Point Me in the Right Direction

[Flying Dutchman]

I never could detect anything wrong with GT blems. They are all in the same weight- and spine range. They only have cosmetic flaws, such as stamping that went wrong.
I am shooting them for years know, without any complaints.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I recommend getting your Draw length rechecked if you are simply bringing over a  compound draw length and assuming its the same.

If you have measured it and it is 30, you should assume your bows are shooting 3 lbs per inch past 28 inches of draw length.

If your 30 inch draw length is correct then your bows are about 55-56 lbs for you shooting them.  This is helpful when looking for arrows.

Just a  personal preference.... I prefer my arrows to be 1.75-2 inches longer than My draw length because a lot of broadheads will tough my fingers otherwise when at full draw.  I don't want to think about cutting my fingers when drawing down on a  deer.

You have been given good advice.

I recommend getting together with the Florida bowmen. They should help you a  lot. Also dont be shy talking to our sponsors and doing business with them.  If you get them specifics, they should be able to get you arrows which fly good.

[ishoot4thrills]

Here's a link with everything you need to know, brought to you by the Tradgang moderators:

 http://tradgang.com/docs/trad.html

[LB_hntr]

If you click on my signature it will take you to my podcast site. I have a ton of info for people new to traditional archery as well as a bunch on arrows, heads, etc.

[joekeith]

I'd go with Big Jim and the GTs.  Been using them for years.

[Jack Hoyt 75]

Originally posted by ddauler:
I guess I am being contrary but Form and Practice are much more important than perfect arrows. I can shoot very well with five different weight and spine arrows if my form is good. Cant hit a barn with fancy arrows with bad form and neither can anyone I know some are world class shooters. With both can I do better of course but good grief the guy is a beginer spend the cash on a coach!!!

Sorry I got the thread away from the original question.  I believe you asked for advice on selecting a good arrow to learn with not whether or not Blemished GT's are great arrows.  My apology.

The above is the most important.  Form is everything so might as well learn what is good form first instead of learning a lot of bad habits. Good form allows you to be consistent.  Coaching, clinics, seminars, books and dvd's from the true experts is your best use of money when getting into archery.  I would save up to attend a Rod Jenkins clinic or someone else first and foremost.

A point in the right direction may be to call the tech experts at 3 River at 1-866-732-8783 and ask their thoughts.  Go to your local archery shop and talk to them also.  Go to local shoots or events and meet more experienced archers and others you can learn from.

Get the book "Shooting the Stickbow" by Anthony Camera or books by Brian Sorrels or Byron Ferguson. Check out the "Masters of the Barebow" DVD series.

Yes, get your draw length measured by a professional or someone who really knows what they are doing.  Unless you are a big, tall guy it may be less that 30".  Learn about arrow tuning, spine, point weight, FOC and good form before you start trying to tune a bow or arrow.  That will come in the future.

For now simply buy the best arrow you can afford.  I would not shy away from aluminum arrows.  That is what I shot when first getting into traditional archery and lots of guy still shoot them

Some options to research may include Big Jim's GT Blems., Easton xx75 Gamegetters, Easton Camo Hunter, Easton Axis Traditional, Carbon Express Heritage, Beman Centershot or Traditional Only by 3 Rivers.  All good quality, middle of the road arrows

Most likely you would need a 500 or 400 or 2016 or 2117 spine???  You may want to consider a spine test kit from 3 Rivers.  Same arrow with 3 different spines to try out before you commit to an entire dozen.  Most trad guys use 4 or 5 inch True Flight feathers in parabolic, shield or banana cut applied with some degree of helical.

In the future if want to maximize your ability and you use good form you very well may want a high end arrow.  Your choice if or when that day comes.

I do stand by my comments about GT blems.  I am not bashing them and as I said I have some.  It is simply not honest to say the only problem is a minor cosmetic flaw.  I also never called them rejects or implied they are unsafe to use.  The facts are the are defective and therefore stamped as blemished.  I have spoken directly to product specialist at GT and was told that since they have imperfections they have been sorted out, stamped blemished and wholesaled.  The process stopped there and they were never straightness tested and GT can not say if they are +- .009 or +-.001.  They could be way off or near perfection and vary from dozen to dozen.  They also could vary more than their normal standard in weight from shaft to shaft.  They are not faulty, just not quality controlled like there normal shafts.  Blems cost $56.00 per dozen and the regular ones are up to $139.00.  You would have to be kidding yourself to think there is no difference at all.  That being said money talks and if you are cool with the straightness and weight variation you just found a bargain.

I hope that counts as a point in the right direction.

[ronp]

I would recommend aluminum arrows.  They are a little cheaper, usually.  Maybe a 2117 would work, or maybe 2018s or 2020s.

[Joshua E. Williams]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the helpful advice!! I will take it all in and heed the wisdom.

Swampdrummer,

I'll try my best to make it over that way to Ocala. Maybe I can meet up with you or a couple of people you know and trust.

Damascusdave,

When I said a set of arrows, I bought a pack that came with 6 arrows from bass proshop. I am hearing they are not the best, but it was my starting point. I will check out that Stu Miller Calculator.

Thanks again,

Josh

[Joshua E. Williams]

Oh man, I didn't see the second page of replies! This is great! This is all really good stuff. Got my homework   .

Cyclic-rivers, I did have my draw-length measured by a trad shooter. I haven't had experience with a compound, and I started out with a Trad bow. I'm 6'1"-ish with a 76 inch wingspan.

[Archie]

I would also recommend aluminum shafts.  You would probably do well with 2018s.  If those are too weak, try some 2215s.  

The videos that Ken Beck (the former owner of the Black Widow Bow Company) put together are the best aid I've come across to help with arrow selection and tuning.

You can find them here:

   

 

[BigJim]

Joshua E., The fall shoot at silver springs is next weekend (the weekend of the 9th and 10th). I will be set up there if you would like some help.

As far as the blems go, you will have to decide that for your self. I sent over 3100 dz out of hear last year and people standing in line to get them again this year.

I guess i must have spoke to a the wrong product specialist year after year.
If I were leaving on a hunt of a life time, I would have no reservations about using blemis arrows...come to think of it, I have used them on more than a couple hunts of a life time. You never know which one will be the one of a life time.
BigJim