Arrows

[Zanda]

Merlin Archery has announced they have a new range of "good" but cheap carbon arrows, yet some "clubs" will not allow them to be used, problems with finding them if they go astray, with a metal detector being the argument.
These clubs are in the main controlled by the GNAS, and the GNAS state quite clearly that pure carbon arrows can be used, any one got any thoughts on this subject ?

[geoffretired]

Carbon arrows are just about impossible to find with a metal detector. When the field is shared by other sports, it is very dangerous to have a carbon arrow in the grass. If they get crushed, the fibres are like needles and getting those inside you is not pleasant. We have ******** on the same field and I would not like to be the cause of anyone getting injured from an arrow of mine that I could not find. Some people put aluminium foil down the insides to help trace them. It needs to be done carefully so the match of the set is not changed.

[wingate_52]

We shoot on a rugby pitch. Lost or broken arrows are bad news at the best of times, but shattered carbon that remain lost. An accident waiting to happen. Ideal indoors maybe?

[sky_high30]

...at which point any other sports hall users run the risk of getting one in the foot. We share with Tae Kwon Do or Aaikido (Some form of martial art...they usually throw us evils when we've finished 'cos we're always out SPOT on 8pm, giving them no extra time), and they do wonder around barefoot. At least people outdoors wear footwear.

[Murray]

IMO, carbon arrows are a VERY bad idea for novices or intermediates for the reasons stated above, for other archers, absolutely no problem.

Frankly, it's a valid club decision, not GNAS's decision, as to what can and cannot be shot in the club. Way too much valuable shooting time can be lost looking for missing arrows (even A/C arrows).

[doubletop]

My club prefer us to shoot with ali arrows outdoors so we can find them again and with two lads i need all the help i can get sometimes i found this formula helped me to decide

cheaper carbon/ fibre glass arrows £2-4 each lots lost
jazz arrows ali £6-7 each none lost so far

jazz arrows = happy wallet and bank manager

hope this helps LOL

[Zanda]

thanks for the replies folks, however I have got to admit to being a tad curious about not being able to find them with a metal detector, on the few occassions I have used a metal detector it has had no problem finding a ring pull or metal cap often at a depth of a foot and a half, so finding an arrow shouldnt be a problem ????

[pwiles1968]

Originally Posted by Zanda

I have got to admit to being a tad curious about not being able to find them with a metal detector, on the few occassions I have used a metal detector it has had no problem finding a ring pull or metal cap often at a depth of a foot and a half, so finding an arrow shouldnt be a problem ????

Carbon is not metal so will not be picked up by a metal detector, if it is a good metal detector you will pick up the tips but I guess the chance of missing them is much greater, 2 1/2 ft arrow v 1/4 inch tip.

[geoffretired]

Finding ring pulls is usually done by accident when looking for arrows. Looking for arrows, we tend to sweep at two foot intervals. Looking for the piles would mean sweeping with no spaces between. That would find the arrow eventually but not many people would be willing to sweep like that. Also, if you lost an arrow you would probably be asked to wait until the end of the shooting session as the time involved could be more than the others could spare. I do like all-carbon arrows, but the trouble they can cause outdoors is not worth the risk, IMHO.

[Judge]

One way we have used for find a pure carbon arrow is to use a heavy rake or hook. This is pulled through the grass at arrow length intervals behind and in front of the target where the arrow has been lost (including a reasonable of distance to either siade) until it is found. We have had pure carbons miss but have always been found. Careless use of the rake or hook will cause the missing arrow to be broken in two, but at least it is found. I guess thats the risk you run in shooting these arrows!

If you plan to deny entry to those shooting pure carbons then I would guess you would have to make that very clear on the entry form, otherwise, if they turn up on the day and state that the requirement was not on the entry form, the club would not be able to refuse them a shoot.