GT Traditionals arrow set-up

[bulldog18]

I have a Tomahawk Woodland hHunter Diamond Series 45@28. My draw length is 26 inch. I will be ordering arrows this week. I have been shooting GT Traditional 1535, 30 inch, 60 grain insert and 125 grain tip with 3- 5inch feathers. these have been flying fine. Thinking about maybe going up to 3555's in same arrow. I ran the numbers on both through the stu-miller calculator and by going to the 3555's, I increase my arrow weight from 424 to 504 grains, GPP from 10 to 12.3, foc from 18.4 to 20.5, energy increases a half a pound and speed decreases from 161.6 to 177.6. My question is which arrow set-up would be better and why. Which would be better for hunting whitetails. Thanks for your replies.

[Pandaros]

I shoot 75/95s from all my bows, which are all LBs pulling between 57 & 60# at 29" with appx 640 grains total.  I don't know if that helps ya any, but I'm glad to share.

[pitbull]

Both arrow set-ups are fine for whitetails. As long as you have good flight and a sharp broadhead in the vitals.

[Matt Green]

i'd agree with pitbull - both are fine. Critical things are that the arrow is tuned and dead straight when it hits and that it hits the right spot. That said, a heavier arrow is more stable in a breeze and will be quieter. you obviously have some of hte 1535' - you can go to Lancaster archery supply and buy 1 or 2 of the others and do some testing before you buy.

[rholzie]

I shoot the GT 3555's w/225gr. tips and 100gr. inserts out of my 46# Predator classic. I know it sounds heavy...but believe me...they fly like darts! Lots of front end weight seems to work for me! And I fully agree with Matt in regards to hiting the "right spot" !  

[Montanawidower]

I shoot a #45 pound Widow longbow for late season does.  I've shot both 15/35 and 35/55.   The main difference is you will need considerably more weight up front to reduce the spine on 35/55.  I shoot 31 inch 35/55s with 200 grain heads to tune them.  (normal draw length is 28 inch).  It begs the old argument of momentum vs. kinetic energy.  I choose heavy and slower.

[Brett Wilmore]

Hi Bulldog; I shoot GT Trad Hunters 1535's, full 30" from my 45# Bear Super Kodiak recurve, off-the-shelf at 27".  With a 125gr point my numbers match up well with Stu's calculator and fly very well, but many would argue my arrows are pretty light at just under 400 grains (I certainly wouldn't go after an elk or a huge hog with them).  As far as which of your arrow setups would shoot better and why, I see it this way.  Both will fly reasonably well.  The lighter setup will fly flatter, faster and farther but hit less hard.  The heavier setup will drop more after 20 yards or so, fly slower, but hit with more impact.  So if you are confident you can get a good shot at closer range, say inside 17-18 yards, the heavier setup should be better.  If you want better accuracy at longer range, use the lighter setup.  Either way, make sure you come to full draw and have seriously sharp broadheads--you will need both.

Cheers,
Brett

[reddogge]

I shot some borrowed 1535s yesterday and shot them out of a '71 Bear Kodiak Hunter 45# and it was REALLY loud although the arrows flew well.  I shot my regular 1916s out of it today and it was quiet as a mouse.  I think they are too light for these old bows.

[trick00]

Id go with the heavy

[traditional beagle]

You will probably have to go heavy on the front to weaken the spine to get arrow flight.

[Stone Knife]

I have always shot the 3555's just for the extra weight.

[bulldog18]

Thanks for the replies. Anybody else feel free to chime in on this. I have shot trad for about 2 years and plan hunting with it this fall.