If you say so, brother. The original post asked which we preferred - speed or kinetic energy. Some of us are just saying that more momentum from a heavier arrow is what we prefer and we're listing why. I used to shoot a 400 grain arrow at 300 fps out of my setup. According to a KE calculator, my 400 grain arrow at 300 fps hit with 79.96 ft. lbs. of KE. My current 530 grain arrow at 258 fps hits with 78.36 ft. lbs. of KE. As you can see, the difference in kinetic energy is insignificant, but the gain in momentum is very significant. What I lose is speed. Okay. I can live with that, and here's why: Let's say the average hunting shot is 25 yards. That's 75 feet. At 300 fps, the arrow travel time from the bow to the target is 0.25 seconds. At 258 fps, the travel time is 0.29 seconds. I lose .04 (four hundredths) of a second. Four hundredths of a second? Do you realize what a miniscule and insignificant amount of time that is? In my humble opinion the trade off of speed for the gained momentum while staying close to my original level of KE is just a win/win situation, but that's just my preference. Your set up is what you prefer, though, and that's cool too.
Vito I see your point, but trust me Stick is one of the nicest guys you'll ever deal with. I'd say what he is saying is coming across differently than want he meant...the dude is just thinking what makes sense in his mind and seeking justification of it or correction of it. Sure he's new, but he ain't dumb...however I do agree there are more knowledgeable people on this forum then him, me or you....Bruce being one when it comes to arrow set ups for sure! Bruce is actually the one who helped me on my own thread with heading towards a proper set up for my arrows.... I am simply saying all this that because Stick came across wrong doesn't mean we need to jump down his throat, the dude's a great guy...just very zealous about bow hunting for a newb to it (he knows way more than I did at this new to it!).
I gave my opinion and that is what a forum is for right? I have never said I was right as a matter of fact go back and read my post, I have said they are my opinions. I just go into depth as to why I have those opinions. What I bring to the table is a new bowhunter that challenges the thinking of older ones. I ask these questions and make these statements to answer questions I have along with getting actual reasons why the older guys think that way. Not just this is the way to do it and thats that. Tell them why. Explain it better and maybe they will understand. The industry is torn and both light and heavy arrows kill deer every year period. It is your opinion I should lay back. Its mine that I shouldn't. All I am saying is prove it. I never said Bruce was wrong. If you don't like the fact that I challenge it tell me why you don't like that I challenge it. How many of the questions I have answered have been incorrect?? Dang man, don't get so offended. I didn't insult anyone just gave my opine. Oh and for the record, my knowledge has been gained from people on this site. People like Bruce and even maybe one or two things from you. Call me out on everything I am wrong about anytime you see it. If I am wrong, I am wrong and I will admit it.
So do you agree that at some point the two will have the same momentum? Given of course the lighter would be flying much faster.
Speed is direct proportional to kinetic energy, that being, in the kinetic energy equation, speed is squared. So all else the same, increasing your speed, in this case by reducing arrrow weight, will increase your kinetic energy. Now, most on here, like to base their decisions on momentum. Momentum relies almost fully on weight, all other vairables the same. This just as above, is done by increasing your arrow weight. Think of it like this. There is a very slow moving run away train, and a very very rapidly moving penny. Both are going to collide with a truck parked on the tracks, which will do the most damage? Is that example extreme, of course, but it helps to give an understanding. So, what to do with this. Mathmatically they're extremely difficult to plot together so that you can compare side by side. What I found the best method is to just use reasonable logic. Most professionals, such as Bill Winke state for whitetails, the desired weight can be found at 6 to 8 grains per pound. Meaning the arrow of a 70 pound bow should be 420 to 560 grains. This year I went slightly lower, 370 grains and I found that it was simply too light. At 40 yards I did get a complete pass through, however, I hit a little far back and didn't get into the ribcage (damn twig). Based on that, I moved my weight to 410 grains. This should help increase my momentum. Sorry if that's more than you were wanting to know or something you already do. I like this sport because I love me some physics.
In your opinion, which of my two arrow setups listed above would have more momentum? The 400 grain arrow traveling at 300 fps and impacting with 79.96 ft. lbs. of KE or the 530 grain arrow traveling at 258 fps and impacting with 78.36 ft. lbs. of KE? They're impacting with a very similar amount of energy, but one weighs 130 grains more.
Thank you!! Now that explanation is what I was looking for. You actually broke it down to facts and not just this is how it is. To me your explanation and mine both make sense. I still want to use lighter faster and thats my freedom and descision. Yours is what you prefer and in no way would I judge you for that nor would I say you are wrong for using that set up. There are obvious advantages to mine and yours as well. It is up to each person to get the facts and up to others to help with giving the facts to help them make there descisions. See Vito, I am not trying to say anyone is wrong here. Just showing why I believe in mine and get others to show why they believe in theirs. That way maybe a person who has never or wouldn't take the time to research it now knows the advantages and disadvantages.
I feel the same way, if isnt making for a quieter shot then whats the use of a 6 or 8in stabilizer on hunting bow....I do without it.
In my opinion, probably the heavier one. That being said, I do not believe it would be enough to matter. I mean the KE is not even 1 full ft-lb more. I don't see any numbers of momentum on any of the calculations.
It'll be an interesting experiment...mine is a stubby with the harmonic stabilizer in it so length isn't there but I guess it'll prove if the harmonic idea works....although ones also on the bows frame so who knows maybe overkill.
Bruce, In no way have I meant to offend you nor have I tried to discredit you. If I have came across that way, I am sorry. I do have much respect for you, your knowledge and ability. I have learned a lot from you and others on this forum. Even one or two things from Vito.
I got the idea from Bruce on this one as well. If your arrow has enough mass to absorb enough of the bows stored energy on the shot, there won't be enough excess energy to result in too much noise and vibration. I guess it would depend on the bow, however. I've been Bruce's student since January 2007.
