Arrow smudge question

[Jon Powell]

I would like your opinions on what is causing these marks on my arrows. Is it a spine issue, brace height, a form problem, etc. etc.
With RW fletch the smudge is at the top hen feather, LW is by the lower hen feather.

For the record my arrow flight seems great and they hit where I want them to when I do my part.  That smudge just makes me think something is not right.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Orion]

The shaft is likely hitting the side plate as it passes.  Probably a little on the stiff side.  A too low brace height could also cause or accentuate the problem. However, a sloppy release will do that as well.  When my release results in a good pluck, I can hear the arrow bang off the riser. When I do that, I end up with marks like that as well.

[Jon Powell]

Thanks Jerry, I appreciate your input.

[smokin joe]

Nock height, brace height, spine, or release can all cause that. Experiment around and see which it is, or if it is a combination.

[xtrema312]

Originally posted by smokin joe:
Nock height, brace height, spine, or release can all cause that. Experiment around and see which it is, or if it is a combination.

I agree.  

Also torque of string or bow plus arrow sliding down the string if you don't have a nock point under the arrow. Form issue that causes you to pull uneven on the limbs will also cause the nock point to not travel straight and cause a rub if the shaft dips below the shelf.

What I don't get is the LW and RW comment and how you would get this on top of an arrow.  Arrows don’t spin 180 while on the self and from the rub starting point I would guess the arrow is still on the string.

[ChuckC]

The feathers twist differently on the arrow (right wing to left wing, making the portion that touches the bow different between the arrows.

I think I would have to agree with Orion and the pluck.  Does your arrow hand stay by your face  (or behind) or does it end up out away from your face ?  
ChuckC

[xtrema312]

Originally posted by ChuckC:
The feathers twist differently on the arrow (right wing to left wing, making the portion that touches the bow different between the arrows.
ChuckC

I got it.  At first I was thinking 120 deg or so difference in where it was on the arrow shaft.  Looking at the pic better I see a long feather with a lot of helical so the rub line is basically in the same place on the shaft for both LW and RW arrows.  It is just which feather ends in that area.  Not seeing a cock feather or nock to get oriented had me thrown off on what was up or down.

[Jon Powell]

Thank you all for your advice and comments.

ChuckC: Usually my release hand moves back about half way between the corner of my mouth (anchor point) and my ear. Once in a while I do pluck the string a bit so that could be part of the problem.

Thanks again guys.