For arrow setups used for common game species, we generally recommend an overall arrow weight range of around 450-550 grains. Overall, we suggest finding a good combination of arrow weight and an arrow trajectory that you are comfortable with. For example, if you shoot lighter poundage or have a shorter draw length, you may want to be on the lower end of the range for a flatter trajectory and tighter pin gap. 

For front weight, we like around 150-175 grains total up front, which includes your broadhead, insert, and collar weight. We have found that it does not matter where you distribute the front weight through components and broadhead as long as you are getting your desired front weight and a correctly spined arrow. Typically, people will choose their front weight and then select their arrow spine based on their arrow length and draw weight. 

  • It is important to make sure your arrow is spined correctly by looking at your arrow length, arrow front weight, and bow poundage on an arrow spine chart. Here is a link to our spine charts: Arrow Spine Charts


One of our favorite arrow diameters is the .204” ID shafts such as the 5MM Easton Axis. The .204” ID shafts use standard 8-32 threaded HIT inserts and broadheads. We use the Reinforced HIT System which uses a HIT insert, and Impact Collar. More information on the HIT system can be found at this link: https://ironwilloutfitters.com/pages/reinforced-hit-system  

As for FOC, we have found 12-16% to be a good range with our broadheads. We have found vanes that are at least .5” tall with 2.5-3 degrees of helical or offset in a 3 fletch configuration to do a great job of stabilizing the arrow.  Our favorite vane is the Iron Will Hybrid Hunter.


HOW TO ROUGHLY ESTIMATE ARROW WEIGHT:

When looking at an arrow company's arrow chart, look for the GPI (grains per inch) for the arrow spine you are using. You can multiple the GPI x the arrow length to get the weight of the carbon. Then you will add the weight of your nock, vanes, insert, collar, and field point to get a rough estimate of what your arrow would weigh. Below is an example of an arrow chart for the 5MM Axis. 

https://eastonarchery.com/arrows_/5mm-axis-2/

HOW TO FIGURE OUT YOUR ARROW LENGTH:

For arrow length, it is best to draw your bow with an arrow in it, then have someone mark your arrow where you would like it cut. We typically recommend an arrow that is about 1" shorter than draw length. You will want to make sure the Impact Collar clears the arrow rest. The 25 grain collar is 1" long while the 10 grain collar is 0.7" long. These collars slide completely over the arrow. You can try putting a piece of 1" wide tape at your determined draw length to mimic a collar and see where that lands at full draw. 

Caution: Changing the length of an arrow may change the spine you need depending on your weight up front and FOC calculations.


STILL NEED SUPPORT WITH ARROW SET UP?   CONTACT US!  WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP.