Arrow Selection for Horsebows

[KevinH]

I've just got a cheap Mongolian Bow ( Kassai Wolf ), and wondered if anyone has any rules of thumb on how to select appropriately spined arrows for these bows.

In my specific case the bow gives me about 40lb at my draw length, and I need arrows that are at least 31" preferably a little longer.

Many Thanks
Kevin

[Et tu brute]

Arrows spined at around 30# should be around about right, you'll probably get away with a bit higher or lower though. I'm sure others can offer some more suggestions. 5/16" shafts would be fine, you'd have the choice between port orford cedar or northern pine, and maybe sikta spruce, all of which have an uncut length of 32" I think.

[pHz]

yeah - accepted wisdom seems to say spine your arrows 5-10lb lighter than the bow weight for asiatic style bows

i have a 45lb (on the fingers) toth mongolian and shoot 29" 5/16 POC shafts out of it spined at 35-40lb and they fly OK (assuming i release OK ! )

slainte rob

[jaselpool]

Originally Posted by KevinH

I've just got a cheap Mongolian Bow ( Kassai Wolf ), and wondered if anyone has any rules of thumb on how to select appropriately spined arrows for these bows.

In my specific case the bow gives me about 40lb at my draw length, and I need arrows that are at least 31" preferably a little longer.

Many Thanks
Kevin

Hi there - if you're after 30lb spine arrows then the length will alter that spine dynamically. All shafts are industry spined at 28" and you will reduce spine by 5lb for every inch over 28. So if you are looking for 30lb @ 31" draw then you need 45lb @ 28" shafts. That's assuming you are using 125gn points. Lower weight points will stiffen the arrows spine. I have a 55lb horesbow and shoot with 50lb @29 but you also have to take into account shooting style etc as well so the 5-10lb rule is only really a starting point. If you want to be exact (lets face it there isn't much point in shooting unmatched arrows) I would make up a couple of sets of 2 arrows with different spines to find the ideal. So I would make up 2 at 30, 2 at 35 and 2 at 40 all with same points and fletchings and then test shoot them. You can also use 5/16 or 11/32 in that spine range.

Jase

I shoot a Grozer Hun bow mainly for fun though. I use traditional longbow arrow spines ratings and have had no problems at all.

Great bows though aren't they? Prefer mine to my traditional English long bow.

In fact thinking of getting another more powerful one? (mine is 45lb @ 28")

[Schme1440]

I have one from ebay. Its 28" at 45# (ish). I have 30-35 Scotts pine with a 5 16th diameter with 100grn points. Big 5 inch shield feathers and it groups well at 20yds. I recon I could do a Portsmouth with it and not miss the blue or better every time. However I got my arrows matched for the bow. I went to see Carol Edwards and she was so helpfull.

[KevinH]

Thank you for the replies.
I've now got an idea of where to start at least, and think a little experimenting is in order.

[Et tu brute]

Originally Posted by jaselpool

Hi there - if you're after 30lb spine arrows then the length will alter that spine dynamically. All shafts are industry spined at 28" and you will reduce spine by 5lb for every inch over 28. So if you are looking for 30lb @ 31" draw then you need 45lb @ 28" shafts. That's assuming you are using 125gn points. Lower weight points will stiffen the arrows spine. I have a 55lb horesbow and shoot with 50lb @29 but you also have to take into account shooting style etc as well so the 5-10lb rule is only really a starting point. If you want to be exact (lets face it there isn't much point in shooting unmatched arrows) I would make up a couple of sets of 2 arrows with different spines to find the ideal. So I would make up 2 at 30, 2 at 35 and 2 at 40 all with same points and fletchings and then test shoot them. You can also use 5/16 or 11/32 in that spine range.

Jase

Good point Jason, hadn't thought of that

[5co77ie]

I use this chart here:

SevenMeadows Archery - Horsebows and Hungarian Handcraft

to calculate which arrows and then buy Quicks POC Elites to the right specification - find them great for both field and target.

However Hungarian and Mongolian arrows have a rating which it is worth noting - choose the wrong spine weight and the arrows take too much shock from the string making your shooting less accurate.

I rather like my Mygar bow and am looking forward to getting myself classified with it as a barebow next summer.

[jaselpool]

Originally Posted by 5co77ie

I use this chart here:

SevenMeadows Archery - Horsebows and Hungarian Handcraft

to calculate which arrows and then buy Quicks POC Elites to the right specification - find them great for both field and target.

However Hungarian and Mongolian arrows have a rating which it is worth noting - choose the wrong spine weight and the arrows take too much shock from the string making your shooting less accurate.

I rather like my Mygar bow and am looking forward to getting myself classified with it as a barebow next summer.

Or buy my Sitka Spruce shafts which are handspined and marked with their spine weight and hand chosen unlike Quicks

Jase