Recommend arrows for me please

[teddy12b]

So not to long ago I saw a great deal on a bow and bought it.  It's a 50# 58" long traditional hickory bow, and by traditional I mean a stick with a string.  I used to have one growing up and I got pretty good with it.  Years ago I bought similar bow and was pretty good until the bow got a crack and it became a wall hanger.  With my new bow I wasn't really sure if I'd be able to hunt with it this year, but last night I ran into a friend of the family who has an incredible place to hunt and offered for me to come out during bow season in a few weeks....  JACKPOT! 

That's the good news, the bad news is that I've just been practicing with a mixed bag of old beat up arrows.  If I'm going to go hunting and get serious about using a bow, I need to get some real arrows, both practice points and broadheads.  I'd prefer wood arrows since it's more traditional, and seems to make less noise when drawing back on the bow, but I'll look at anything you guys recommend. 

I need to get moving on this soon too.  I saw some nice wood arrows on ebay that look like what I'm after, but who knows.

[All Hawks Kill]

Love to see a picture of your bow......

Now to try and answer your question on arrows.   Wood arrows are awesome, but they can also be very troublesome.  I really would highly recommend not buying off Ebay (though I sell arrows on Ebay from time to time) or any place on line unless they are a well know Arrowsmith.  Arrows you get off Ebay or places like 3Rivers will have spines in a range 45 to 50 or 50 to 55 and not one set spine that is perfect for your bow.  In other words in a dozen arrows you are lucky to have 2 that are exactly the same.  This means they will not all fly exactly the same.  They may with field points, but getting broadheads to fly all the same will be really tough.  With only a couple of weeks getting wood arrows setup and built is going to be tough also.

So with this said, I'd recommend you go with some carbon arrows.  Cottonwood and myself have both been shooting CX Hertiage 150s.  Out of your bow they will require a heavy head just like out of ours.  I think Cottonwood is using 165gr heads and I'm using 225gr heads for correct flight.  I posted earlier in another thread about how to find out which is the right weight head for your bow and arrow combination.  Not sure you have time to go through that process or not.  For me to make an educated recommendation, I need to know what your draw length is to determine just how much weight you are actually drawing.  Also is the bow a longbow or a recurve as a recurve tends to be a little bit faster than a longbow and this needs to be added into the equation. - Derek

[teddy12b]

Here is the bow I bought:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250571895648&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Here is another identical bow where the auction hasn't ended yet:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Handcrafted-longbow-58-hickory-50-26-/250571895648?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a573fb360

The bow is a 58" hickory 50# @ 26".  If wood arrows are a pain, then I've got no problem staying away from them.  I did some half arse research on arrows myself and the sportsmansguide.com had a pretty good deal on Easton gamegetter arrow with feather fletching.  I was surprised that they'll cut the arrows to length and add the inserts as well.  Just to put something together just to see what it'd cost and I figured the gamegetters cut to 30" with feather, size 340 (no idea what that is I just picked the middle size) and then I put some 100gr broadheads and 100gr field points in the cart so I could practice shooting the same weight of braodheads I'd be using in the field.  I've been told I can't use the plastic vane arrows because it'll throw my shot off every time.  That's kinda what I had figured on using, but there's probably a lot that's wrong with what I had in mind also.

Carbon arrows sound good too.  If you have a specific setup in mind post a link to where I should look at it.  I'm new to archery websites and don't know the first place to go look.

Thanks for the help!

[All Hawks Kill]

If it is 50# @ 26" and I'm guessing your draw is longer than 26" which means you are drawing more weight.  Do you know your draw length?  If not go here for a quick way to get close to the right length.

http://www.dewclawarchery.com/Bow_Draw_Length_Calculator-a/192.htm

I make all my own arrows, so I can't recommend a place for you to get good pre-made arrows.  Sorry

Maybe Cottonwood will be along in a while and can recommend someone/place.

[teddy12b]

What did you think of the easton arrows I had picked out?  Did it seem like a good fit for a hunting arrow?

[All Hawks Kill]

I'm sorry I forgot to say something about the shafts you picked.  The 340s are going to be way over spined for your bow.  You are going to need 400s and likely leave them a least 30 inches long.  You will likely also be shooting 145 to 165gr heads.  Of course this is only a guess, I need to know your draw length to know for sure.   If you are drawing 27 inches then it will be 52# @ 27", 27.5 inches would be 53# @ 27.5 and 28 inches would be 54# @ 28".   You could go with the 500s, cut them shorter and shoot a lighter head say a 100 or 125.

