Spine issues

[Mitch-In-NJ]

According to all the charts I have looked at Easton Legacy 2216s are for a very heavy bow.  Well, after bare shaft tuning today I found that a 2216 cut to 29 1/4" with a 125gr point gives me the absolute best results.

Thing is, my bow is 55#@28" and I draw 28 1/4".  The bow is a Stewart reflex - deflex longbow.  I put it to the scale and at my draw it was between 56# and 57#.

According to the charts I should be shooting 2018s or 2016s.

Some might say "leave well enough alone" but a) I am curious and b) I want to be sure that the over-spined arrow isn't masking some kind of fundamental flaw in my form.

So, anyone have any clues as to why 2216s fit my 55# bow so well?  And I mean they are dead on perfect flight.

PS - I did try the 2018s and 2016s and they showed a serious under spined result.

[JRY309]

There too many variables in tuning trad bows.I don't even look at charts for when picking out an arrow for a trad bow.I shoot what ever works for that bow.Bare shaft tuning tells you which arrow works best not some chart.Your arrow may not work for a different shooter with a similar bow and poundage that you are shooting.JMO

[longbowguy]

The proof of an arrow is the shooting. If results are good, you are good to go.

Buuut.... there is a range of spines that will work for a given set up and I'm guessing you are on the stiff side of the range. The next time you order supplies you might get some heavier field points to flex that shaft a bit more.

That might make your arrows a bit more tolerant of an occasional short draw or poor release. You bow is powerful enought to handle a little more weight. - lbg

[Mitch-In-NJ]

Thanks to both of you.  I was just surprised at HOW stiff a spine that bow would handle and was concerned that maybe I was doing something wrong that I never picked up on.

The charts, in this instance, were WAY off.  The charts I looked at, including the one at bowmaker.net, were spec'ing that arrow for an 85# bow.  The arrow, BTW, has 65#-70# stamped on it.  Either way, way off.

I am really satisfied with the setup.  A heavier arrow that flies SO nice.  What's not to like?

After this rain passes I'll go try it with feathers and see how it flies.

Again, thanks.

Oh, LBG... I tried the arrow longer and with a heavier point... both showed a bit weak.  Seems 29 1/4" with a 125gr point is the sweet spot.

[fyrfyter43]

Yep, some shooters and/or bows just tend to fall outside the "norm" as far as arrow selection. I'm just the opposite from you - I need a rather weak arrow with alot of weight up front.

I'm shooting GT 3555s at 29.5" with 350 grains up front out of my Turkey Creek LB - 50# at my draw length of 28".

[Jim Wright]

I have come to the conclusion that the "charts" are a broad guide at best. I shoot Beman MFX 500's, 31" throat of nock to back of point, 3 grain per inch weight tubes & 265 grains total point weight, 670-675 grain total wt. My bows are 62" Dan Toelke "Whips" (reflex/deflex longbows) 56lbs. @ my 29 1/2" draw. I shoot a tab covering my ring & middle fingers. The tip of my index finger barely contacts the side of the string & is not involved in the draw or release. Check how impossible my set-up is according to the "charts".