Respect for the Shaft

[LongStick64]

I am always amused as to when someone harvests an animal, you always here "Bow Brand" Gets it Done...Isn't the arrow doing the most important job.

[stykbow67]

Without the bow the arrow wouldn't get there    

Steve

[Pat B]

The arrow is what gets the job done. The bow is just the delivery method. An arrow can kill without the bow but without an arrow the bow is just a stick and string, no matter how pretty it is.

[Fallguy]

The broadhead gets it done the rest are components in the delivery system. The shaft and broadhead combination need to be as close to perfect as possible. Any bow can shoot a perfect arrow well, but no bow can shoot a bent arrow well.

[Jake Scott]

I am reminded of something I read on this forum when I was very new here.

"Bows don't kill game, broadheads and arrows kill game."

Having said that, a perfectly tuned arrow and perfectly sharp head cannot get to an animal without the bow, and a bow alone is incapable of killing anything.  They are all three important to the process.

Jake

[LongStick64]

I realize the bow and arrow are married together, but when someone takes an animal they hardly boast about their arrow. I guess it's not glamorous enough. It's more significant to show off the bow I guess.

[Sam McMichael]

It is an integrated system, and all parts are crucial to get the job done. Focusing on one component of that system is a bit silly, especially when it seems to be just for sake of argument.  It is the balanced combination of equipment delivered in an effective manner that takes a game animal, and there are many combinations that will work just fine.

[bigbadjon]

I agree that there is a lack of respect for the arrow. How many archery spend $1000 or more on a bow and run out and buy the cheapest arrows they can. I see a lot of guys shooting GT Expedition Hunters for example. They argue a .006 arrow is good enough not realizing the is a plus or minus measurement meaning there could be .012 variance between shafts. People also index their nocks for clearence thinking these shafts are the same stiffness all the way around. How many archers actually own a spine tester? The variance from a quarter turn of the nock could be detrimental to accuracy. While the bow and arrow are married together the arrow is the most crucial part of the makeup without question.

[nineworlds9]

I am pretty certain I could beat a deer to death with any one of my bows or garrote it with the string LOL.  Or better yet, use the string as a snare to trap it, then beat it to death...

Just sayin    :D  

I do agree that the arrow is crucial and that is why I like a durable arrow and a tough sharp broadhead that flies well.  

Is the atlatl more important than the spear that throws it?  

What about the person pulling the string?  The archer should be most praised for a clean kill.  

So many questions and ideas.

All I can say is that thankfully my mouth was not full of coffee when I read the title "Respect for the Shaft"    :D    LMAO

   

[Big Ed]

I love my Easton Axis Trads. That's all I shoot. I respect them for they have fed my family many times.
Ed

[Pat B]

When folks show of their bows they show the handle, maybe the tip overlays, the beautiful wood and woodworking shills but never the actual working portions of the bow or the design that makes the bow what it is. I guess looks are the most important part.    :rolleyes:

[Pat B]

...and I've made snaky arrows that shoot as well as a straight one. Bernie Dunn has one of them.

[Charlie Lamb]

It's a trinity. All must do their part.

[bigbadjon]

A snakey arrow is straight if the point and nock spin true together. Spine matching is the most important and under utilized measurement. People shoot their arrows with broadheads to eliminate flyers but don't undertand why it does it. A flyer is an arrow whose spine doesn't match the others.

[bigbadjon]

All I'm trying to say is people spend a disproportionate amount of time and money on broadheads and bows while scrimping on the component that will pay the hugest dividends.

[WESTBROOK]

When it comes to the arrow...nothin' but the best for me...Gen U wine wood!   :D

[M60gunner]

I have to agree with BIgbadjohn with what he says about really knowing the arrow. To many people think that because the shaft is man made on a machine it is perfect. Maybe Easton Alum. But not carbons. Even Easton carbons vary some.
Maybe from a tree stand at less than 20yards it is not as noticeable but a poorly tuned arrow might be that difference between a quick kill or a long blood trail or worst. Just saying, your experience may vary.

[snag]

Originally posted by Pat B:
The arrow is what gets the job done. The bow is just the delivery method. An arrow can kill without the bow but without an arrow the bow is just a stick and string, no matter how pretty it is.

Amen. The arrow is the most important part of the equation. You can take a less than great bow out to hunt with. But unless the arrow is matched in spine, length, point weight, etc. for the bow it is not going to work optimally. But a finely crafted arrow matched to that bow and you can hit the mark with it.

[Sirius Black]

I agree that the arrow is more important than the bow. So does Byron Ferguson in 'Become the arrow'.

[JamesV]

Jon.............

I guess that is me. I buy the cheapest shafts or make my wood arrows from dowels. My bow loves them and if I have one or two that don't fly good I give them to the kids to destroy. I also build all my bows so I am cheap there too. I do buy the best boots,

James