Field Point/Tip Weight Question

[Gnat]

I'm shooting Gold Tip Traditional 5575s with a RH ~51# @29'' (60'') Griffin longbow. It's my first trad bow and I'm still trying to get things tuned up just right.

Several people on this site have suggested that I shoot at least a 200 grain point. I have been shooting a 125gr and doing okay, but I thought I would try a heavier tip. I went into my local archery shop (which doesn't have much in the way of traditional gear) and they hadn't even heard of anyone using a tip that heavy and don't have anything over 145 in stock.

Just curious if you think this is an appropriate tip weight for me. Is it common to be shooting this heavy of a tip with longbows? What will I be noticing if my 125 grain's are too light?

These arrrows I'm shooting lately are flying pretty straight, but still seem to be dolphining a little bit (nothing close to the first arrows I was shooting, Gold Tip 7595s).

Thanks for your advice.

[BobW]

Trad archery is based on momentum (p=mv), thus weight and not kinetic energy (ke=1/2 *m*v^2)like the wheelie marketing junkies try and sell because of the impressive numbers they can get based on velovity^2.

Yes, you will need to seek better sources (likely mail-order) as this stuff isn't the mainstream, and they aren't goint to make their quarterly numbers from us.  Lots of sources here in the sponsors.

Yes, you will likely shoot heavier.  Read about Extreme FOC in this forum, andd you will see how "crazy" it can get.

For the record, I shoot between 225 and 300 grains up front (56 & 60 # bows at 32"), and an arrow weight of 600 grains.

[Larry247]

If 125grn work fine i wouldn't worry about it.

[BobW]

Larry does have a good point.  Well tuned means goot shooting.  If it is working, use it.  You are using the term "pretty straight".  You can always try it, and go back.  A dozen points shouldn't be too much.  You already went big on the Griffen....  

[WestTnMan]

I shoot 5575 GT's out of my 47# Robertson. I shot 145 gr points and four fletch. I thought they shot "pretty good" until I bare shafted one. Way to stiff. I ended up with 200 gr points and they fly perfect bareshaft. With the 145 gr points and the GT alunimum insert the arrows hit at 35-40 degree nock right angle. 200's fly and hit straight. I was really suprised how well the four fletch stabilized an arrow. I ordered some 100 gr inserts and plan to use 125 gr Magnus broadheads this year.  I figure GT insert @ 25 gr + 200 gr point = 225 gr or 100 gr brass insert + 125 gr broadhead = 225 gr so things should be the same. I would try some different points just so you will know for sure.

[R H Clark]

If you want a lighter tip you need to shoot 35-55's out of that bow.

Also do a search on bare shaft tuning.

[Gnat]

Can someone explain the advantages/disadvantages of shooting a 3555 with a lighter tip vs. shooting a 5575 with a heavier tip?

[ISP 5353]

The 35/55s with a lighter tip will be a little faster.  Your bow will probably be a little noisier, and it will be a little harder on the limbs.  The 55/75s or any .400 spine with heavier tips will be a little slower, but quieter.  I have several bows that will tune well with either set up.  35/55s with 145gr tips or 55/75s with either 200 or 225gr tips.  I like the heavier arrows.  They hit harder and seem to shoot more accurately for me.  I really don't notice that much difference in trajectory at 30 yards and under.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

[R H Clark]

Doesn't really matter which you choose as long as it will tune to the bow and be the weight arrow you want to shoot.

A heavy arrow will penetrate a little better and a lighter arrow will shoot a little flatter for less distance judging errors.I think either is fine as long as you don't go into extrems either way.

[Orion]

Re your porpoising.  If it's not caused by your release, it's caused by the hen feather hitting the shelf as it passes the bow.  Can correct that by raising the nock point or turning the arrow cock feather in. Good luck.

[Apex Predator]

The dynamic spine of the shaft must match your bow, or it won't paradox around the riser at the shot.  The stiffer 55/75 requires a heavier point to soften the spine.

[donnyjack]

3Rivers has a field point test ket for about $5 that will cover you from 100 to 250 gr.  I've got one and it's a great tool for working up arrow/point combos.

DJ