Arrow accuracy question?

MartinHunter · Apr 3, 2006

Giving that I am debating changing my shooting style dramatically to improve performance and confidence, I have another question of the sort. I know that bow speed and arrow weight have an impact on accuracy, but does anybody know the advantages and disadvantages of the actual shafts? I shoot the Cabela?s Maverick 240, external component carbons. I never see anyone shooting external carbons any more, and I was told that is because they are not as accurate as internal? Is this true, or has it been proven to be? Or is this just someone who upgraded in cost and is making be feel like a bone for being broke and old school? Any help would be appreciated.

Michael

Boskee · Apr 4, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Apr-04-06 AT 11:41AM (MST)[p]Michael. The new designs offer less wind resistance and are better designed. Accuracy is a relative thing what works for one is unacceptable to another. If cost is an issue you can buy a less straight shaft and cut the bareshaft at both ends to get to your length and in most cases it will be straighter, then fletch. It won't work with all brands but it will work with some. Most shafts are made the same just priced according to straightness. This will not work on any tapered type shaft. If you're getting good accuracy out of what you're shooting I would use them just buy more UTD internal styles when it comes time for replacement. If you shoot enough you'll eventually need more arrows. Shoot what satisfies and works for you because in the big picture that's what really matters.

MartinHunter · Apr 4, 2006

Thanks for the input. The shafts I currently shoot are rated fine for straightness, but once again the ?powers that be? at the local range and shops insist that they shoot better then me do to more advanced and expensive equipment. I fined it hard to believe that because their shafts are $150.00/12 and mine are $40.00/12 that they are really getting their moneys worth. However, it did become apparent that I am the only person that I see shooting these days with eternal carbons as well as with fingers, with a WB and not a drop away, and so forth. I am sure the technology does make improvements; under the money restraints I have, I am trying to figure out a cost/benefit of upgrading to improve confidence and hunting accuracy ability. Thanks again and any more info would help~

Michael

Boskee · Apr 5, 2006

Michael, Shafts are also priced according to straightness so there is a little nugget in what I told you to do above above. For hunting you don't nedd a shaft that is plus or minus .002 or less. Shafts that are .003-.006 will work just fine. Shafts are less straight towards the ends so if you cut them off at both ends guess what you usually just got a more expensive shaft for a discount. You should be able to find some decent arrows/shafts in the $55.00 - 80.00 range in carbon with internal componets and a reasonable weight for hunting. It's harder to make a carbon shaft straight over a longer length. Accuracy in archery is usually a by product on repetition and consistancy and form. To get better you have to practice and it's way more critical to a finger shooter so that they don't pluck. A release may be the answer you're looking for. It's easier to shoot a release well than it is to shoot fingers. Straighter shafts are also important to accuracy but you don't need $150.00 arrows to shoot well! Hope this helps.

swbuckmaster · Apr 6, 2006

I agree with Boskee
Shoot the best arrow you can afford, and switch to a release. These two little things with practice will make you a better archer. I probably take arrow building to the extreme I feel my arrows are just like bullets are to someone that reloads their own bullets. The better the setup the farther you can hit something accurately.

MartinHunter · Apr 6, 2006

Thanks guys, this will help a lot. I wish I can afford the most expensive arrows, but in my quest to gain more confidence I have to pick and choose what to upgrade. I think that I want to gain more hunting ability, and do not really care how I compare to anyone but myself and the game I am perusing. My arrows have always worked for me, and 5 years ago they were the ?big thing.? I understand they are not the best, but is there something inherently wrong with shooting external carbons? Also, I was wondering what all of the ?newer age? shooters think about hunters such as Chuck Adams, whom shoots fingers? Is he limiting his capability to do even more because he has not followed every advancement?

Boskee · Apr 6, 2006

Martinhunter, you are talking about one of the most successful bowhunters on earth. I don't see where finger shooting has been much of a liability or was too limiting for him. But I know he practices and has honed his skills. Given that you told me you were having some accuracy issues that's why I suggested considering a release. The ATA on most bows today is getting shorter and shorter and don't lend themselves to shooting fingers well because of the string angle. If you want to shoot what you have practice is the key but a release may make you a better shot because it removes some of the inconsistancies prone to finger shooting. A little food for thought.

inline · Apr 7, 2006

Martinhunter, If this proshop really wants to sell you a dozen arrows take 3 or 4 their arrows out to the practice range and see how much better they shoot. A big thing that alot of poeple over look is weight of your arrows, one or two grains difference between arrows can make a big difference. A good well tuned arrow is more important than the bow in some instances.

MartinHunter · Apr 9, 2006

Well, I did switch to a Trueball release; I am working on getting use to it and sighting it in. I tuned my bow down with it and my WB rest, and am more consistent shot-to-shot. Waiting on maybe getting new sights before I hone err down. As far as arrows go, I am sticking with my internal carbon Cabela's Maverick, they are yet to let me down.

Michael