Wood arrow buying questions.

[stinkbelly]

I was thinking about buying some new arrows and I wanted to get a little input. I want wood arrows. I have never bought completed wood arrows. I have either made them or inherited them.

I want an arrow that can be used for target practice, but also is long enough to put a broadhead on it. I want these arrows for my long bow. My longbow is 55# at 28". My comfortable draw length is 28", but if I try, I can get a 29" draw. It is most comfortable at 28".

What length should I get? Should I get them long so that I can shorten it while tuning the arrows to the bow?

What poundage range should I get 50/55 or 55/60?

I was thinking 55/60 and cutting them long so I can have something to work with, but I saw somewhere that 60/65 was recommended for my setup.

Is there a diameter preference, or is that standard based on the spine of the arrow?

The broadhead I have used forever on my trad is the zwickey eskimo in 125 gr.

Any info would be appreciated.

[gringol]

Call ted fry at raptor archery.  He's a sponsor and he'll hook you you with some beautiful woodies that'll do everything you need them to.

[Wolfshead]

I shoot a 64", 45# @ 27" longbow and I shoot 55-60s cut to 29.5"
The 55-60s are what my bowyer suggested for my set up.

[stinkbelly]

I may call ted.  


I didn't even think to ask the bowyer what he recommended.

[joe skipp]

Surewood Steve is a Sponsor here and sells Doug Fir shafts. I picked up a dozen tapered Surewood shafts and really impressed with them.

Steve will hand weigh and spine them, cut them to your length and taper the nock and point end if you want. They are worth looking into.

[Wolfshead]

I second what Joe said
These are great arrows!

[Rick Richard]

I like to shoot wood and I have found the Doug Fir to be much tougher than the cedars.

So, give Surewood a call and forget the worry of getting good quality shafts.

[Bill Shepard]

Try Suzanne St. Charles' website  www.nwarchery.com   I think you can find the answers to all your questions there.  

I bought some custom arrows, for my selfbow, from her and was greatly pleased with the craftsmanship.  Her prices are reasonable too.

[Tajue17]

okay you only have shot gift arrows or your own arrows?  do you have a single arrow that you shoot that flys and hits perfect???  I say this because if you do then just send that arrow in  a tube to Ted fry, elite, snag or other arrow makers here and they will match the spine, weight, ect..  you just pick the colors, fletch style, and so on..  

as far as arrow material? if your stumpin and hunting my 1st choice would be snag's surewoods, they are tough and finish at a perfect hunting weight.. elites,, are cedars and just as fancy but I won't stump shoot with my elites they seem delicate but for shooting thru fur they are good.

Raptor's by Ted fry I have not shot them but I have heard nothign but good stuff,,,,now if you do not have a arrow to send then BEFORE you order wood arrows order or borrow a test set to try because what people recommend and what works for your style can be way off..

[stinkbelly]

I do have a single arrow that shoots perfect every time.  The others I shoot hit fine, they are just weak spined.  

I shoot a lot of 3D shoots and stump shooting with my longbow.  I don't shoot many animals with it, but that may change.

[LostNation_Larry]

You haven't mentioned if your longbow is cut to center or not.  (Most people don't know, so don't feel bad if you can't answer this question.)  Also, the string material makes a difference.  You asked about diameter and you do have options.  Often you can find 23/64" shafts in 60-65, sometimes lighter. Tapered work better in the larger diameter but some prefer smaller diameter for broadhead penetration.

I recommend calling somebody who makes arrows and have a chat.  I also like the idea of asking the bowyer about spine recommendation.

[stinkbelly]

My bow is a Dryad Soothsayer.  I honestly don't know off the top of my head if it is cut to center or slightly off center.  

As for the string, I don't know that either.  

My bowyer is moose hunting, so I won't get to talk to him for a while.

[TraditionalGuy]

I third (or fourth) the Ted Fry call. Just be careful. The man is full of knowledge and it can be really tough to stop talking. I try to pick his brain at least once a week, but I also know how busy he can be and that he isn't getting any work done (usually more arrows for me) if I'm on the phone with him all day long. He also has a web video on his page about choosing the right arrow. It would be a great place to start.

[stinkbelly]

I just watched the video and it had a ton of info.  He obviously knows his business.

[Tajue17]

just send the arrow that shoots good for you out of that bow,, forget the guess work just match that arrow and pick your colors.

[Knawbone]

Hands down..... Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear

[stinkbelly]

I called Ted twice. He knew more about my bow than I did. He knew my Boyer. We decided on weight forward Douglas fur on 65-70#.  I went with rapper feathers, 2 barred, 1 white.

Thanks for the advice.