finding the right arrows

[ozy clint]

hello all, just started to shoot recurve. (ex crossbow hunter)please don't let that put you off. lol. first of all i'm shooting a damon howatt hunter 58" 55#@28", but i'm holding approx 53#. my minimum arrow length is 29 1/2". the broadheads i'm using are 175gr and i'm shootin' off the shelf. as a beginner i'm having trouble finding arrows to suit. i'm having the most success with some goldtip 35/55's @ 30". but at 15-20 metre shots they seem to spiral to the target. i just want to know what shafts will be suitable to begin bare shaft tuning with.(suitable spine range) i want my complete arrow to weigh around 500/600gr. am considering easton st axis 400's with weight tubes, suitable?? thanks for your help! cheers, from downunder.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

They're probably going to be underspined, considering the degree of centre-shot, as well as the weight of your broadhead (is that an Aztec? - if so, you'll have to add your adaptor weight to that, and at 30", that's starting to get pretty weak in spine). Try getting some 55/75s. You shouldn't have any problems getting to the total weight you want just by putting weight on the nose - you just need a stiffer shaft.

[Keuka]

Clinton, I shoot a 52#@28" Black Widow with fast flight string. My draw length is 28&3/4 inches. I shoot a Gold Tip 55/75 shaft cut at 30&1/4 Inches.  I use a nock adapter and 20 grains of weight in the tail. Up front I use a screw in adapter, 50 grain brass weight and 175 grain field point; for a total 240 grains in the tip. My total finished arrow weight (including nock & feathers) is 580 grains. This may work in your 55# Howatt.

If your familiar with bare shaft tuning, plan on doing that "after" you start to nail down your form. Don't be too critical at first.

Fred Asbel and others have some very worth while books on shooting recurves. Good reading and full of time saving advice!