Arrow flex, also known as arrow spine or shaft stiffness, refers to the degree to which an arrow will bend or flex when it is shot from a bow. When an archer draws the bowstring back and releases it, the energy stored in the bow is transferred to the arrow, causing it to flex or bend as it accelerates forward.
Arrow flex is determined by several factors, including the materials used to make the arrow, its length, and its diameter. The most important factor, however, is the amount of force required to bend the arrow. This force is typically measured in pounds, and it is known as the arrow's spine value.
To determine the spine value of an arrow, manufacturers typically use a machine that applies pressure to the center of the arrow shaft. The amount of pressure required to bend the arrow a certain distance is measured, and this measurement is used to assign a spine value to the arrow. The spine value is usually represented as a number, such as 500, 600, or 700.
Arrow flex is an important factor to consider in archery because it can affect the accuracy and consistency of your shots. If your arrow has the wrong spine value for your bow and shooting style, it can cause accuracy issues and even affect your ability to hit your target.
When selecting an arrow for archery, it's important to choose one with the appropriate arrow flex or spine value for your bow and shooting style. Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing arrow flex:
The draw weight and length of your bow are two of the most important factors to consider when selecting arrow flex. Bows with higher draw weights and shorter draw lengths require stiffer arrows with higher spine values, while bows with lower draw weights and longer draw lengths require more flexible arrows with lower spine values. This is because the amount of force applied to the arrow by the bow will vary depending on the draw weight and length, and you want to ensure that the arrow flexes just the right amount to fly straight and accurately.
Your shooting style can also influence the arrow flex you need. For example, if you shoot a recurve or longbow, you may need an arrow with a higher spine value because these types of bows apply more force to the arrow. Conversely, if you shoot a compound bow with a release aid, you may need an arrow with a lower spine value because these bows apply less force to the arrow.
The length and weight of the arrow you plan to use can also influence the arrow flex you need. Longer and heavier arrows require a higher spine value to flex properly, while shorter and lighter arrows require a lower spine value.
The type of arrow you plan to use can also affect the arrow flex you need. Different types of arrows, such as carbon, aluminum, or wood, have different spine values and flex characteristics. It's important to select an arrow with the appropriate spine value for your bow and shooting style, as well as one that matches your shooting goals, such as target shooting or hunting.
Finally, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your bow and arrow combination. Most arrow manufacturers provide charts that list the recommended spine values for various bow types and draw weights. These charts can be a useful starting point for selecting the appropriate arrow flex, but they should be used as a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. Ultimately, it's important to test your arrow's flex and adjust as needed to ensure that you are achieving optimal accuracy and consistency.