Hickory vs Ash shafts

[SELFBOW19953]

I am familiar with ash as an arrow shaft, but have never tried hickory.  Does humidity affect spine and straightness in hickory?  Has  anyone tried both?

[maxwell]

I have tried both shafts over the years and I would go with a well made hickory shaft before ash.  Hickory seems to be stronge, certainly heavier and has stayed very straight from the get go.  I bought mine from Allengheny Mt Arrow woods many years ago  and still have the original 3 doz.  The shafts were tapered 60-65 spine.  Ash is a nice wood and I have arrows that are quite old also but hickory would be my first choice.  As a disclimer these shafts were very well made and came to me straight.

[Pat B]

I used ash years ago. Ash makes a good shaft but you do have to keep them straight. I've never used hickory shafts but hickory as a bow wood is affected quite a bit by relative humidity. I don't know for sure but I imagine hickory shafts would change spine as the humidity changes.

[Orion]

As maxwell says, hickory is heavier and stronger.  Both are good shafts.  I lean more toward ash mainly because I want a somewhat lighter shaft in a hardwood.  Actually, birch is my favorite hardwood.

[meathead]

Both are good heavy shafts.  They both will keep you up to speed on your arrow straightening skills.  Quality shafts that are straight before sealing are worth the trouble if you are looking for heavy arrows.

[Sam McMichael]

I have used hickory and found it does sometimes need straightening. However, it is very durable and is quite heavy.

[SELFBOW19953]

I like to be 11-12 gpp with my arrows.  Over the many years, I've learned to check my arrow for straightness before I put it on the string.  90% of my practice is roving/stump shooting, I need an arrow that can take abuse-OOPS!!! that stump wasn't rotten/that leaf was actually a root!!

[AkDan]

How about that root was actually a rock!

I shot ash for a lot of years.  When the day comes doug fir gets rediculous (close) i will swap back.

Its tough, heavy, and contrary to what a lot of guys say stays straight.    I have a few from 17 or 18 years ago i pull for a demo.   Pretty dang impressive wiod when done right!    Let it stabilize and than seal well!   Ash is porus hickorys smooth in comparison.    And dont forget its still wood!

[Green]

I haven't tried Hickory for the reasons that Pat states above....very humidity sensitive.  I use Ash...a lot.  Kootenai River Archery bought Allegheny Mountain last year and is providing great quality shafts at good prices.  The value is much higher for these woods as, let's face it, they rarely break.  

If you are switching to hardwood arrows from say Doug Fir, POC, or Sitka....plan on a longer period of time spent getting them straight.  I don't like to use heat or compression, so I straighten them a couple to three times/day over the course of 4-5 days before they're ready to start with the color and sealing work.  May not be for everybody, but they're soooo satisfying when they hit home.