Question about tuning

[Chili Pepper]

Hey all hope to get some thoughts on tuning. I have just got back into Trad after about a 20 layoff lol and have a new bow I am trying to tune. It is a black widow PSA #47 @28 and my draw is 28. I got a GT traditional test kit and used their spine calculator for a baseline.

What seems to be working for me is off by just over 4 from what they are showing on the calculator. (they say on site it should be within 2)

The 400 spine with a 1.5" footing out of an old aluminum arrow and a 200 gr head seem to be working pretty good for me. Do any of you think this should be about right for what I am shooting? Should I worry about what the calculator is saying? Thanks

[Joeabowhunter]

Not uncommon at all.  My most recent paper tuned arrows run 11 under the calculator.   That's why the calculator includes a "personal form factor".   

[Chili Pepper]

Thank you

[Fun4all]

An arrow that is tuned doesn't know what the calculator says!  You are looking for arrow flight not trying to meet some arbitrary number.

[Cavscout9753]

I love using arrow calculators, but I admit that this is one of the drawbacks. As mentioned, the personal form factor can clear up some of the bugs so long as you consistently find the same results. I also find with carbon that there’s a wide range of flex that you have to work with since the recovery is so fast; even more so with center/past center cut risers. If the arrow looks good in flight to your eye, you can also move on to paper tuning to be certain that you’re not missing anything with your eye. If you have a dense target you can always tune off of nock angle if you dont want to monkey with paper. All in all id say with your set up, arrow calculator, and results, its about what I’d expect. 400’s with 200 grains with a footer and in that bow I’d say theres a good range of options that will work well. Glad you made your way back - you sound like you’re catching up well!

[Chili Pepper]

Thanks CavScout, I am going with what I have just placed the order for some new arrows. Had the wife get behind me and also watch the arrow. I am as she calls me a cheep SOB and don't want to get to spend the money on something if it isn't correct.