Jul 10, 2025

How to Choose the Perfect Arrows for Your Longbow or Recurve

by KangTom

Selecting the right arrows for your longbow or recurve is crucial for accuracy, safety, and performance. The key factors to consider are arrow spine, length, material, and intended use (target shooting vs. hunting). Let’s break down each element to help you make the best choice.

1. Arrow Spine: Matching Stiffness to Your Bow’s Draw Weight

The spine of an arrow refers to its stiffness, which must align with your bow’s draw weight for optimal flight.

Why Spine Matters

Too stiff: Arrows may veer right (for right-handed shooters).
Too weak: Arrows may fishtail or veer left.
Just right: Smooth, stable flight with tight groupings.

How to Choose the Right Spine

A general rule: Select an arrow with a dynamic spine rating 5–10 lbs less than your bow’s draw weight.
Example: A 45 lb longbow typically pairs well with a 500-spine arrow at 28 inches.
Use manufacturer spine charts to fine-tune your selection.

2. Arrow Length: Safety and Tuning

Arrow length affects both safety and performance.

Safety First

Never shoot arrows shorter than your draw length—this can lead to dangerous misfires.
Minimum recommendation: At least 1 inch longer than your draw length.

Tuning with Length

Longer arrows = weaker spine (more flex).
Shorter arrows = stiffer spine (less flex).
Adjust length incrementally to fine-tune flight.

3. Arrow Material: Pros and Cons

Different materials offer unique benefits depending on your shooting style.

Material	Best For	Pros	Cons
Wood	Traditional archers, longbows	Classic feel, natural flex	Requires maintenance, less consistent
Carbon	Hunting, target shooting	Lightweight, durable, fast	Can be brittle if damaged
Aluminum/Carbon Hybrid	Balanced performance	Good weight-to-stiffness ratio	Slightly more expensive
Bamboo	Traditionalists, lightweight builds	Strong, flexible, eco-friendly	Less common, may need custom tuning

4. Additional Considerations

Point Weight

Heavier points weaken spine (better for short-range power).
Lighter points stiffen spine (better for speed and distance).

Fletching (Feathers vs. Vanes)

Large fletching = More stability (great for traditional bows).
Small fletching = Less drag (better for speed).

Bow Tuning

Proper tiller, brace height, and string alignment are essential for consistent arrow flight.

5. Target Shooting vs. Hunting: What’s Your Goal?

For Target Shooters

Lighter arrows (faster, flatter trajectory).
Focus on spine consistency for tight groupings.

For Bowhunters

Heavier arrows (better penetration).
General rule: 8–10 grains per pound of draw weight.
- Example: A 50 lb bow = 400–500 grain arrow (total weight, including broadhead).
Minimum safe weight: Never go below 7 grains per pound (e.g., 350 grains for a 50 lb bow).

Shaft Diameter

Thinner shafts = Better penetration, less wind drift.
Match broadhead size to shaft diameter—never use undersized heads.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right arrows requires balancing spine, length, material, and purpose. Take the time to test different setups, consult experienced archers, and use manufacturer guides to optimize performance.