Need talked out of buying a spine tester

[dan d]

How many of you use a spine tester ? I have it in my head I want one, I'm hoping it is just an impulse thing I am going thru. I almost bought one online today, but in my old age I am trying to stop the impulse buying. I looked at the one hanging at the kustom  king Display at Comptons for 3 days and held off ! Just curious on the gangs thoughts on this. I guess I should add I build my own ceder shafts.
Dan

[Killdeer]

That was about the second piece of equipment I bought, after a fletching jig. I can't think of doing anything with arrows without having this vital tool.

Helpful, aren't I?      :rolleyes:
Killdeer   :D

[arrowslinger22]

Yeah, I'm with Killie on this, if you make wood arrows, you need one.  It's not an impulse, it's an epiphany!

[BCWV]

I, like you, thought I needed one and finally bit the bullet and purchased one last fall. I read where folks said that if you make your own arrows that it was a must have. I checked the spine on just about everything I had and then the new wore off. I haven't used mine for a while.
 This is just me, but to me, it verifies what I already suspected, kinda like my chrony when I was doing alot of reloading.
 Just my 2 cents.

[dan d]

Wow ! It looks like I can tell myself it's a need (not a want) I searched the classifieds here earlier and didn't see any, I take it you don't see to many used ? Thanks guys !
Dan

[dan d]

Originally posted by BCWV:
I, like you, thought I needed one and finally bit the bullet and purchased one last fall. I read where folks said that if you make your own arrows that it was a must have. I checked the spine on just about everything I had and then the new wore off. I haven't used mine for a while.
 This is just me, but to me, it verifies what I already suspected, kinda like my chrony when I was doing alot of reloading.
 Just my 2 cents.

That's what I am afraid of BCWV, I too have a chrony gathering dust LOL

[John Scifres]

Just make your own.  Get a board and add a couple dowels 26" apart.  Get a 2# weight.  Find some arrows that shoot well out of your bow and spine test them.  Mark the spot on the board.  Then you'll know.  All that deflection, dial indicator hocus pocus just confuses me.

[dan d]

Originally posted by John Scifres:
Just make your own.  Get a board and add a couple dowels 26" apart.  Get a 2# weight.  Find some arrows that shoot well out of your bow and spine test them.  Mark the spot on the board.  Then you'll know.  All that deflection, dial indicator hocus pocus just confuses me.

Hmmmmmm.......  I was going to make one, but then I realized after buying the indicator and other odds and ends I might as well put the money towards just buying one. Your method would be very reasonable, good posts guys, don't know if your making my decision any easier LOL, I'm leaning towards buying one, but it is early in this post yet, I'm going to sit back and read your thoughts on this, Thanks !
Dan

[BCWV]

dan d,
 I use the chrony on my bows now!   :D

[Arrow4Christ]

I say if you're shooting anything except aluminum, buy one. It really opened my eyes to the inconsistency of a lot of carbon arrows. I highly recommend buying a Spine-O-Meter from Braveheart Archery...miles better than the Ace I tried.

Craig

[Ron+dog]

just do it !      

[Grey Taylor]

You mention that you build your own cedar shafts.
If that means that you are making the shafts from cedar boards, you're going to want a spine tester.
But if that means you're buying pre-made cedar shafts and then making them into arrows, that's a different story.
There are  a bunch of reputable vendors who will sell you hand spined shafts. If you get those you don't particularly need a tester of your own. But if you buy machine spined shafts and you want the best arrows possible, then you'll want to spine test them yourself.

Guy

[dan d]

I am buying cedar shafts, don't know about the reputable dealer part, I have kinda been buying from all over the place and I guess that's what has me concerned.
Dan

[DesertDude]

I have a Spine-O-Meter and it's outstanding!!

You can test the spine of  carbons, aluminium, and wood all on the same tester...

You would be suprized on how many shafts are miss marked when it comes to spine.....

One of the must have tools if you want to know for sure what you have....

[reddogge]

I made one, cost $0.  It gets passed around to my friends around here.
 

[Old York]

If you want good consistent wood arrows, get
a spine tester (and a decent grain scale too).

If you want a good  accurate  spine tester, get a Spine-O-meter.

It's not impulse, it's just smart arrow making with the proper tools, 'nuff said.

[sagebrush]

I echo everyone else. I wouldn't try to make wood arrows without one. Gary

[Fletcher]

Ace has an accurate meter for less than $100.  It's not as fast as the bigger Ace meter or the Spine-o-meter, but gets the job done well.  Spine is critical to good arrow flight and performance.  If you are only making doz or two a year and get your shafts already matched you can do without, but if making lots and for different bows, a spine meter is a very good tool to have.  Another great wood arrow tool is an arrow spinner to check for straightness.  IMO, the best by far is the Pine Ridge Arrow Inspector.  It is the one I use and I keep them in stock.

[cacciatore]

I used a self made that worked great,then I bought a Spine-O-Meter very accurate dial.I was surprised how badly matched were some carbons.
A must have item for accuracy.

[TOEJAMMER]

Ditto with all on the must have item.