
I just thought I would share what I've learned with you folks.  I will be sure to post some penetration results on game.
 
 

 

 

 

[Tique]

Nice arrows AP! I like the reflective tape idea. Is that the tape sold in auto supply stores?

[Apex Predator]

You can buy it in Walmart's automotive section.  It's only a few dollars for enough to do several dozen this way.

[GMMAT]

What does footing do to the dynamic spine.

They look great.  I'm just trying to learn all I can.

Thanks.

[metsastaja]

AP I really like the look of your arrows. Having followed many of your builds and posts I know you know of what you speak.

 What do you think the difference is? How is it that you and others can and do shoot "lighter spines than most".
 
 I tried bare shafting heritage 90 and 150's for one of Petes Recurves 48@28 cut to center with fast flight and B50. Just could not get them to work. Moved up to 250's cut @ 30 and was on. Bare,field and BH.  

Just picked up a Bear Montana LB 50@28 and after time on the line and many a bare shaft walked out with 250's cut @30".

[Apex Predator]

Something about the non-center cut and my release, I guess.  When shooting center-cut, or past center longbows and recurves, my spine requirements are more typical.  I shoot CE 250s out of those bows at 50-55@27.

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

Hey Apex, just how off center is your bow cut? Mine is rediculously off center and a light bow also (49 @ 28) so I figure some super light spine might hold the key - you should see all the stuff I jammed into the end of my arrow to weaken the spine! The way a ton but pack a whollop!

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

"They weigh a ton but pack a whollop!"

Engrish!!

[Apex Predator]

It's typical of Hill style bows.  Around 1/8" from center before adding a leather strike plate.

[WESTBROOK]

Marty

Is that a 60-120 4 fletch?

Eric

[vtmtnman]

Great looking arrows.I LOVE that color feather.Just about glows in low light.I also like the tape only at the end instead of under the fletching.Will pick some up next time I'm in Wally world and give it a try.

[coaster500]

Good looking arrows. 4 Fletch cool !!

[Wannabe1]

Man you are creative! I like the stuff you come up with. Hope they work out for ya in the field.

[Apex Predator]

I really don't know what the angles are.  I just went out and looked at my jig, and it's not marked.  It's a nylon BPE fletcher, that can adjust for three or four fletch.  I was thinking 75-105, but I could be wrong.  Somebody will be along shortly to sort it out for us.  I was using three 5" feathers before I made the switch.

All I know is that switching to four fletch made stalking on the ground easier for me.  When in a tree stand, I try to have an arrow on the string and my bow hanging by my side.  When stalking, I need to nock an arrow for the shot, and not having to worry about a cock feather really lets me keep the game in sight easier.

[Chris Surtees]

Looks like you have a combo that will work good for you. Hogs and deer beware!