Going full circle...

[jackdaw]

10 years ago or so I started back into traditional archery. Bought some used bows and ordered some new ones that were "fast flight" compatible. They all started with B-50 12-14 strand strings. All flemish twist. I INSISTED on wooden arrows. Then...reading articles on the wonders of carbon arrows and super high tech string materials, I gradually ditched my 10gpp arrow standard for a faster, sleeker 9 gpp arrow. All was well with my pursuit of a trad laser shooter. Then...about 2.5 yrs ago tendenitis set in my shoulders and those 50ish pound bows sat idle as I winced pulling a 30# wonder. After rest and some anti inflamitories..I WAS BACK in business with those lovely Holcomb 59's...and a longing for wood arrows..and stretchy B-50 and B-55 strings. Yes..it put the "arch" back in archery. Not grossly..but very satisifyingly..!!! The carbons are collecting dust and new crown dipped and crested woodies are making an appearance. It has reinvigotated me. I love the woodies and non-skinny strings..my bow is quieter..mainly due to 11 gpp to 13 gpp ash , doug fir and cedar. Aint goin' back. Anyone else feelin' retro..??? Works for me....

[David Mitchell]

jackdaw, it seems to me that the whole concept of "traditional archery" IS retro.  More power to you! 

[jackdaw]

Thanks David. Yeah..Im kicking it "old school"....but the high tech thing was getting outta' control with me. I like this better...

[Sam McMichael]

I never used the carbon arrows but did use aluminum for a while. When I got my first Hill style bow, wood just seemed natural, and I have been shooting it ever since. It just seems to be a natural fit with both my ASL and ELB bows. At regular hunting distances, I find wood to be just as effective and accurate as any other arrow material. Admittedly, some of the better shooters may need the potential extra margin offered by carbon due to shooting at longer ranges than I can handle. All in all, I think wood is, at least for me, the ideal arrow material.

[McDave]

My own personal definition of traditional archery is that if you could put the bow and arrows into the hands of a caveman, and he would know what to do with them without any further coaching, then it's trad enough for me.  That way I don't have to worry about fiberglass backing on my otherwise wood bow, modern materials in my Flemish twist string, or plastic nocks and metal tips on my otherwise wood arrows.  My caveman friend wouldn't even notice them; he'd just wonder why the bow shot so well!

[jackdaw]

Wooden arrows are just "Earthy" and natural to me. When sufficiently straight, and properly spined, they are very consistantly accurate. I usually dont follow the"easy" path. I love dolled up arrows..and 50's and 60's style recurves. I know aluminum was super common..along with fiberglass arrows...The wood thing is just an asthetic and effective way to shoot. For now...its where I'm staying. Waiting on a Berry "Valor". Wood all the way...jackdaw

[John Cholin]

I think wood is good.

Others can shoot what they want.  My bow says "wood is good!"

Best Regards,

JMC

[ron w]

I like wood arrows.....

[mahantango]

It's all good John. I'm just glad  to see you shooting again my friend!

[jackdaw]

Thanks Paul...me too..!!!

[JakeD]

Agree on the wood. I can't see myself shooting anything but wood arrows. Just feels right.

[TSP]

Carbons are very popular but they're not poplar at all.  Go to any real traditional shoot and you can cedar wood arrows everywhere.  Any carbons show up and they're bound to get their ash kicked.   

[A Lex]

Great to see you back bending your favorite bows.

Fully understand the strength, consistency, straightness and practicality of good carbon or aluminium shafts. They are very very good, but I too simply prefer to use wood.

I love making up a set of wooden arrows. Sealing, crowning, cresting, fletching etc, much better way to spend winters evenings rather than sitting in front of "the idiot box"

My heavy wooden arrows have killed everything from Bunnies to Buffalo for me with no complaints what-so-ever.

Actually none of the three bows I own have ever shot anything other than wood.

Like Jackdaw said "Works for me"......

Best
Lex

[David Mitchell]

Carbons are very popular but they're not poplar at all.  Go to any real traditional shoot and you can cedar wood arrows everywhere.  Any carbons show up and they're bound to get their ash kicked.   

Now that right there is funny and imaginative. 

[A Lex]

Here's my next bunch, hanging in my workshop, drying. Soon be ready for their 4x 5" white parabolic feathers. Then I'll glue on the blunts, and start shooting them.

Wonder how long it might then take to either lose or break this lot.

Oh well, guess then I can make some more 

Best
Lex

[jackdaw]

Thanks Lex..and company. I was a longtime holdout for going to carbon. Wood just feels right. Having fun.!