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Arrows and Components
The arrow is comprised of five parts:
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Shafts
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Fletching
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Inserts and Outserts
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Arrowhead
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Nock
Shaft
Modern arrow shafts are made
of four basic materials:
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Wood: Light,
least expensive, esthetically pleasing but has a tendency to warp and break.
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Fiberglass: Very
durable…Not common though.
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Aluminum: Very
durable, light in weight, great precision, high consistency.
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Carbon: Most
durable, lightest, greatest precision and highest consistency.
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The arrow regardless of the shaft material,
must have the correct spine (stiffness) to match the bow. As an arrow is
released, the shaft bends around the bow handle before straightening in
flight. An archery manufacturer considers draw length, bow weight, and
the type of arrow head being used before issuing arrows with shafts of
the correct spine. If you are considering Easton aluminum arrows please
consult the Easton arrow
selection chart.
Fletching
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The plastic vanes or feathers on an
arrow are referred to as fletching. Fletching causes the arrow to spin,
providing stability and accuracy in flight. Normally the fletching on an
arrow is comprised of three or more feathers. One of the feather will be
generally of different color, and is referred to as the "cock" feather.
The remaining are given the name of "hen" feathers .
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Plastic vanes are the heaviest between
the two types of fletching, this causes the arrow to be slower for the
first 40 meters (50 yards). The vanes also make arrow clearance more critical
to maintain consistency. But they do have some advantages, the plastic
vanes are water and damage resistance meaning that they will last longer
and keep the same weight in any weather as well as having a lower
production cost.
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-
Feather fletching is lighter and more
forgiving than plastic vanes. Unfortunately they love to absorb humidity
and can cause arrow inconsistency when shooting. The feathers wears down
at a faster rate, meaning that they must be replace more often. Feathers
are faster for the first 40 meters (50 yards), unfortunately fiction caused
by the feathers will cause the plastic vanes to surpass the features past
that point.
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Offset/Helical Fletching is the term
used for vanes that are not parallel with the shaft. This permit more stability
in flight. As for the difference between offset and helical, that is quite
simple. Helical fletch seems to wrap around the shaft, while offset
are straight fletching that are slightly offset on the shaft.
Inserts/outserts.
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These are attached to the shaft so
that one may screw on arrow heads instead of gluing them on. Unfortunately,
they are heavy and in the case of outserts may cause problems in removing
the arrow out of target buts.
Arrowheads
Arrowheads vary according to
the types of shooting and activities. The most common types of arrowheads
are:
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Broadheads
The tips are primarily
used for hunting. The point carry razor sharp blades (from 2 baldes on)
that improves penetration and makes a more humane kill. The minimum diameter
for a broadhead used in big game hunting is 2.2 centimeters (1 inch).
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Blunt points
Used for small game hunting
or "stump shooting" and made of steel, hard rubber or plastic. Due to this
construction this allowed for easier recovery of arrows and causes less
damage the shaft.
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Field Point
Steel points used for target
shooting and small game hunting.
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Fish Point
Long, barbed or spring-loaded
arrowheads which spear fish and secure them until landed with an attached
line.
Nock
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The nock is a slotted plastic tip located
on the rear end of the arrow. The nock serves as a guide for fitting the
arrow against the bowstring.
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There is a certain point on the bowstring
where arrows are nocked. This point of the bowstring is called the "nocking
point". To determine the nocking point, nock the arrow in a way that makes
a 90 degree angle with the bowstring. Then raise the nock 3 or 4 millimeters
above the perpendicular line, then this will be the nocking
point.
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Do
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be sure that the equipment is in good working condition. Cracked arrows
should be discarded.. Change any frayed bowstrings, and replace bows with
cracked or twisted limbs.
Do
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use caution when field dressing big game animal, as a broadhead may be
embedded in the body cavity.
Do
- ensure that all broadheads are "razor sharp".
Don’t
- nock an arrow, or draw a bow when facing someone.
Don’t
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carry an arrow nocked in the bowstring. Remove nocked arrows whenever you
cross an obstacle or climb a tree.
