QUICK TIPS

Arrow Spine-A Definition

All arrows must bend as they leave the bow on the release of the bowstring. This odd fact is sometimes referred to as "Archer's Paradox" and no matter how straight your arrow and careful your aim, if the arrow shaft doesn't bend just the right amount on release, your shot won't fly true. The mount of bend in a shaft is called "spine" and is measured by the deflection (bending) of the shaft caused by hanging a weight (usually two pounds) on the shaft that is supported on points a given distance (usually 28 inches) apart. A (Easton Size) 400 carbon shaft deflects .400 of an inch, a 300 shaft deflects .300 of an inch, and so on. It is that simple.

Not all arrow makers use the direct deflection measurement as the size of their arrows, Gold Tip, for example, on their Hunter Series use a four digit number corresponding roughly to the range of bow draw weights that size shaft is appropriate for, such as 4575 or 3555. Older Easton alloy arrows (such as the Camo Hunter) use a four-digit number corresponding to the diameter and wall thickness of the shaft, i.e., 1916, 2213 etc. Whatever the sizing nomenclature, it is the actual deflection that is important, and this number can usually be found in the respective sizing charts of the the arrow you are using.

There are many factors involved in selecting just the right arrow for your bow. Bow type, hard or soft cam, string material, point weight, and method of release are just a few, but the most important consideration is arrow spine as measured by deflection.