Suggestions for wood arrow for Widow PL longbow

[Mike Bolin]

I am shooting a 62" Black Widow PL longbow that is 45#@ my 28" draw. I've been contemplating putting together a wood arrow combination that will have a total weight (with point/broadhead) in the 450-550 grain range. It's been quite awhile since I've shoot wood arrows and would appreciate any input. I am thinking the Zwickey Delta broadhead for hunting, but I plan to shoot 3D as well. Thanks! Mike

[Wudstix]

Tapered Cedar would work well.  With a 135 grain BH they might be heavier than 500 grains total weight through.  You could Rat Tail taper to trim a few grains.  Also, use 3 to 4” fletch to shave grains.
 

[Mike Bolin]

Wudstix-thanks for the reply. I used to get tapered cedars from Kustom King. I'm not opposed to going up to 550 grains or even 600 grains if I need to. Not real sure what to go with as far as spine, but I'm thinking somewhere between 50# and 65#. Thanks again! Mike

[Huntschool]

Mike:

I may be wrong but I am pretty sure there is now has a higher spined Douglas Fir (Surewood) 15/16 shaft that goes up into the middle 50's and can be slightly tapered (down to 9/16).

Have you talked to Roger at BW.  I would bet he can spout the numbers right off the top of his head.  I am shooting carbons off both my PL's but have some woods to try.  They were built to shoot off a fast flight bow that is not a Widow but are spined for 40-45# and I think they make one for the next bracket or two.

Remember, Widows PL's are cut to center and usually require a stronger arrow but Roger will know more.....

Just some info.

[Wudstix]

Probably around 50-55# or so.  If you can get 5/16” shafting that may be better.
 
 

[Mike Bolin]

5/16"  would be great! I'm going to do a search for 5/16" shafting...thanks fellars!

[Steelhead]

You will probably cut them to 29 inches I am guessing.Good performing hybrid style bow with a D-97 string if the strings stock.I would say 50-55 or 55-60 pound spine.Kinda leaning toward 55-60 pound and if their a tad stiff add a little length to the arrow.

Hard to fix an underspined arrow buy adding point weight and length.

[dnovo]

All the guys I made wood arrows for that shot Widows all needed at least 15 # heavier in spine
Now you can get some 55-60#  cedar shafts around 360-380 grains and come out right around the 530-550 weight in a finished arrow. I do that a lot.

[frassettor]

All the guys I made wood arrows for that shot Widows all needed at least 15 # heavier in spine
Now you can get some 55-60#  cedar shafts around 360-380 grains and come out right around the 530-550 weight in a finished arrow. I do that a lot.

Agree.
I have 4 PL’s and that statement is very true. They love heavy spined arrows.

[Mike Bolin]

Good input gentlemen! I reached out to a couple of old friends and they are digging thru their arrows boxes for some arrows spined from 55-65#. Shooting what they have should get me pretty close before I make an order! Thanks to all for the feedback!

[Wudstix]

Excellent!!!