How Are Carbon Arrows Sized?
Two main reasons to focus on proper sizing for carbon arrows are: safety and accuracy. Archers need arrows that will not break, that will not cause inappropriate tension to be placed on the bow's limbs and risers, and that will put their shot on target as much as possible. While some arrow dealers follow the standards of the Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization, or AMO (which is now called the Archery Trade Association, or ATA), others rely on older practices and folk wisdom.
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Determining Draw Length
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Arrow sizing is heavily influenced by the proper draw length of your bow. Check for the manufacturer's recommended draw length, often found on a sticker on the bow. Measure the distance between the tips of your outstretched middle fingers and divide by 2.5. And finally, measure the distance between your drawn string and the center of the bow riser. The average of these three measurements should provide a close estimate of your actual draw length. Some people prefer to use the standard chart that shows the ratio of height to draw length, but this is only accurate for people with average height to arm length proportions.
Space on the Shelf
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Assess the type of center cutaway riser on your bow and whether the tip of the arrow you are using will interfere with the side of the riser when sitting on the arrow shelf. Broadheads, for example, often require more clearance. If so, then you will need to add enough length to your arrow to move the tip far enough forward to clear the riser completely. Overdraws and other modifications will have an additional effect, but the arrow length must still be long enough for the tip to clear the riser.
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Determining Desired Arrow Size
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In general, you should use arrows that are ½ to 1 inch longer than your draw length. Arrows that are too short run the risk of a dangerous obstructed path shot and can break, sending carbon splinters back into the archer's hands and face. Arrows that are too long will be slow due to extra weight and may flex during flight, affecting the archer's ability to deliver the arrow precisely to the target.
Measuring the Arrow
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In order to have a standard basis for comparison of arrow length, follow the Archery Trade Association standard for measurement. Begin your measurement at the bottom of the dip in the nock where the string rests and continue to the point of the leading end of the insert. Do not add the tip length to the length of the arrow. Various dealers may have differing methods for measuring the length of an arrow, so don't assume that all so-called 30-inch arrows are actually the same length.
Why Review Sizing?
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If you already have arrows that are delivering the results you want from your bow, measure them and consider staying with the size that you know works with your bow and your draw length. However, if you would like to experiment to see if you can get more from your bow, gather the various draw length measurements and review them in light of the length you are currently using. Often, properly sizing your carbon arrows can provide more safety and better speed and accuracy in your archery endeavors.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit target image by Francois du Plessis from Fotolia.com
