Optimal Arrow Length Measurement

Using arrows that are the optimal length for your setup can improve performance in the field. Here's a detailed guide on how to determine this important element of your setup:
1. Measure your arrow length to your rest - Draw back your bow and have someone mark your arrow shaft just in front of your rest at full draw. Measure from the carbon end in front of the nock to the established mark at the broadhead end. (Example 27.5")
2. Factor in Components - For our 10-grain Impact Collar, add 0.7 inches; for our 25-grain, add 1.0 inch. Finally, add 0.25 inches to ensure the Impact Collar won't contact your rest at full draw even if you pull hard into the back wall. Round up to the nearest quarter inch if needed. (Example 27.5" + 0.7" + 0.25" = 28.45", round up to 28.5")

[@bowhunt9968]

I understand your reasoning, but I completely disagree with you. A longer arrow is more stable than a minimum length arrow. Exactly the reason javelins aren't only 2 feet long.

[@everythingballistic8812]

Balance wise you are correct but when you start dealing with aerodynamics things change.

[@Tullminator]

Thanks, Iron Will!

[@Shawnbo812]

Gotcha, my question would be how far away from the knock can vanes be and still be flying properly. With my chubby cheeks vanes are usually touching my face.

[@IronWillOutfitters]

5/8 to an inch away from the back of the carbon to the vane should clear your face with out effecting arrow flight. Depending on which nock you use may push the fletchings further forward and away from your face.

[@Shawnbo812]

@@IronWillOutfitters Thank you

[@paulheberling2750]

Interesting perspective. I tend to try and get my arrows as long as possible so that I can have the option of having as much weight as possible. Granted, I try not to get any arrows above 200 spine. I favor the black Eagle 150s

[@IronWillOutfitters]

You can adjust the point weight to achieve your preferred arrow weight. If your arrow is too long and you add significant point weight, you risk weakening the arrow's spine excessively. This can result in compromised arrow flight and reduced accuracy. With a 150 spine arrow, you should be able to achieve a favorable balance of point weight without significantly compromising the arrow's spine strength.

[@paulheberling2750]

@@IronWillOutfitters good stuff, thanks

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

I built a handful of arrows about an inch shorter than normal, otherwise all identical components, and the shorter ones are hitting consistently lower than the longer ones. This feels backwards, right? Shouldn’t they be hitting higher as they’d be slightly less weight and drag?

[@mrwoodwooker2810]

At what distance?

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

@@mrwoodwooker2810 any distance, 40, 70, 100

[@Intermtn9736]

I’d advocate the opposite after seeing some nasty injuries-> keep the arrow long enough to get broadhead out in front of riser and fingers. Easy to use a spine chart to bump up spine as needed. Also stops broadhead from hitting riser/shelf and making noise if you have a limb driven rest and forget to hold arrow

[@Terpedup925]

Or just make sure your finger are in the way 😂😂

[@everythingballistic8812]

If your fingers are in the way that much your doing something way wrong

[@torreyintahoe]

Your arrow length should be determined by what's going to give you optimal spine. If you want your arrow short like they're recommending you're going to want to make sure you're not overspined. Each inch makes a huge difference in spine.

[@mrwoodwooker2810]

No such thing as overspined.

[@torreyintahoe]

@@mrwoodwooker2810 Yes there is.

[@everythingballistic8812]

Yes there definitely is

[@everythingballistic8812]

Also says the guy shooting a 600 grain arrow never past 25 yards