Total noob-bowyer/fletcher question.

[BoisBrule]

Sorry if this seems self-evident to anyone. I'm certain I've read it in a book at some point, but it's lost in the jumble of info bouncing around in my brain.

So, you've made your bow, it's pulling X pounds at Y draw length, everything is awesome.

How do you purchase the proper arrow for it? (making them will come later for me). length of arrow, I get. But spine? Is there a rough "spine for draw weight" rule of thumb?

[Deerhunter21]

well, spine depends on length, weight of arrowhead, how far the arrow is from the center of the centerline of the string and all that but basic rule of thumb is a 45# bow needs an arrow at 45# spine.

[Pat B]

Generally for a selfbow you want arrows about 10# spine lighter than draw weight.
 When you buy arrow shafts the spine value on them is for a 28" finished arrow with a 125gr head. For each inch over or under the 28" you subtract or add 5# of spine weight respectively. For each 25gr of tip weight over or under 125gr you subtract or add 5# of spine weight respectively.

[DC]

And if you're buying carbon fiber arrows look for 600 or 700's. Cheap carbons are not usually labeled for spine so it's the luck of the draw but cheap ones are usually too stiff for self bows.

[BoisBrule]

Thank you!

Clear as mud. 

But seriously, thanks.

[Pat B]

Just remember if you buy commercial shafts that are spine rated for 40#-45# they will make a 40#-45#, 28" arrow with a 125 grain head.

[archeryrob]

Generally for a selfbow you want arrows about 10# spine lighter than draw weight.
 When you buy arrow shafts the spine value on them is for a 28" finished arrow with a 125gr head. For each inch over or under the 28" you subtract or add 5# of spine weight respectively. For each 25gr of tip weight over or under 125gr you subtract or add 5# of spine weight respectively.

I am pretty close to this also. I shoot a 55# bow and use 42# shafts with 125 grain heads.

Bare shaft test one before fletching at 10 yards. The pay attention to the nock kick as they explain and sand the center if you need to lower the spine