Arrow weight- when is it bad for the bow?

[Kegan]

I posted a thread a while ago about what the lowest grains per pound others have shot. However, I've been wondering about it again and wanted a little more help.

Basically, I'm looking to see at what point does the lightness of an arrow start killing a bow? I've heard that under 6 gpp is the same as dry firing a bow. However I've seen flightbows remain in use for years. Frankly, I have no idea what's safe. I'd like to be able to use some of the light, stiff arrows I have without worrying about my bow degrading on me .

[George Tsoukalas]

I don't shoot less than 8 gpp. I prefer 10 gpp. Jawge

[woodstick]

point on is better than speed. dont worry bout speed i go with at least 10 to 12 gpi.

[Rhinegold]

I'd like to be able to use some of the light, stiff arrows I have without worrying about my bow degrading on me.

I cant help, but as a point of interest Ive read that Turkish arrows designed for the greatest possible cast were *barrel* tapered...meaning they were thickest in the center where strength is needed, but very narrow at the tip and nock.

[Kegan]

Woodstick- My point on with a 7.5 gpp arrow is 60 yards- which is what I wanted. It's how I measure cast without a chrony. I just have some lighter modern shafting that I'd like to give a shot- but don't want my bow giving out on me if I do.

As Rhinegold mentioned, it's been seen in the past use of very light arrows. So I'm sort of confused

[makenzie71]

Kegan, this is going to be, for the most part, about the same as asking what oil is best for your car.  For every person you'll find a different answer.

I can tell you that I shoot 350g with my 60lb longbow and have not had any issues during it's two years of service.

[Timo]

Kegan, the way I see it.....If you shoot any weight arrow from a bow then it is not being(the pervebial) dry fired. No matter if it only weighs 100 ggp. I have agree with mackenzie71,just give it a go and figure it out.I don't  know of in depth study about this. Has anyone every took arrow weight/bow poundage though the full spectrum?

[koan]

dont know if this is good or not but i have noticed if they are too light the bow will tell you with more handshock....but then.. it might be my tillerin skills, lol

[Timo]

True Koan, a heavy arrow will help out in other ways,obsorbing vibrations being one,but if one can shoot a lighter arrow and not feel that extra "bump" then he knows that his tillering skills are improving.

[Kegan]

Thanks everyone . Looks like playing it by ear would be my best bet. I'll try to do a test about it later, but until then I'll just see how it goes!