wood arrow shaft weight/speed question; 11/32" vs 1/4"

[jerrywoodswalker]

My boy is shooting a 20 pound recurve...

I didn't have any 1/4" shafts, so I made him up some 24 inch long, 11/32" cedar shafts, if it matters spine is 30-35, (Bought some 3 inch feathers - Now that made a BIG difference!).

I'm wondering if the difference in weight between 1/4" (8/32") and 11/32" shafts increases the weight enough that it drastically reduces arrow speed?

Also, may not matter but...I hope to move him up to a 30 pound bow later this summer.

Thanks,

Jerry

[Ragnarok Forge]

With a 20 lb bow I really wouldn't worry about arrow speed to much.  I would just have him focus on his form and keep his shots close.  The heavier arrow will reduce the arrow speed.  Only way to tell how much is to chrono both to see how much.

[Hud]

You may find some 1/4 dowels in your hardware store, cut them to the right length, straighten, seal and fletch.

[eric-thor]

i agree with both of these guys . keep it symple i say..

on another note i have a 20 # recurve its 27.5 at my draw and i shoot my 2117/2216's out ofit ust for a training bow and they fly great not that it matters causei really only use it for form training.
otherthan that its a good bow for my kids and wife as well they shoot alltypes of arrows with it and just have a blast.

[JEFF B]

i would say get him some 5/16" shafts in the 30/35 spine range and put 125grn heads on em. that should be Quick enough fer ya.  

[Pat B]

Your 11/32 arrows are spined at 30# to 35# for a 28" arrow. If you cut them to 24" they are shooting like 50# to 55# arrows in his bow(5# per inch less than 28"). You can use 1/4" ramin dowels(or poplar) for arrows but hand pic the ones with the best grain.

[Bjorn]

My son was shooting long 5/16 arrows with a 20# bow when he was 9. They flew with no problems and were spined for his bow.
11/32 were too heavy.

[deaddoc4444]

I just finished some arrows for my Grandaughter    they are form 1/4 dowells from the hardware store . I Made arrows for my tow sons with 1/4 dowells 30 years ago and they still  work fine .     In a year or so my Grand daughter will get some made from 5/16 dowells   and they will be fine till she gets old enough to shoot something substantial  then it will be regular 5/16  or  11/32 arrow shafts .

[jerrywoodswalker]

Thanks for the replies Guys

Jerry