Kids Arrows

[rimes]

So now that I have finished my daughters bow, I am in the process of figuring out how to make her some arrows to go along with it. Before I set out blindly I figured I would ask a few questions. How long should I be looking to make the fletchings? I have seen on here where people use anywhere from 3" to 5". I figured that the size of the fletching is going to need to be short like the arrows but I wasn't sure. Another question is how long should I look to make the arrows? I was thinking somewhere around 20" but once again I was not sure. She is 6 years old if that helps at all. Thanks again for all the help. (I hope I posted these questions in the right place)

Kris

[Art B]

The 3" fletchings are fine IMO. You can cut the 5" down if that's all you have handy right now. I would make the arrows longer myself. Kids grow quick, other bigger kids may want to shoot her bow too.........Art

[rimes]

Thanks for the reply Art. How much longer would you look to make them?

Kris

[briarjumper12]

Kris,
Make the kid's arrows just long enough to get the bow to full draw.  If you make them longer than that a bigger "kid" might overdraw the bow and break it.  Don't ask me how know LOL.
John

[BrianO]

I have two daughters ages 4 and 8 they both shoot longbows.  I made there arrows out of 1/4 inch dowel rods from Lowes. I made them 20" for the older and 16" for the younger. That way they can get them out of their back quivers.  They shoot alot and usually go through 6 to 8 a year so getting long term use hasn't been an option.  I bought some crimp on points that weigh about 15 grains from 3 rivers and 1/4 inch nocks too.  The object is to make arrows light enough that the kids actually get some speed to their arrows so they stick into the target and allow for a certain degree of accuracy.  Kids are really hard on arrows especially ones under grass.  I have also found that 3" feathers bought by the 100 pack is the way to go.  Good luck and good shooting.

[CaptainJ]

Here's how we do it:
1/4" dowels 24" long with plastic nocks and leather blunts.

 
 
 

Cut a piece of leather in this shape and coat one side with rubber cement Tear Mender works great!):
 

Roll up the narrow part so it's the same diameter as the shaft:
 

Lay the shaft on the flap butted up to the roll:
 

Keep rolling until you like the size:
 

Smooth and trim as you see fit and voila!:
 

You can put points on them too, but these little blunts work well, hit hard but are still pretty safe.

CJ

[Art B]

I like to make kids arrows at least 24" myself. Some good ideas have been posted, follow those, and you'll be in business........Art

[rimes]

Man this place is great. Thanks for the help

Kris

[CoilSpring]

Hey Kris, Shoot me a pm with your address and I'll send you some free, Right Wing 3" feathers, if you can use them.  How many you need? Are you fletching with glue or tape/glue?

[rimes]

Hey CoilSpring I PMed you my address. Thanks again guys for all the help

Kris

[CoilSpring]

Kris -  3" RW feathers in the mail Friday. Girly Pink and White; and a few extra for practice.

Hey CaptainJ - Like those leather blunts - look great for knocking over milk jugs and such, w/o breaking everything.

[rimes]

Tim

I just wanted to thank you again for the feathers. Got them in the mail today.

Kris