Feeling stoopid... Figuring out arrow spine/length

[AngelDeVille]

For some reason I'm not getting my head wrapped around spine selection. I'm new to archery.

I'm asking for advice on my set-up, and how the conclusion was reached.

Some of the charts i have seen just confuse me.

I'll be using a center cut 66" Hybrid Longbow.

Draw Weight is #50 @ 28.

My draw length is 30" so on paper that puts draw weight at #55 +- #1.

Will I need different arrows for different applications, or will one set be versatile enough for everything.

From what I'm understanding so far, I want 300 or 340 spine arrows.

Should my arrow length be 31" or 31.5"

I'm planning on using 125gr field points, and broadheads.
Aside from targets I will be shooting at Hogs, Turkey, Deer, Elk, and Oryx, should I be exploring different weight BH for different applications?

I'm looking at getting carbon arrows.

Thanks in advance!

[Alexander Traditional]

That sounds pretty close. You'll probably be to stiff with a 125 grain tip. I would start a little heavier on the tip and then just start tuning from there.

[JimB]

Forget charts.They seldom work.A 5575(.400 spine) should work,cut to 31" and 135 gr point and aluminum insert., or thereabouts.This arrow would weigh app. 430-460 grs,depending on shaft choice.

You could make a .340 work with a 100 gr brass insert and app 250 gr point,cut to 31",if you want more overall weight.This arrow would weigh 650-680 grs,depending on shaft choice.You don't want to know what a .300 spine arrow would weigh,once you got enough front end weight on it.You just have to tune to find the right combination.I'd recommend the bowmaker.net tuning information.

Arrow length doesn't matter as long as you keep them app. an inch longer than your draw length and tune with your point weight.

[AngelDeVille]

The fog is slowly clearing.

OK so a heavier tip makes them less stiff?

How does spine relate to the overall weight of the arrow, or does it?

What weight of arrow should I looking for and why?

[maineac]

The longer the arrow the more flex.  Shortening an arrow stiffens it.   I just ordered some 45-65 carbon express arrows, thinking they would work well for a fast 45# recurve with 250 grains up front.  I hoped to be able to cut them down to 29.5" or so.  At their max length of 30 3/8" they are showing a bit stiff.  I shoot cx heritage 150's at 29.25" with 250 up front out of my 50# recurve and my 57# hybrid longbow.  Different bows like different configs.

[lpcjon2]

Lets clear the fog away, get 65-70# wood shafts(Douglas fir) and you can go for a 125-160grn head. And have no headaches.JMHO

[AngelDeVille]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
Lets clear the fog away, get 65-70# wood shafts(Douglas fir) and you can go for a 125-160grn head. And have no headaches.JMHO

Maybe you are right, I am concerned about maintainence on the wood shafts, but I think I read in books that wood shafts have been used for centuries with great success  

[lpcjon2]

As far as maintenance, if you make them yourself and use a good finish you have no problems. If you buy them done by a good arrow-smith like snag you have no problems.

  I have shot wood for years and wouldnt shoot any other arrow. All arrows have drawbacks, but wood is simple affordable and feels right.JMHO

[AngelDeVille]

Who is Snag and where can I find him?

Also should I get a test kit to start and go from there?

Who would you reccomend buying the shafts from?

Is Cedar as good as Fir?

[lpcjon2]

nag is a sponsor here and owns Wilderness Custom Arrows, he does some amazing work and is a top notch guy. Just hit the directory up top by the profile and put in snag as the member ID and then you can send him a PM

[snag]

Hi Angel, I'd be happy to help you if you would like to talk further. I sent you a PM.
David

[AngelDeVille]

Thanks! I look forward to working with you!

[CoilSpring]

Welcome Angel,
Like Mainiac said, "The longer the arrow the more flex. Shortening an arrow stiffens it."

These, too, will stiffen a weak arrow:
-reduce point or insert/adapter weight
-add weight to the nock end of the arrow (more or heavier fletching, nock weights, wraps, etc.)
-add more weight (strands, silencers, serving, nock points, etc.) to your string
-raise brace height
-move a plunger or riser side-plate thickness toward the arrow on the rest (by adding thicker leather, velcro, double-sided tape, etc.)

There are others that will stiffen, but also you can reverse these to weaken an arrow no matter what shaft material you shoot.

Just get her tuned, and shoot straight.