[teddy12b]

I'll measure my draw length tonight and get back with you on that.

[teddy12b]

I'll measure my draw length tonight and get back with you on that.

The draw was 28".

[All Hawks Kill]

Ok then your draw weight is in the 54# neighborhood.  You will want to go with the either the Gamegetter 400s @ 30" with 145 -165gr heads or the 500s @ 30" with 100 - 125gr heads.  I would recommend the arrows be fletched with a good 5" Shield Cut feather.

[teddy12b]

Is that something I can order off a shelf or do these have to be hand made?

[All Hawks Kill]

You not likely find them on the shelf with feather fletching.  There may be some Arrowsmiths that have some made up waiting to be cut to length that you can buy.  You may want to try doing a google search or "Traditional Arrows" and see what you can find.  There is also a large group of traditional archers and suppliers on Facebook if you go there.  You can do the same search on facebook and find arrowsmiths.  You might be able to find some on Ebay as well.  You really have to be careful though of who you buy from because as with everything else not all are equal.  Remember just because you spend a lot of money, it doesn't mean you are always getting the best product.

[Cottonwood]

If I were to order wood arrows, there is but one Arrowsmith that I will get them from... take a bow All Hawks Kill, as he made 3 for my Selfbow 45# and I can tell you they fly like darts from that bow.  But, I really love my CX Heritage 150's  and the way they shoot off my recurves.

[All Hawks Kill]

Hey Teddy did you find some arrow??

[teddy12b]

I bought these:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/1-dozen-easton-xx78-super-slam-digital-shafts.aspx?a=469882

Size 2413

*Cut to 30"
*With the broadhead insert installed

Last night I went to Dicks Sporting Goods and bought some broadheads.  I tried to follow your advice as best as I could, but there weren't many to pick from there.  Most of the broadheads I saw were 100gr, and I was lucky to find these in 125gr. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3998143&cp=2367438.2367824.2293465  I also picked up some 125gr field points for practice.  I'm planning on using 6 of the arrows for practice and keeping the other 6 in mint condition for hunting.

How did I do on the arrows and broadheads?  I wanted two blade broadheads, but they just didn't have any and I was running out of time to get arrows setup and practiced with before starts.

[AtlLaw]

Dad Blast It!     I shoulda reread this thread before posting mine!  Ol' Teddy was going thru the same stuff I am, and I even used this thread to get my draw length!  I hate being senile... 

But, I never thought of looking at SG for arrows!   

[teddy12b]

I wasn't sure about SG for arrows, but I looked around a little and what sold me on buying from them is that they'll cut them to length and put the inserts in the arrows for another $5.  It saves me more than enough time and effort to justify the extra $5 so I bought from them. 

I'd still like to buy some wooden arrows, but we'll have to see how this season goes first.  I need to get more familiar with my bow and hunting with it before I buy anymore stuff for it.

[All Hawks Kill]

I bought these:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/1-dozen-easton-xx78-super-slam-digital-shafts.aspx?a=469882

Size 2413

*Cut to 30"
*With the broadhead insert installed

Last night I went to Dicks Sporting Goods and bought some broadheads.  I tried to follow your advice as best as I could, but there weren't many to pick from there.  Most of the broadheads I saw were 100gr, and I was lucky to find these in 125gr. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3998143&cp=2367438.2367824.2293465  I also picked up some 125gr field points for practice.  I'm planning on using 6 of the arrows for practice and keeping the other 6 in mint condition for hunting.

How did I do on the arrows and broadheads?  I wanted two blade broadheads, but they just didn't have any and I was running out of time to get arrows setup and practiced with before starts.

Ok the 2413s are a 360 spine arrow and are going to be really stiff for your bow.  Leaving them a 30 inches will help, but you are going to need a really big head (225 or 250) to get the proper bend to the arrow upon release.  They do sell heads that big but you have to order them.  Again most places like Dicks is only concerned with the wheel and cable guys.  Check out this thread I started http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,215924.0.html and also check with 3Rivers before ordering anywhere else.  3Rivers is the very best traditional supplier out there today http://www.3riversarchery.com/

The Montec broadheads are good heads.  I know some folks that use them and my son used them a couple of years with his compound.  If you can order some 100gr inserts for you shafts then they may be the ticket for you.  Good luck and please let us know if we can be of more help.

