Author Topic: What spine for a selfbow?  (Read 3489 times)

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Offline snag

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What spine for a selfbow?
« on: December 21, 2010, 01:48:05 pm »
I am completing my first selfbow and am looking forward to shooting it. But having only ever
shot a longbow or recurve I don't have a clue to what spine weight shafts I should make the
arrows for it out of.  If it comes out to say 45#@28" should I go with 45#? Thanks, David
Is. 49:2 ....He made me a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver.

Offline Pat B

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2010, 02:01:42 pm »
David, generally you would use an arrow that is spined 10# lighter than the selfbow. This insures that the arrow will get around the bow during the paradox. You can leave the arrows extra long and/or use heavier than 125gr heads. Both will reduce the effective spine.
  I draw 26" and shoot arrows that are cut to 29" to 30". For each inch over 28" you can reduce the effective spine by 5#per inch and for heads over 125 you can also reduce the spine weight but I don't remember that value.
  If you are shooting hardwood shoot or cane arrows the natural taker of the shaft will reduce the effective spine weight by about 10#.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline snag

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2010, 04:57:28 pm »
Pat, I wasn't sure if I'd have to go lighter than the poundage of the bow because of having to flex around
the handle area or not. Thanks, David
Is. 49:2 ....He made me a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver.

Offline Pappy

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2010, 09:33:45 am »
What Pat said is about what I go with. :) A lot depends on the bow and how center shot it
is,even if you didn't cut it back toward center sometimes the string will track to the arrow side
witch is the same as cutting it to center. :)
   Pappy
Clarksville,Tennessee
TwinOaks Bowhunters
Life is Good

Offline Pat B

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2010, 10:40:16 am »
A little trick that Art showed me a few years ago is to hold the bow in your hand without gripping it but put the tips of your thumb anf fore finger together to secure the bow loosly in your hand. When you shoot the bow turns in your hand and virtulally becomes center shot no matter how much off center it is which makes arrow spine not as critical.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline snag

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2010, 03:14:19 pm »
That's good to know Pat. I usually hold my bows pretty loose anyway....no chicken-choker here! ;D
Is. 49:2 ....He made me a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver.

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2010, 09:47:49 pm »
Set Happens!
If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin!

Offline sailordad

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Re: What spine for a selfbow?
« Reply #7 on: December 22, 2010, 10:06:54 pm »
personaly i dont worry about spine,i dont think the ancients did either
i cut and dry shoots,straighten them and shoot them bare shafted
what shoots good at about 12-15 yds gets fletched and used
i always wanted a harley,untill it became the "thing to ride"
i ride because i love to,not to be part of the crowd