Choosing the correct weight for the arrow point influence the flight of the arrow in three different ways. The arrow point weight influences how the arrow leave the bow, the arrow point weight influences how the arrow behave in flight, and the arrow point weight influences what happen when the arrow hits the target. Using an incorrect arrow point weight will result in poor grouping of the arrows at the range or poor penetration of the game at range.
Using the correct arrow point weight will result in well grouped arrows at the range and good penetration of the game at range. The weight of the arrow point influences more than the arrow’s total weight. The arrow point weight influence the arrow’s balance point.
Choosing the Right Arrow Point Weight
An arrow’s balance point influences how flexible the arrow shaft will be while the arrow is accelerating from the bow. Many archers experiment with the weight of the arrow point to encourage the arrow to settle into a clean tune. Depending on the activity that you are performing with your archery equipment, you will have a preference for the arrow point weight.
Target archers will prefer a lighter arrow point weight. A lighter arrow point weight will allow the arrow to travel a flatterer trajectory over a given distance. Hunters will prefer a heavier arrow point weight.
A heavier arrow point weight will allow the arrow to continue drive after it hits the hide and bone of the game. Small game hunters and stump shooters will have arrow point weights somewhere between those two extreme. Two physical characteristics of the arrow point should be considered before selecting an arrow point weight.
The thread size of the arrow point should match the thread size of the insert. A mismatch in thread size will not allow the arrow point to seat proper within the shaft of the arrow. The shaft diameter of the arrow point should match the arrow shaft.
If the arrow point is too narrow for the shaft, it will create a step in the arrow shaft. If the arrow point is too wide for the arrow shaft, it may cause clearance problems with the archers rest or riser. Front-of-center balance is important for those using heavy arrow point weights for hunting purpose.
Adding mass to the front of the arrow will shift the arrows balance point forward. A forward arrow balance point will allow the arrow to resist wind and maintain its flight path after it leaves the bow. Using too little mass in the front portion of the arrow will result in a twitchy arrow.
Using too many mass will reduce the arrows velocity and the arrows flat trajectory. Using a moderate amount of weight in the front portion of the arrow will provide the most forgiving arrow flight. Arrow point weight will influence the spine reaction of the arrow shaft.
As the arrow point weight increases, the dynamic spine of the arrow shaft will soften. This make the arrow shaft appear weaker. Increasing the arrow point weight will make the arrow shaft behave as if it has less strength than before.
If you decrease the arrow point weight, the arrow shaft will stiffen in its reaction to the released arrow. Because of the relationship between the arrow point weight and the arrows spine, many archer have a variety of arrow point weights available for their arrows. You can determine whether an arrow point weight change has created a problem with the arrow using a piece of paper or by shooting the arrow at long range.
The type of arrow point that you use will have an influence on the arrow point weight. If the arrow point is a fixed blade broadhead, a heavier arrow point weight is preferred. The blades of fixed blade broadheads will not deflect as the arrow travels through the air.
If the arrow point has mechanical broadheads, the arrow point weight should be in the middle of the range of weights for points of both types. The arrow point weight will also influence the penetration of the arrow point into the game. A wider cutting diameter will cut the game more, but it will penetrate less.
A narrow arrow point will penetrate more deep into the game but will have a smaller cutting area. Many archers make the mistake of using one arrow point weight when they are practicing and a different arrow point weight when they are hunting. Using a different arrow point weight changes the point of impact of the arrows.
Using one arrow point weight for both practice and hunting will allow archers to maintain accuracy with the arrow point and eliminate a potential variable in the hunting process. There is no such thing as a correct arrow point weight for every situation. There are general recommendations for each type of archery activity.
However, archers must make adjustments in the arrow point weight to accommodate there own shooting ability. Start with the recommended arrow point weights for each archery activity and make changes according to your needs.
