How to Choose a Wood Arrow Shaft for a Recurve

Choosing arrows, whether they be wood or carbon, is done by first getting the proper draw-arrow length for your body. Once this is attained, select arrows for your recurve bow based on this measurement. Wood arrows give a flex that many archers prefer over the "dead" feel that carbon brings, or the harsh snap of aluminum shafts. In addition, wood arrows are unique. Each arrow is fashioned with the natural grain of the wood, knot marks or slight wood imperfections.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold your hands out in front of you, and stand with your shoulders wide apart. Spread your arms and hands to your sides. As if you are getting ready to give someone a great big hug.

    • 2

      Measure the distance from hand-to-hand. This isn't easy by yourself, so grab a friend to use the measuring tape to get the measurement. Record the distance in inches and then divide the number by 2.5. For example, if you get a measurement of 64 inches, your result is 25.6. Add 2 inches to this measurement (in this case, you end up with 27.6 inches). This is your arrow shaft length.

    • 3

      Pick out arrows, wood if you like, with a shaft length based on your personal calculations and measurement. An arrow shaft is measured from "nock to tip." Take the measurement from the point of the nock where it meets the shaft, not at the very end of the nock.

    • 4

      Select wood arrows known as "footed" arrows. These are wood arrows made of two different types of wood: typically a hardwood a few inches down from the tip and then softwood for the remainder of the shaft. Footed wood arrows give strength at the top of the arrow, preventing shatters, while giving the mid- to back end of the arrow the benefit of the flex of softwoods.