Powder testing/clearence issues

OK I did some setup stuff on my compound last night with my new ACE's. I set a 3mm + nock point and shot the arrows. Looked fine on a blank boss. So I decided to do some powder testing on the back end of the arrow. Not something I have done before. So I sprayed them with cheap deodorant and shot one. wow I had fletch contact on one side????? Why??? The vane is offset by 1 to 2mm to give a bit of spin. The arrow was rotating enough to catch on the launcher. I re indexed the nock and, bingo, the contact was gone.

I would have never believed the spin could happen quick enough to do this.

Anyone else powder test? if you don't, give it a try, very helpfull test for contact issues.

[geoffretired]

I do powder tests. Usually when I have a problem rather than as a routine.
For example, I bought a bow that gave me strange arrow flight. I tried the usual adjustments with little to no improvement. I did the powder test to see if it was a contact issue.
The other situation that brings out the powder is when things are going really well. On those rare occasions I try the powder to see if there is a small contact. My thinking is; if there is light contact, perhaps a small tweak will make things even better.

[joetapley]

My thinking is; if there is light contact, perhaps a small tweak will make things even better.

This is why high speed video analysis is becoming mandatory for high level archers. Nearly all elite archers use spin wings or K vanes which are fairly flexible. You can on video see cases where the vane makes marginal or near miss contact with the bow - undetectable from the arrow flight or even with powder. Equally you can see the results of the consequent tweak.

[geoffretired]

Instead of powder I sometimes use Localised inert pigmented semi-permanent
trace indicating contact kreme.
You can see minute traces in it and if you choose the right colour it contrasts with the riser, rest, fletchings and shafts. Don't let the wife find out, or the lads at the pub.

Originally Posted by geoffretired

Instead of powder I sometimes use Localised inert pigmented semi-permanent
trace indicating contact kreme.

What the? What all this about?

[geoffretired]

LIPSTICK
I used to get funny looks too so I tried to keep it quiet.

Originally Posted by geoffretired

LIPSTICK
I used to get funny looks too so I tried to keep it quiet.

I see Good idea

[geoffretired]

Will my rep power be damaged when others find out my secret?

[Rik]

Originally Posted by geoffretired

Will my rep power be damaged when others find out my secret?

Only if a photo turns up of you in drag...

Like you, I've only ever tested for clearance when I've noticed a problem. Sometimes there's been no need for powder (rubber streaks on the riser from fletching contact). I've heard of using lipstick, and blutack (or similar putty-like substance), but never tried that. Hmmm, what else would work? I have an image of a guy digging out a makeup kit and dusting the riser with blusher, edging the fletchings with mascara... "what foundation do you use on your riser?"

[geoffretired]

Rik, what are all these words you keep coming out with? I know lipstick.... but the others????????