Arrow recommendations for 55# Bear takedown

[bowslinger]

I just received a new Bear Bubinga takedown supreme with 55#, No. 3 limbs for 64-inch bow.  It draws very smoothly and flings an arrow like nobody's business.

It shoots fletched shoots Legacy 2216s with 125-grain field points and 2219 gamegetters with 145 grain field points very well.  2117s are a little squirrely.

I tried bareshaft tuning using several arrow and point combinations with 2020s, 2117s,2216s, 2219s, and 2315s.  Point weights tried included 125, 145, 175, and 200 grains.  All kick right by several inches.  Draw length = 28.25 inches;   Brace height 7.5 inches;shoot tab split finger. Any suggestions?

[Gump21Bravo]

Length of shafts?

[black velvet]

I would try the brace height at 8 inches for starters and go with a 2016 or 2018 with 125 up front. If you want a heavier arrow try 2020 with 145grs.

[black velvet]

Forgot to say I would cut shafts to 29 inches.

[Marc B.]

I shoot 65-70 cedars out of mine and they fly like darts.

[Shakes.602]

5/16 Cedars, 4" Feathers....

[snag]

If you are wanting to stay with aluminum shafts try 2018's out of that bow. Probably 145gr pts. The 2016's are a little weak. The 2117's too stiff. 2018's should be juuusst right.  

[Phil Magistro]

I agree with Snag.  I used to shoot 2216 and 2219 out of much heavier bows.  2018 or 2114s should be perfect.

[Cold Weather]

assuming you are right handed, tail right indicates too stiff.

so you would have to lower brace height (to increase power stroke and combat stiffness) as opposed to increasing brace height.

I shoot carbon only except one bow with aluminum.  If you keep aluminum, the suggestion of 2018 or 2114 sounds good.

if you decide to try carbon, the carbon express heritage 250 should work

[Thunyor]

Not sure what your form is like, so please don't take this the wrong way only trying to help you rule out any possibility. You could possibly be drawing a hair too long, and in doing so swiping the string towards your face instead of coming straight off. This will give you a false stiff reading. Out of what you have, I would think 2020's with 200 should put you close, but I would personally look for 2018's with about 150-175.

[M60gunner]

2114 or 2018.  My 2020's are a little loggy for my tastes but with a heavy(175 gr.) head at close range they will kill almost anything.

[bowslinger]

Thanks for the replies!  That's one of the things I love about this site.

The theme seems to be I am overspined.  I will try the 2018s.  I am not above suggestions that my form may be an issue. I suspect that if I had perfect form, tuning would be much easier!

One other possible contributing factor; the plate that came with the bow is pretty thick black plastic/rubber; the standard side plate that comes with a Bear rug rest.  I usually use a calf hair or thin leather plate.

[Phil Magistro]

It's black leather and you could replace it with calfskin which would probably let you shoot a slightly heavier spine but 2216s would still likely be too much.

[bowslinger]

It wasn't the arrows.  For those of you that posted replies, I tried 2018s with 150 and 175-grain tips and had same results as with other arrows.  points hit way right, nock aimed left.  So I was left to think it was me.

I have been playing with a deeper hook and a slightly higher knock point with my longbow.  My arrows were grouping okay, but thought changes would take some time to adjust to and repeat consistently.  Never thought of checking bare shaft flight.

I tried bare shaft tuning with the new recurve and struggled to get good flight.  The one change I tried tonight that made an immediate difference, was not taking as deep a hook.  2018 and 2117 bare shafts fly much better.  Think I am getting close.

[Phil Magistro]

I know it isn't the final word but, according to Stu Miller's calculator, 2117 cut 30" with a 145 grain point should be close. You didn't mention arrow length but 2018's  cut 29" OAL with a 125 grain point should be about the same.  2114 cut the same with the same point should work well too.

2216 should work if they are 30" long with a 175 grain point.

I've found the calculator to get me close but it isn't always right on.

[bowslinger]

Thanks Phil.  I like using Stu's calculator too, but have a few bows where I end up going a little stiffer than recommended.  I think the 2117s are what I will try to tune.  I shoot a 30" arrow.  I don't have a bare 2219, just 3 fletched shafts I had sitting around and they fly and group very nice.  I have scaled them yet bet am thinking they are pretty heavy, over 600 grains even with a 125-grain head.

[tomwatson]

I have a 60 in Red Stripe. I shoot 2117 cut to 29 in with 175 gr points. I built the shelf out a little and they shoot great. My bow is 55lbs at 28in.


Tom

[bowslinger]

Thanks Tom.  The 2117s 29.5 and 30 inches with 145- and 175-grain tips group pretty well.

However, best arrow flight (visually) is with 2219s with 145-grain and 175-grain tips.  I tried 2018s and 2020s with various tips and they are very squirrelly in flight.

[Pat B.]

Or try some 55/75's from Big Jim.. These with 200-250 up front should be a winner.. Leave 'em 30"+..