If you go to Alaskabowhunting.com look up the 650 challenge. What it is, is you pay them $50 and tell them your draw length, draw weight, and everything that they need to know, and it exchange they send you 2 arrows made to your specs weighing in @ 650 grains. Then you try them out, and if you like them you order either 6 or 12 more, I can't remember which, and they send you back a $50 rebate, so it is like getting the 2 arrows for free! The whole purpose of this is that they want people to know that a arrow that weighs that much has awesome penetration and you really don't lose that much speed.
I just looked at the website and I am thinking about trying it also. If you try it please let us know how it works out.
But you need to take into account the law of diminishing returns. At some point you are so heavy, and so slow that you have marginal benefits over a much lighter arrow. Here's the proof with my specifications Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Now the major question remains, how much more penetration will that .574 slug-ft/s arrow yield over my .530 slug-ft/s arrow? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here are some more examples, as the weight goes up it soon becomes less efficient than an arrow most half it's weight. Edit- these numbers where not pulled out of thin air, they are the actual numbers of my set up and then I inflated the arrow weights to prove a point. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here is more evidence, heavier isn't always better. As shown in the pics, my set up peaks at about 639 grains yielding maximum efficiency. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just read in their website and the arrows could be up to 700 going deeper into the law of diminishing returns. So for .036 slug-ft/s more, 85 fps slower and 20 less ft/lbs of ke ( I know that is a useless number but just for comparison) I could shoot an extra 250 grain arrow. I trike don't see it as being that substantial. Most I'll shoot is 500-550. I get where some are coming from from a quietness standpoint, but my bow is plenty quiet and will be just as efficient but faster Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just read in their website and the arrows could be up to 700 going deeper into the law of diminishing returns. So for .036 slug-ft/s more, 85 fps slower and 20 less ft/lbs of ke ( I know that is a useless number but just for comparison) I could shoot an extra 250 grain arrow. I trike don't see it as being that substantial. Most I'll shoot is 500-550. I get where some are coming from from a quietness standpoint, but my bow is plenty quiet and will be just as efficient but faster Rant over. Sent from my iPhone using tapatalk
... Or you can build an arrow with similar FOC and weight with a much better weight and strength consistency. Not to mention the price. Their 650 grain challenge has to be taken with a grain of salt. Not everyone will see a noticeable improvement in efficiency over a 500 grain arrow. It's all dependent on the bow, draw lengths, and draw weights.
Very true, I just figured I could use my set up as a loose average for most since it is a very common set of specs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Very true, I just figured I could use my set up as a loose average for most since it is a very common set of specs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Max, those calculations are incorrect. Ke as well as momentum will go up as arrow weight increases. Simply because efficiency increases with heavier arrows. This is what throws most online calculators off.
I realize that it isn't totally accurate but isn't it just a fact if physics that at some point an arrow will be too heavy and yield worse results? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Max, You are correct that at some stage it will take a downward turn, but out of most 70# setups 650gr is the optimum. Then again if your setup can pass through your target animals then you get plenty enough penetration.... If you are going to shoot a bit old Giraffe bull, Cape Buffalo or Eland bull with massive bones and 15mm thick skins then you need heavy arrows and speed is not really that important. Here you have to use a 800gr arrow by law to hunt a giraffe or buffalo bull. Now if your setup can take down the big boys then why not use it on the smaller animals as well where if you shoot a bad shot the heavy arrow will still be able to break through bones and maybe turn your luck.
