I understand a lot of the if it ain't broke don't fix it advice. I don't understand why so many assume that at 42 pounds a 12 gpp arrow is handsdown better for penetration. There are laws that govern the given, ever constant factors in this universe and it is called physics.
Physics basically says that there is a diminishing effect on all things if you have too much of one thing versus another. Unless you are drawing 30 inches or better and/or have a very clean release, you are flirting with that if not beyond it with your setup. I don't care how many numbless remarks heavier is beter you hear, it isn't always the case.
Penetration is a function of many things, including mass and SPEED! Get to far from center in one direction or the other, if all other variables are equal, and you are losing best performance in penetration. It really is that simple. Simply loading up a heavy arrow to "get 'er done" is quite possibly costing you more than a lighter faster arrow in terms of penetration. The trick is to stay with in reason to stay in the range where "best" is the results, not great penetration at 10 yards but lousy at 25 because your arrow was to heavy and never got an adequate speed to penetrate at the longer range.
So don't take the heavier the better approach unless you are content to shoot everything at karate range. You have many things to consider. Huntin range limits, quarry you intend to shoot which isn't an issue in North America unless you are after big bruiser hogs. Your draw length, and string material.
A shorter draw is hampered much quicker from the telephone pole theories. A longer draw will cast the overly heavy arrows better due to the increased power stroke. Draw weight matters a lot in heavy arrows and how they cast and penetrate. String material is a huge determining factor as it increases or decreases bow performance. All are present in light arrow setups as well but really seperate and help determine if you truly are benefiting in the extra weight of a very heavy gpp arrow.
So, I would be in that 420 range, get great penetration and cast for your setup, kill anything a 12 gpp arrow will, and be happy with it. You likely are as light in woodies as you are going to get, but get it closer to the 10 gpp with nothing but positive attributes instead of the 18-20 yar max you are currently expierencing due to 12 gpp of arrow weight.
I know a lot here will disagree, but 99% who will have never shot a deer at 30 yards with their telephone poles to tell you any different. Mainly because they are fine with not attempting that shot. It works for them and that is great. Something to remember about this subject: Now we are moving away from the lighter cedar as the first choice in arrow woods, heavier weight are common. But back in the day, a 425-450 grain cedar, 125 grainhead killed everything on this continent outta 45 pound bows very well. All with a 12 or foc %. Native americans killed buffalo with even less foc % and far less performing gear. So this heavy is always better is misleading at best when you consider the whole picture. You gotta decide if you are content to be accurate at ranges to 20 yards, or 30 yards or beyond. Just my .02 worth and God Bless
Topic: 42lb recurve is 500 grains to heavy? (Read 1177 times)
