ID stiffest side of arrow w/o spine tester???

[Matt Green]

Anyone know how to identify the stiffest side of a carbon arrow without having a spine tester? I was told that GT has a seem that can be identified with a magnifying glass. Also heard of putting the bare shaft in water and the stiffest side would be at bottom? Anyone verify/deny these or suggest other methods??
thanks
matt G

[capt eddie]

There is not going to be enough differance between the two sides to worry about.  Why is this important? I can understand finding the grain with a wood arrow but why carbon. Am I missing something?

[Rob DiStefano]

yer wasting yer time and getting far too anal about a carbon arrow.   :D

[lpcjon2]

Buy Radial X-Weaves and you won't have the problem of finding a seam.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I have shot Gold Tips for years and never saw a seam of any kind. I don't know who told you this, but they must be mistaken?
Just buy the right spine wt. and adjust your field tips to tune them. Then pound the heck outa the target!

[JRY309]

I have heard of the finding the stiff side with the tapered Grizzly Stiks,but usally I just bareshaft all of my carbons before fletching them up.If there is a stiff side,it will show up there.

[Avid Archer]

You might want to read this.

 http://www.tradtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7154

[Matt Green]

We are all some level of 'anal' - and i don't mean that negative. If you don't believe me - have you ever
a) checked/adjusted your brace ht for 1/4, 1/8 , 1/16 inch?
b) fletched a dozen arrows and insisted the feather colors match
c)  fine-tuned a nock or other component?
d) other examples?  

i've heard of using multiple wraps of masking tape to ensure EXACT wt among arrows of a dozen. I don't pretend my shooting is good enough to recognize any difference from a slightly stiffer side (due to a seem). Just a question. the thread "Avid Archer' listed is a good exchange.

 On the presence of a seem, the gentlemen suggested a magnifying glass might be needed. Not sure how much the seem might alter the spine either - again, just inquisitive.
mg

[Orion]

Matt:  You can find the stiff side just like you would with a wood shaft.  Place one end of the shaft on a hard smooth surface and hold it at about a 45 degree angle with the other end in the palm of your hand.  Use your free hand to press down on the shaft while rolling it back and forth.  If the shaft is extremely consistent, you may not be able to feel it.  But if it isn't, you'll definitely be able to detect the stiffer orientation as you roll it.  Good luck.