How to Find the Right Arrows for Your Bow

Whether hunting or target practicing, archers must match the right arrows to their particular bows. When matching arrows to your bow, you must must consider arrow weight, draw length and draw weight, as well as other factors. Selecting the right arrow for your bow might seem daunting, but will know how to choose the right arrow for your bow.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select arrow within the correct weight range for your bow's draw weight. For instance, manufactures measure arrow weight in "grains." One grain equals approximately 64 milligrams. Manufacturers rate bow draw weight in pounds. Draw weight means how much force in pounds an archer must use to draw back the bow's string. A 60-pound bow requires 60 pounds of force to draw the string. Sixty pounds of force equals the amount of force it would take for a person to lift 60 pounds. The draw weight must match the arrow's grain. Too light or too heavy arrows for a bow's draw will wobble as they fly through the air. The correct ratio for choosing arrows equals 6 grains for every pound of draw. A bow with 50 pounds of draw requires a 300-grain arrow.

    • 2

      Compare the weight of the arrow's tip. The tip of an arrow helps stabilize the arrow during flight. It also provides puncture strength. Too light an arrow tip destabilizes the arrow and ruins aim. Light arrowheads also don't puncture targets or prey as well as heavier tips. Average arrow tip weight ranges from 75 grains to 125 grains. Average tip weights work well for draw weights between 40 and 80 pounds. Use lighter tips for weaker 15-pound to 20-pound bows. Use heavier tips for stronger, 100-pound or higher bows.

    • 3

      Decide on the speed you want to achieve. Lighter arrows fly faster, but they aim less accurately. Heavier arrows offer the archer more control. Use lighter arrows for shots over 20 yards and heavier arrows for shots under 20 yards. When in doubt, select a heavier, slightly slower arrow.

    • 4

      Determine what type and size of fletching you prefer. Manufacturers call arrow feathers "fletching." The size and type of the fletching affects how true and fast an arrow flies. Fletchings come in feathers and plastic. Longer fletchings slow arrows, and feather fletchings fly slower than plastic fletchings. Larger fletchings, however, stabilize the arrow quicker. Generally, longer fletchings of 5 or 6 inches work well with bows with heavier draws. Shorter fletchings of 4 to 5 inches work well with lighter draw bows.

    • 5

      Match length of arrow shaft to bow. Short arrows might flop off the bow's notch. Too long arrows add unnecessary weight. They also slow the arrow too much. Select an arrow where at full draw the tip extends approximately 1 to 2 inches beyond the bow.