Larry Hatfield on flight arrows -
“Generally speaking, somewhere between 3 and 5 grains per pound will get the best results. And, yes, you are putting the bow in jeopardy. We use skinny strings also on bows that like them because even a half foot or a few inches will change a record. The grns/# thing is sort of tricky. You need to shoot an arrow that weighs enough to absorb adequate force from the string, but light enough to gain significant distance. For a wood arrow, I start with the stiffest spine possible and then taper both ways from a point just forward of the true center of the shaft. Usually try to reduce to 1/4" at the nock and tip. I have shot them with just a fire hardened end, and no point or a really small hand made brass point around 1/8" inside diameter. The balance point of a finished arrow that flies the best for me, is anywhere between 1/4 and 1 inch forward of the true center of the finished arrow. Too close to true center will cause the arrow to turn upward and fly backwards at some near point after release. Too far forward will cause a loss of significant distance. Also, the fletch should be extremely light and small. Owl feathers are really good for use, or the very end of full length turkey. Takes hardly anything to stabilize a flight arrow.”
regards,
Scyth
