Arrow Numbering

[Flying Whale]

While I would not suggest shooting in order, it can be useful to know which arrow you are shooting, so that when it comes to checking them in the target you can ignore any where you know it was a bad shot (rather than a bad arrow).

I have been working with someone a lot better than me, and by plotting and analyzing arrow groupings it is possible to pick a particular set of 3 arrows that group well. This can make a big difference in scores if you shoot at high level. Thus it is useful to know if an arrow out of a group is a true reflection, or a bad shot.

I am starting to get to the point with my own shooting where I may be able to benefit from the same level of arrow analysis, though it takes me a lot more shots because of the number of 'bad' ones.

[Marli]

im a very naughty person and do not have my arrows numbered (although certain people keep pestering me to do) Although I used to have my old arrows numbered i used to find it did no good and shot them in no particular order either

[david leathar]

numbering can be usefull if you use wooden arrows as you can shoot groups of arrows that closely match weight and spine

[reckless]

I number and initial all arrows and i with new bow set up or new arrows i shoot them in order, i tend to shoot arrows one to three, collect and return to shooting line then 4 to six etc. this is to figure any rouge or poorly fletched arrows, once grouping and arrows etc are ok i shoot in random order but try to rotate arrows to maintain an even wear. I do however have my lucky arrow, usually number three its not that the arrow is any better than the others just its my lucky arrow.

[Mufti]

I'm with Whiteheart - random shooting to even out the wear and tear on arrows.
I only number mine when required to as competitions (they wear off shortly after due to rubbing on various parts of the quiver).

[Rik]

Originally Posted by GeoffT

Arrows numbered (necessary for FITA tournaments)

Not true. FITA rules only say "must be marked with athlete's name or initials". I have mine marked with vinyl stickers with my name on.

I don't number arrows any more, except temporarily, if I'm looking for something specific. If I suspect I have a problem shaft, I'll mark it unobtrusively, so that I can't see the mark and have that cause problems.

[Furface]

I number and shoot in order, but I rotate which ones I do not shoot (when I have the luxury of more than 6 whole arrows). One day 123,456. Next 234,567 etc.
If I suspect an arrow of being more accurate than the rest, I will bring it to the first or last of my group of three (ie 123 becomes 312) so that I can work out if it is the arrow or the shot in the sequence that is odd. If it is the arrow, I put a replacement in to the rogue arrows position (eg 128, 456). THIS PARAGRAPH ONLY APPLIES TO PRACTICE - in tournaments I simply shoot the first three in any order, then the second three in any order, trying not to get too hung up on arrows. I sort them into groups of three on the way back from the line.
Not that I am at all anally retentive!

[numpty]

What do you mean numbering your arrows. Mine all have names.

[Tobytoolbag]

Originally Posted by numpty

What do you mean numbering your arrows. Mine all have names.

Mine too - but generally only when they don't go where I want them to!
And since it's a 'family forum' none of the names are publishable!

[BobCat]

Originally Posted by Tobytoolbag

Mine too - but generally only when they don't go where I want them to!
And since it's a 'family forum' none of the names are publishable!

So I am not the only one!!

And I frequently run out of unprintable names!!!!