Ok here goes. After doing a TON of research I found for my draw weight that I need a 455 grain arrow. The question I have is the 455 grain, just the arrow or the arrow plus the broadhead. Say I have a 350 grain arrow and 100 grain broadhead and the total is 455 is that what is meant. Or is it just a 455 grain arrow, excluding broadhead. I'm new to buying bow stuff, I have hunted with a bow a few years back and just used a buddies bow and arrows. Now I have invested in my own I have questions. Thanks for any help but I tend to think about things alot and couldn't find an answer on my own.
Not sure what "research" led you to a specific arrow weight for your set up. Arrow selection is based on the length of your arrow, poundage of your bow, bow design, tip weight and shooting style (release vrs, fingers). Job one is to find the propper "spine" or stiffness of arrow for your set up. Beyond that, there are lighter or heavier grades of arrows to choose from, and 5 grains per pound of draw weight is considered the low range of actual arrow weight. With most people shooting Carbon arrows (lighter) for more arrow speed, 100 grain tips tends to "ballance" (FOC) the best. I wouldn't worry to much about the actual arrow weight (that would include the tip), but make sure you get a propper spined arrow for your bow. Your best bet to arrive at that arrow choice is to head to your local Pro Shop.
Uh, not sure what leads you to believe that 100 grain arrows "balance" (FOC) better on carbon arrows than any other but the more tip weight the better for FOC and that's regardless of arrow type. I personally get better FOC with my 125 grain heads and 100 grain inserts than anyone will ever get with a 100 grain head, and yes, that's with a carbon shaft. Arrow weight and penetration are directly linked so I would worry about it, depending on what you're shooting. If you're shooting 70 lbs. draw at whitetails then I agree that it doesn't much matter how heavy a shaft you're shooting but if it's 50 lbs. at mt. goats... you better have a damn heavy arrow. I'll echo the pro shop comment, but they aren't all created equal. Make sure it's a GOOD pro shop.
"Uh, not sure what leads you to believe that 100 grain arrows "balance" (FOC) better on carbon arrows than any other" By simply calculating the FOC of an arrow with both a 100 grain and a 125 grain tip. Try it some time. 30" Carbon Express Maxima 350. W/100 grain tip FOC =13.33 (within the normaly accepted FOC range for a hunting set up. W/125 grain tip FOC = 15.83 Slightly above the normaly accepted FOC range for a hunting set up, but if it works for you, more power to you. " I personally get better FOC with my 125 grain heads and 100 grain inserts than anyone will ever get with a 100 grain head, and yes, that's with a carbon shaft. Truth be told, you only"think" that you do....and apparently, that's good enough for you. " the more tip weight the better for FOC and that's regardless of arrow type." Your assumtion that you can never have to heavy a tip on your arrow shows a compleat lack of understanding of arrow balance and FOC in general. Again, if your unorthodox set works for you then great! "Arrow weight and penetration are directly linked so I would worry about it, " I agree with you 100%, but they are secondary concerns to what my origional post stated, that arrow spine is the most importand consideration to sellecting an arrow that will fly straight and penetrate well. " If you're shooting 70 lbs. draw at whitetails then I agree that it doesn't much matter how heavy a shaft you're shooting but if it's 50 lbs. at mt. goats... " What percentage of the people on this forum are ever going to hunt Mt Goats, especially with 50# bows? "I'll echo the pro shop comment, but they aren't all created equal. Make sure it's a GOOD pro shop." I totaly agree, hopefully someone opens a GOOD shop in your area to assist you in your archery endeavors.
