WHAT IS ARROW SPINE?
At its core, arrow spine refers to the degree of flexibility or stiffness exhibited by the arrow shaft when subjected to the force of the bowstring during the draw and release phases. This characteristic is typically quantified through deflection or spine values, denoted numerically (e.g., 300, 400), with lower values indicating stiffer shafts and higher values indicating more flexible ones.
Understanding arrow spine is crucial for navigating the intricacies of arrow selection. Matching the arrow's spine stiffness to the draw weight of the bow is paramount for consistent accuracy and precise shots. A higher draw weight necessitates stiffer arrows to withstand the increased force exerted during the draw and release, facilitating optimal arrow flight. Conversely, a lower draw weight requires arrows with less spine stiffness to flex appropriately upon release, ensuring smooth flight trajectories. The type of bow, arrow, point weight, and shooting style further complicates the arrow selection process. Different bow types, such as compound bows with their aggressive cam systems or traditional bows with smoother draw cycles, demand varying degrees of arrow spine stiffness to accommodate their unique characteristics. Heavier point weights also cause the arrow to react weaker during the shot and require a stiffer arrow spine. However, as individual preferences and shooting techniques come into play, personal preferences of spine stiffness can also come into effect when selecting your ideal arrow spine.
WHY DOES ARROW SPINE MATTER?
The repercussions of improper arrow spine selection are reflected in the form of erratic arrow flight and diminished accuracy. Arrows that are too stiff for the bow's draw weight may exhibit unpredictable behavior, veering off course or fishtailing during flight. On the other hand, arrows that are too flexible may experience excessive oscillation upon release, resulting in inconsistent grouping and compromised accuracy. Achieving a harmonious balance between arrow spine and draw weight ensures that arrows bend and recover smoothly, culminating in straighter and more predictable flight paths.
Fine-tuning arrow spine often involves a process of trial and error, as archers navigate through various factors such as arrow length, point weight, shooting technique, and personal preferences. Archers may need to experiment with different spine values and arrow configurations to ascertain the optimal combination for their specific setup. Fortunately, both bow manufacturers and arrow manufacturers offer spine charts and guidelines to aid archers in making informed decisions based on their bow's specifications and shooting style. Altra’s Spine Selector is interactive and helps take the guesswork out of figuring out which spine is best for you! Click through and answer a few simple questions to be recommended your ideal spine stiffness from our experts at Altra Arrows.
In essence, arrow spine plays a pivotal role in arrow selection, exerting a profound influence on flight trajectory, consistency, and accuracy. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of how arrow spine correlates with factors such as draw weight, bow type, and shooting style, archers can navigate the complexities of arrow selection with confidence, fine-tuning their equipment to achieve peak performance on the range or in the field.