Tuning a Recurve, longbow, or selfbow for perfect arrow flight

Tuning traditional archery gear is something that seems to confuse the hell out of people when it shouldn’t. It’s not all that complicated but with all the different methods (bare shaft, paper tuning, broadhead tuning) looking at different indicators it’s easy to see how it can be a little overwhelming for beginners. Let’s take a look at what tuning is, why it’s important and how to tune our traditional bow and arrows for perfect flight.
I’m going to get fairly detailed in this post and video, talking about the different forces that are exerted on an arrow when it’s shot. So, if you like to understand the fundamentals of tuning, this is for you. But if you just want to know what to do to correct nock left, right, up or down, then you’ll find that as well. Let’s dig in.
To understand tuning, we first need to understand the difference between static and dynamic spine. Static spine, 300, 350, 400, etc. for carbon and 50-55, 55-60, etc. for woodies is simply the measure of how stiff the shaft is when spanning two points with a weight suspended from the center. It’s a way to group arrows that will behave similar when shot (all else equal). Static spine is a useful starting point but it certainly doesn’t tell you everything you need to choose the right arrow for your bow. Sorry, but because you shoot a 55 lb bow doesn’t mean you need a 55 lb shaft. It’s a little more complex than that.
What’s important is dynamic spine, or the degree of deflection around the bow’s riser when shot. An arrow that is too dynamically weak will flex too much causing the arrow to leave the bow nock left (for a right handed shooter). An arrow that is too dynamically stiff will not flex enough forcing the tip left and the nock right.
This is important because out of tune arrows decrease arrow efficiency and penetration. Additionally, when you add a broadhead to the front of the shaft it magnifies any irregularities and can cause your arrows to plane left (too stiff) or right (too weak) causing inaccuracy. Furthermore, because well tuned arrows need little help from fletchings, we can shoot much smaller fletchings which results in quicker and quieter arrows.
This video will show you how I tune arrows to any longbow, recurve, or selfbow. The concepts work the same for all, so long as they’re tillered well. If you’re needing arrows, shafts, spine testers, etc. 3Rivers will have everything you need. If you’re looking for shooting tips, check out my other blog posts covering that.
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[@gs637]

Excellent! The most simple, clear, and comprehensive explanation for tuning.

[@dheerajchidambaranathan]

I am new to archery and I've been wondering about a lot of things based on how my bow and arrow work in my backyard. Your video has been the one that has explained so many things so well with proper documentation and examples done at great detail! I really wish every person making videos on choosing bows, arrows, rests, etc... linked to your video or did as good an explanation as yours! Thank you so much for demystifying this art! :)

[@TheAngryHippie]

WOW! I had no idea about the science behind arrow flight. This was a huge eye opener for me. Thank you Clay!

[@dredger9mm]

This is the most understandable explanation I've ever heard. Awesome.

[@gregorywaxley5047]

Absolutely thank you!

[@georgzausinger9730]

Greetings to Dale Zimmerman speaking Appalachian English and Deo Frutuoso

[@ALL-AMERICANA]

I am brand new to archery. I ordered a 45# longbow at 28 inch draw length, with 31 inch arrows that are 500 spine with 4 inch straight feather fletchings. This video is packed with valuable information I plan on using and it concludes with the most valid important point ever. That was exceptional.

[@slimsterslim6531]

This has to be the only go to video for a professional description of real bow tuning. The best I've seen in 50 years of shooting. Well done and thank you Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You're most welcome

[@dariuswhite3002]

​@@clayhayeshunter so how do u choose what wt broadhead . suppose u bareshaft tune and the arrow flies perfect. Should u go with the lightest wt broadhead

[@kentwilliams3326]

Hello Clay. Over the years I have bare shaft tested my three longbows, but a few years ago I started experimenting with different fletching styles. I had ordered some full height offset 5" fletching on a dozen arrows. When they came in they were in a box for standard height fletching and were in bad shape. I tried the old hot water trick to no avail, so I trimmed them down. I ended up with fletching that was 7/8" on the point end and 1" at the nock end. I stepped outside and launched one at 25 yards. I was stunned!! They "sang" all the way to the target! Boy was I hooked! I gave 3 singer arrows with HTM rubber blunts to a friend who limited out each year for white tails, but that year didn't have a doe tag. He just launched the "Singers" over the doe's backs to see what their reaction would be. He said, "They just kept on feeding except for one doe who raised her head and watched the singer fly by before continuing feeding." I figured that they would simply accept the singer arrows as some kind of insect and they did. Another benefit of the offset "singers" was that the arrows stabilized within approximately 3 yards from the bow, while 5 1/2" Shield cut fletched arrows impacted the bails at an angle. Aluminum arrow note: A bunch of us at the Firearms Training Division would shoot our longbows and recurves each noon at a large bag target at 25 yards. On several occasions I stood down range behind a chimney at about 15 yards to listen to arrows in flight. I immediately discovered that the aluminum arrows made a kind of "clink" at about 10-15 yards after release. (And they were shooting recurves!)

[@hankczinaski915]

You set the bar high for your videos and this one is one of your best. I can imagine it wasn't easy to make.

