In any number of conversations about arrow weight and speed someone invariably says they want a lighter arrow to get a flatter trajectory. Myabe I am missing something here but why does a flatter trajectory matter? If you can hit the spot with an arrow trajectory of 14" or with a trajectory of 7" what would be the benefit of the flatter trajectory? Any thoughts on flatter trajectory and if it even matters?
I have many bows, and have taken deer with all of them. The one I have taken the most with is a Mathews Outback. I am only shooting about 255fps and about 48flbs KE. It is definitely not as flat shooting as my Quest or either of my Bowtechs. I personally think that speed and flat trajectory can help, but are NOT necessary.
Flatter trajectory lets you use less pins to cover the same amount of yardage. And with less pins you have less of a chance of picking the wrong one. If you are off a few yards in your guess your arrow will be closer to the aiming point with a flatter trajectory. If shooting thru limbs a flatter trajectory will not have to negotiate thu as big an area as a looping arrow. Your arrow will be getting there quicker, allowing the animal to move less before impact. For 3D shooting it lets you be off a little more in yardage estimates, and still hit the 10 ring. Those are just a few advantages that come to mind right off the bat. I am sure there are more.
My question is centered around bowhunting and not really 3D but, if you can hit the dot, does the trajectory really matter? It would seem that yardage estimation, and your skill at that would make a bigger difference. If you use a rangefinder to range the area(trees, landmarks) around you once you are up in the stand, estimating range in a hunting situation should not be needed. If shooting through limbs your arrow only has to negotiate the path it is taking, which wouldn't be that big of an area. I am not thinking I am going to shoot through too many limbs myself. Better archers may and I guess the trajectory could come more into play for them, though. I can see where the animal would move less in a given timeframe but that is more about speed and not so much about trajectory. I can understand if a person prefers a faster, lighter arrow. Everyone has their preferences and that is all good. What I don't understand is why trajectory even comes into play when it seems it is more about speed. What brought this on is an article I was reading where they were talking about KE, momentum and the differences in arrows depending on their weight. They mentioned trajectory, and the desire by some for a flatter trajectory, and I just don't see where trajectory comes into play. I see where speed and the differences in speed come into play, just not trajectory.
Would trajectory come into play with the longer distance shots, say out west where you may be shooting at an elk at 50-60yds? Is the flatter trajectory, you speak about, have to go with strictly using a lighter arrow or a faster bow? I would shoot for the kinetic energy of a flatter shooting arrow out of a faster bow, vs a lighter arrow to gain the flatter trajectory.
Hitting the spot is definately the objective. If you can do that you're definately ahead of the game. Speed and trajectory/arrow drop are not mutually exclusive however. Speed also improves KE. That's important if you want to shoot expandables or if your shot isn't dead on and hits bone. High speed is definately not needed however, as BHF said. And many, many deer and other critters have been taken with bows that put the "arch" in archery!
Im new at this so perhaps i got something wrong, but isnt speed and flat trajectory somewhat related? I mean, more speed ecuals a flatter trajectory. Please correct me if im mistaken. Michael.
Yes, speed does improve KE but, from the things I have read, momentum improves penetration and more momemntum can be gained by increasing weight even at a loss of speed and KE.
Yes, more speed should equate to a flatter trajectory but, what brought my question on was remarks by people. They did not say they wanted a lighter arrow for more speed, they said they wanted a flatter trajectory. I can understand if they had said they wanted more speed but I don't understand why a flat(ter) trajectory makes any difference.
Like jm wrote, I think most people like it for the forgiveness in yardage estimation. Last year when my bow was at 53 lbs I was able to shoot out to 25 yards with one pin. Hold a hair high at 25 yards, a bit low at 10. Now that I've dropped to 43 lbs, I need a separate pin for 20 and one for 30. Still hold a hair low at 10 and split the difference of the 20 and 30 yard pin for 25 yards. I'm shooting 365 grain arrows which are not 'light' for 43 lbs. I could get better trajectory/speed with a lighter arrow but I prefer the heavier arrow because it has better momentum. (which is a whole 'nother discussion)
John said It about the best It can be said. I bolded out the parts I really believe are the biggest reasons.
John said it best. Many people don't use or in some cases can't always use a rangefinder so having a little flatter shooting bow will let you be off on yardage estimates and still be accurate enough.
