OK.. so maybe this isn't a big deal, but I'm curious. I notice that my arrows seem like they kick to one side a little before correcting themselves and finishing the flight. What I mean is this: I can see the fletching in flight. The arrow appears to have the back end swing to the left, then straighten out, especially on longer (25 yds+) shots. Of course, on closer shots, the arrow hits fast enough that I don't see the flight as well. Thing is, it doesn't seem to be affecting my accuracy much. I'm hitting pretty close to the spot I've got the pin on (getting better all the time...):d , and my groups are pretty tight. So is this just the natural flexing of the arrow that I'm seeing, or is there something off with my rest or something?
It could be a couple of things. Your arrows could be underspined, your rest could be off from one side to the other launching your arrow sideways, or you could be torqueing your bow in your hand. With field points your accuracy won't be affected that much. But broadhead flight will be greatly affected, because the broadhead will be fighting the fletching for control of the arrow. Have an expert check your arrows for correct spine and ask them to help you tune your bow.
I agree with JM on everything, and would add that a left swing could also be clearance issues with the fletching hitting the cables (assuming your right handed). Check spine and clearance then shoot though paper. If your still getting a left tear then adjust the rest and you'll be good to go!
Make sure the arrow is launching straight out of your rest, and that you are not torqueing your hand too much. Also, underspined arrows will cause the same flight characteristics as the rest and torque issues. Not that I am an expert, but I have failed so many times that I eventually came to figure these things out....many many years later Good luck slick.
Well, according to the Carbon Express website, my arrows are spined right...so now it's contact with the rest/cables or the bigger possibility of me torquing my hand. Any suggestions on how to NOT to do that? I'm leaning towards this as the biggest possibility at this point, since I do notice that happening on some shots... and it looks to me like there is plenty of clearance.
I am certainly NO expert but maybe wrist sling to help with a lighter grip, bubble level and practice/repetition???
Think I'm going to bring the bow into my pro shop and have them check the rest out... I've got a sling, which has helped with it some, bt it's a learning experience. Practice is ongoing. I do notice less and less torque than I was getting previously. now that I've got my anchor point set solidly, and my groups and accuracy have gotten better with each arrow, I want to get this issue resolved. Hate to have a problem when I switch to BH's...
I've noticed the same thing with my arrows...sometimes. That made me believe it was in my grip. I have a tendency to tighten my grip on the bow when I draw. (Its a bad habbit I am trying to break this offseason.) I have noticed if I make sure I do not have a tight grip the arrow doesn't "kick". Maybe this will help you.
QUICK UPDATE Went to the local archery club's range today. Was lucky enough to have a very experienced archer there. Started talking, I explained the issues i was having and he spent a bunch of time with me, helping to correct my arrow kicking problem. First thing was to move the rest. At which time he (not me) noticed that the top left brush on my Hostage was wearing badly. The other two look fine, but that one shows a ton of wear. Second was to check the feathers and nock position. I had 2 arrows that the bottom feathers were hitting or rubbing parts of the brushes pretty badly. Adjusted all of my arrows to make sure that the nock and feathers were lines up properly when they passed through the rest. We also adjusted my d-loop to align my peep better, and adjusted my bow sling a little (I was holding a bit tight on some shots... ), as well as found a better anchor. Thing was, from the time we moved the rest and adjusted the nock/feather position, my arrows no longer kicked, and my groups were closer than they had been previously. And it also helped with accuracy some as well. The more we adjusted, the better I was shooting. I couldn't thank him enough for all the help, and he just smiled and said no problem. Well... I can honestly say that I was thinking about joining the club before, but now I'm sold... I shot around 150 arrows tonight, and after adjusting, no more kick, and I'm also holding good solid groups from 40 yards and in. Best I've shot since I started, and it took all of 30 minutes.
VA - found quite a few good people here as well. But I know what you mean. It's always nice to find someone that will help without wondering what is in it for them. Makes a guy feel like the world might not be as bad as it seems sometimes.