[teddy12b]

That stinks.  I thought the 2413's would be somewhere over the 400 mark like you were suggesting.  When you're talking about "proper bend to the arrow" what's that mean?  When reading about the aluminum arrows it sounded like these arrows were going to be more accurate, but maybe I was wrong?

I'l look for those 100gr inserts because I'm sure they'd be cheaper than new broadheads. 

Overall is this a decent setup for arrows? 

[AtlLaw]

Hey Teddy!  Maybe we should stick with our M92's!   

[teddy12b]

Hey Teddy!  Maybe we should stick with our M92's!   

Man you got that right.  I actually despise the fact that I have to pick up a bow to spend more time out in the woods hunting.  I think it should be one season from start to finish with whatever weapon you want instead of someone from the government telling you how to spend your free time, but that's just me.  I used to love shooting the bow I had growing up and I really enjoy shooting the one I have now, but given the choice I'd take my M92 out there and feel like John Wayne for a few hours.

This is my first year of trying bow hunting for deer and we'll see how it goes.  For all I know, I could fall in love with it and become a bow only hunter.  I doubt I'll love it enough to give up my gunpowder though especially since my M92 has a new little buddy to tag along with him this year, a 629 4".   

[gstewart44]

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/1-dozen-cajun-hunter-select-cedar-arrow-shafts-w-feathers.aspx?a=467588

hey teddy - try the link above - it is the SG cedar arrows with feathers.   

I tried arrows with vanes on them but they would fly all over the place because the plastic would catch as it went by the riser/shelf.   I switched to carbon + feathers (from BassPro) and now they fly right where I want them.   Let us know how you make out this year.

[All Hawks Kill]

That stinks.  I thought the 2413's would be somewhere over the 400 mark like you were suggesting.  When you're talking about "proper bend to the arrow" what's that mean?  When reading about the aluminum arrows it sounded like these arrows were going to be more accurate, but maybe I was wrong?

I'l look for those 100gr inserts because I'm sure they'd be cheaper than new broadheads. 

Overall is this a decent setup for arrows? 

2212 and 2213s would have put you in the 400/500 ballpark.  There is nothing at all wrong with the arrows or heads they are both very good top of the line.  Once you get them, give them a try, I've been wrong before.  The arrow should fly fine with fieldpoints on them, it is when you put the broadhead on that everything will go haywire.  The Montecs are pretty small compaired to other fixed blade heads so you might get away with it.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[teddy12b]

I'll definately give the setup a try asap.  I'll let you know how I do with them.  I really appreciate your help! 

[teddy12b]

So I got the arrows tonight.  I opened the box and found all of my dozen arrows cut to length with the insert installed, but there weren't any feathers on them.  So after a few short bursts of swearing I guess I'm just going to have to find someone local who can put them on.  I'm ticked off because I thought they were going to be showing up ready to go, but they aren't. 

Just one more reason why I like my dang rifle.  I have to get something figured out on this and fast!.

[All Hawks Kill]

I'd offer to fletch them for you, but I'm up to my ears.  I got to get everything I have out the door by Wednesday of next week so I can take my week to go hunting.  Good luck to you as I do wish you the very best.

[teddy12b]

The local Gander Mountain can/will get it done for me by the end of next week.  Only problem is that it's freaking $4 per arrow for labor & materials.  $4 x 12 = much more swearing and frustration.  I've spent too much on these arrows already.

[All Hawks Kill]

Man I'm sorry to here that for sure.  It really sucks when you think you are getting something and it turns out to be something completely different or worse not complete. 

[teddy12b]

Well I got the phone call and they are ready to be picked up.  Amazing how all of this fuss is over a couple of arrows.  I'll post a picture of them when I get them home.  I should be proud of these since they are going to cost me a fortune by the time it's all over and done with, LOL.

I talked with an uncle over the weekend at a family thing and he's a recurve guy.  He gave me some helpful pointers and I feel a lot better about everything now.

[All Hawks Kill]

Teddy, I've got my fingers crossed for you!  If I only knew you were going to have all these problems and costs I'd got you some arrows and they would have been right the first time.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[teddy12b]

Well I didn't get a picture of them yet, but I've got them now.  The only place I have to practice is in my unfinished basement using a block.  Of course after warming up with my old arrows my first shot with the new ones was off target and into the concrete wall.... oups.  All I could think was that just figures and there goes a $15 arrow, and then the muffled swearing started.  They're good arrows, but I need to practice and adjust the nocks just right for my bow.