Overwhelmed choosing an arrow....I need HELP!!!

[AZ_Shooter]

I am completely overwhelmed by the large number of choices when it comes to arrows, and I need some help either validating that my choice is a good starting point or suggestions for correction.  

I am new to shooting trad, and I currently have a Maddog Follower Extreme longbow that is rated #46 at 31", and I am pulling to 30.5".  As near as I can measure the bow is cut to +3/32" of center.  My plan is to shoot a carbon arrow with a heavy 2-bladed broadhead, and to pursue turkey and deer.  From what I can tell a 500 at 32" with a 150 gr. head or a 400 at 32" with a 200 gr. head will be spined pretty close to what I need.

Am I close?  What brand arrow do you recommend?

Thanks all!

Welcome Jesse!
Don't worry...it is not rocket science but you need to pay attention to the details!

MadDog bows are a good choice! Arrow brands really don't matter as far as spine requirements are concerned.

[Michael Arnette]

I would try 400, if it's too stiff you can always add weight. I've shot gold tips for years and I've been very happy with them but there are some excellent shafting materials available.

[Alexander Traditional]

With that poundage, I think you are right on the .500 shafts. If you ever wanted to go with a heavier head you could start cutting them shorter,they stiffen up pretty quick when you make them shorter.

[David Mitchell]

I wouldn't go stiffer than a 500 shaft.  We tend to make this stuff too hard these days. I've been shooting bows since I was about 12 years old (73 now) and I get amused at how we try to make this stuff difficult.  Of course, back in the day we didn't have all of this variety that we have today which as my son says causes "option anxiety"  

[LostNation_Larry]

What Dave Mitchell says!!!!

Two things to keep in mind. First: there will ALWAYS be somebody that recommends something else.  Second: perfection is something you keep getting closer to, you do not attain.

[Orion]

I think you have it pretty much figured out.  I'd opt for the .500s as well.  

Almost all the carbon brands are quite good nowadays.  Not terribly important which one you pick. When I began shooting carbons, I bought several of four or five different brands. They all performed well. I settled on one brand (Easton Axis), so I would need only one group/style/size components.  I selected the Axis shafts mainly for their skinniness and increased penetration, but on deer size critters, it really doesn't make any difference. Good luck.

[arlis.duhon]

You could try Lancaster archery .com and buy one shaft of each spine you want. they are the only place I've found that will sell individual shafts. you could then buy one shaft of different spines in the brand/line you want till you get the correct spine you need. then buy the rest of your arrows to fill your quiver.

[Fattony77]

Sounds like the other guys have all given good advice regarding the spine, etc. The only thing that I can add is that the GoldTip "Warrior" arrows are a good arrow for the money. No frills or fanciness, and significantly cheaper than most other shafts.

[DJ Hardy]

Orion hit it on the head
I shoot some GT ultralights but a proper spine Axis is hard to beat and I am gravitating toward them more all the time
I have different view on the hit inserts and their instillation than the common way but that's my deal

Get some 500s and tune your them right and be happy

[old_goat2]

Yeah, you are not going to need a .400 I have a similar draw length and shoot .400 off much heavier draw bows cut similarly. If you want a really tough arrow, check out the GT Traditional that is the skinny model, can't remember the model name right now. It's a kinetic with a wood grain wrap and stainless steel insert, tougher than nails.

[AZ_Shooter]

Thanks for all of the help.  I'll stick with the lighter shafts (500) and fine tune from there.

Thanks again!

[creekwood]

Please remember that there is no formula that will find you the exact correct arrow.  Everyone is built differently and have different styles of shooting that affect the arrow.  And, since you are relatively new to the world of trad shooting, you haven't even developed your own shot routine/sequence which will be unique to you and you only.  Right now, you are only trying to get an arrow shaft that is close to the correct stiffness. My advice is to not sweat the small details at this time.

[trasher]

Shooting 48#@31" with my Sasquatch SS.
500er and a 60grain insert with 145 blades fly like on a line.

My Buddy shoots also 48#@31" on a Black Douglas with Hex 6,5 limbs.
And he is shooting a 400er with 100gr Brasinserts and a 175 grain blade. They also fly like on a line.

I think to get absolutely sure and a perfect setup you have to try but you are clossly near the spine you need! :-)

All recommendations can always be a reference only.

I'm with creekwood, it also depends on several other parameters, which has noting to do with your Bow!

[dino]

A test kit of a couple different spined arrows are priceless
and avoids the guessing.  I have a brand that is my "go to" but still have a few of each spine to test and find what a new bow likes or if I want to try a new broadhead/point weight.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by AZ_Shooter:
I am completely overwhelmed by the large number of choices when it comes to arrows, and I need some help either validating that my choice is a good starting point or suggestions for correction.  

I am new to shooting trad, and I currently have a Maddog Follower Extreme longbow that is rated #46 at 31", and I am pulling to 30.5".  As near as I can measure the bow is cut to +3/32" of center.  My plan is to shoot a carbon arrow with a heavy 2-bladed broadhead, and to pursue turkey and deer.  From what I can tell a 500 at 32" with a 150 gr. head or a 400 at 32" with a 200 gr. head will be spined pretty close to what I need.

Am I close?  What brand arrow do you recommend?

Thanks all!

the arrow is most critical for its overall consistency, which will equate to consistent accuracy, and that means carbon shafting. the rest isn't as important as folks might think.  the broadhead needs to be cut-on-contact and as sharp as you can make it, which should literally shave hair.  i prefer cheap beman 500 shafts for my arrow builds, along with original wensel woodsman 3-blades.  i always use tape-on large feathers with a goodly helical.  i can vary the overall finished arrow weight by changing the screw-in adapter weight, or preload with either aluminum or brass ferrule weights.  whatever the foc is, don't be concerned, it'll be just fine.  i use these completed 29-1/2" arrows for bows with holding weights of 43 to 54 pounds.  the rest is up to me.