How long do I want my arrows?

[Red Boar]

New shooter here. How far past the front edge of my grip do I want my arrows to extend at full draw?    I'll be hunting with my long bow and shooting Silver Flames.  Thanks!    

[AnointedArcher]

A lot of guys go about an inch past the riser when at full draw.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I like it so the BH almost touches my fingers on the grip.

[Jedimaster]

I like an inch.  I see that as practical because it gives me latitude if I change form, change points or if I'm using the same arrows in more than one bow.  Also as a new shooter be aware that you can take length off but not put it back on: changing arrow length changes spine and it's O.K. to shoot a little longer arrow if that gives you proper spine and flight.  You probably already know that, but just thought I'd throw it in for good measure.  

[Red Boar]

Thanks for the replies...makes sense. An inch past would make sure that the ol' Flames weren't too close to the hand, but no unnecessary length.  I'll make sure I pay attention to the spine difference when going shorter.  Thanks again.  

[Legolas]

If you make the decision that a certain arrow length is what you want then you must get the correct spine for said arrow length. A bigger problem with aluminum and wood than the carbon arrows that give you more latitude with spine.

Otherwise you pick an arrow that is a bit weak spined for the longer lengths and cut it down till it flies best.

Clear as mudd?

Paulie

[Red Boar]

Makes sense, thanks Paulie. What's your favorite carbon?  I am looking at an arrow length of 26 3/4" arrow at about 44 lbs. of draw weight.

[Legolas]

Red,
Well I shoot a longbow so I find wood pleases me more.
I never get the same olfactory experience smelling a freshly broken aluminum or carbon arrow as a cedar.
I am trying to put together some Hickory arrows but they are straight as snakes. Should be some heavy hitters if I can hit with them.

Paul

[bayoulongbowman]

1 1/2 AMO if I remember that what they say , good luck, mark

[Kingstaken]

"I like it so the BH almost touches my fingers on the grip."

Why?    

How close is almost?

1" to 1 1/2" is best so as to not almost hit your fingers with a broadhead.

[laddy]

I make my blunts and field points net, front of the blunt to the back of the bow.  My broadheads so that I draw to my finger and touch the back of the blade to my finger. That way I know if I am short drawing and it keeps me from over stretching.  the thing when going net is that you may need 5 pound lighter spined arrows, and with broadheads my draw length varies with bows with different handles a bit, so i make arrows bow specific.

[Bjorn]

Spine and flight is what counts. Most of mine are 2-3 inches in front of my bow. A longer arrow means you don't have to shoot as far! LOL!

[Kingstaken]

That's why if ya gonna hunt with a certain arrow, it should be tuned for clearance and weight of the broadheads ya gonna use. Sounds like some are tuning backwards.

"A bigger problem with aluminum and wood than the carbon arrows that give you more latitude with spine."
I personally find this to be a positive not a problem.

[laddy]

I had a friend that never cut his arrows down, full length aluminums. He swore he was a purely instinctive shooter, until he borrowed some of my rabbit arrows.  He couldn't convince himself to old low enough.  He did manage to make fairly heavy arrows to fly, but any change in his draw got him clumsy flight.  I guess it comes down to what ever you can get by with, different bows do different things.

[just a bit outside]

Red Boar,

I'd go with the GT 3555 Traditionals cut to 27 inches. I draw 26.5 and my arrows are cut to 28 inches. I like the extra inch and a half because it really doesn't affect the spine and if I split a tip stumping I can just dremel it off and still use the arrow at 27 or 27.5. The GTs are virtually indestructable.

The only problem I ever have is loosing the suckers under the leaves! I've had a bakers dozen now for over a year and I still have 9 left. Shattered one on a steel target and lost 3. Not bad. I have a buddy that had a dozen for three years or so before he eventually lost enough to buy a new set.

The are great arrows and at your draw weight (44 pounds) and 3555s will work beautifully. That is right at what I draw too and they fly straight and true once the brace height is set. I don't have any problem shooting them out of any of my bows.

Check out  http://www.sipseyriverarchery.com/
for some good deals on GT 3555s. The have blems for really good prices.

Greg

[Legolas]

Kingstaken,
Like I said it is more of a problem with wood and aluminum... carbon arrows have more spine latitude.

Paul

[alligatordond]

Al least an inch past for broadhead clearance. After that shoot whatever length shoots best. I shoot 28" cedar and have a 24" draw. But those arrows fly best. Besides, I figure I'm a few inches closer to the target that way.