Most crossbow hunters are satisfied with the arrows (bolts), which manufacturers provide in their crossbow kits. However, if you’re the type of whitetail hunter who gains confidence in precision and maximizing the performance of your equipment, read on! I would like to define what a custom crossbow arrow is and the benefits of using such an arrow.
A custom crossbow arrow has at least four important components: static spine selection, spine indexing, extreme front-of-center (FOC), and hand-crafting with the most precise fletching available today.
Static spine matching is often confused with spine indexing. Spine matching is all about deflection, or the stiffness of the arrow. It is important to match the stiffness of the arrow to the poundage and draw stroke of the crossbow, just like with a vertical bow.
Spine indexing is locating the weak spot on the arrow. Spine indexing is the most important accuracy factor in custom arrows. Extremely sensitive tooling is needed to accurately define low spine in a carbon shaft, and all carbon shafts have a low and high spine. Research has shown that spine indexed arrows shoot 68 percent tighter groups versus factory fletched and supplied crossbow arrows.
The next precision element of arrows is their front-of-center (FOC). The FOC refers to the balance point of the arrow. The percentage of FOC indicates what percent the balance point is forward of the center; the higher the percentage, the better performance your arrow will deliver.
FOC has two benefits for precision-minded archers. Archers can expect to see tighter groups with field tips and broadheads. The second advantage FOC creates is more momentum and less drag, thus deeper penetration on target! Using a brass arrow insert or increasing the weight of your arrow tip will increase the overall FOC of the arrow.
A benefit of using a brass insert is the ability to create a substantially larger amount of FOC than is possible with a field tip alone, while still using a 100-grain tip. This gives the consumer a larger selection of broadheads to choose from.
A higher FOC really comes into play at longer yardages with marginal shot placement, such as the shoulder. Using a brass insert could be the difference of your broadhead stopping in the bone or getting into the vitals.
The final element of a custom arrow is that of precision fletching. By using state of the art equipment and a highly trained expert, it creates the most accurate arrows available today.
If you are not satisfied with the arrows that came with your crossbow, do some research … there is an arrow that will fit all of your specific needs!
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One Response to “Crossbows: Getting More Out of Your Arrows”
Thomas kelley
Good article.