[@clayhayeshunter]

It definitely took a lot longer than most!

[@georgzausinger9730]

One world festivals ? friends

[@victordec7]

@@clayhayeshunter Many thanks! Just subscribed.

[@user-ig5vs5fd6c]

#ClayHayes Thanks for sharing your knowledge, great videos! I just subscribed and I'm wondering if your book is still available and can be shipped to Europe? I'm based in Portugal! Thank you

[@danielmeecham464]

Outstanding! Thank you for taking the time to help me understand arrow dynamics and tuning so that I understand it comprehensively.

[@heiligerbimbam771]

Clay, this Video is close to epic..... For me, one of the best explanation of arrow and bow tuning I have ever seen. Thank you for producing and sharing it. I enjoy everyone of your videos, so please keep it vital. Greetings from Germany.

[@zbigniewmikolajewski4079]

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine kzbin.infoUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

[@Grimm_1776]

Clay, this video has answered questions that many others have not. Thank you so much for the time you have invested in putting this out. It has really de-mystified a lot of things that I just could not seem to wrap my bird brain around. Thanks!!!

[@georgzausinger9730]

Transatlantik ? Washingtonia ? science relations ? friends

[@alberthabib4220]

I’m new to archery and recurve bows. Your video was a real eye opener to me. I thought archery was just a matter of fitting the arrow to the bowstring and having a shot. There’s obviously a great deal more science here than I imagined. Will follow you for more of my education. Thanks.

[@gordongullon152]

Out of the many videos that I have watch related to tuning, your description of tip inertia and how it relates to dynamic spine was the first one that made the logic click for me. Thank you very much!

[@hardasnails11b15]

Outstanding video on tuning stick bows. Told by one who obviously has alot of experience and grasp on the theory/rule of archer's paradox. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@frankbutterfield8482]

I watched your video last night and it got me really thinking about tuning my arrows to my bow. I stripped down one of my damaged arrows and bare shaft tuned it with a field point kit from 3 Rivers archery to adjust the knock right and knock left and adjusted my knock to where they seem to be flying straight. Once I was shooting well with the bare shaft I put the tips that worked best on my fletched arrows and WOW! Watching your video made the process make sense and really helped me get it dialed in. Shooting with all of it set up right is a world different than what I got used to, a lot easier, and a lot more fun. Thanks for the videos, you do an awesome job. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have in the other ones.

[@alexdoucet883]

Dude you just re-explained everything I thought i knew about bows and the way arrows leave from the different bows in just two videos. Changed the way I think forever. And i grew up bow hunting and always preferred traditional over compound anyday. But everything you said makes sense. Thanks for the teaching. Now I gotta buy more arrow. Lol

[@Wesleycreardon]

I need you to just come stay with me for a week. I feel like you could teach anything archery related, and the ability to teach is a special skill.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@jodydurant8315]

Excellent delivery. It was very succinct and easy to follow. I didn’t learn anything new but there is no way I could’ve explained it that well. Some of us are just superior teachers. Well done.

[@richardfolkerson603]

Fantastic vid Clay. you mentioned you were going to to a instructional on tuning in the past and I have been eagerly awaiting it. All the vids I've found on tuning until now don't come anywhere close to the clear concise information you deliver in your video. You have cleared up so many things for me. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Richard

[@happyhankjr]

EXCELLENT...I've been shooting archery since I was 10. I'm 68. No one has explained it to me better or more completely. THANK YOU.

[@michaelmcdonald1113]

Excellent video. I particularly like the fact that you added the variable of bad form contributing to inconsistent arrow flight. Keep up the good work. Mike

[@jamespatrick5930]

Great information! Dynamic spine is what’s important. I find that dense wood shafts like hickory act just like a heavy tip & require a higher static spine.

[@syamsulslh6079]

One vid that explains all and simple to understand. True master you are. My thanks & my appreciation to you.

[@bowman321123]

Awesome video on a topic that always seems to cause more questions than answers. I do like your thoughts at the end though, that basically the arrow shoots as well as the operator.

[@cagataybatuhanaydin251]

You just perfectly explained everything i wonder about arrows. Thnx for this exceptional video keep up the good work you are the Best 👏🏻👏🏻

[@gregoneill3351]

That has to be the best explanation of arrow flight I have come across. Thank you Clay for enabling me to better understand how I can build my arrows

[@clayhayeshunter]

I'm glad it helped!

[@Bukinbronco88]

You literally explained everything i was confused about. Also you made it so easy to understand. Thank you so much for the video!

[@georgzausinger9730]

to broadcast ? friends

[@guitarmanmark]

Clay, this is a great help from a very knowledgable guy. Many thanks from England

[@alberthabib4220]

new to archery and theres obviously alot more to it than just stringing up the arrow and letting fly. I'm looking to learn all I can and this has been enlightening. thanks.

[@thomasfarmer1730]

Your vids are great,you explain the subject in detail,but I have watch them again to understand and take it in,being a beginner 👍🏻

[@svartcracker8266]

Thanks for the information! bought my first recurve, bear supermag 48. Can't wait to get into it. So much more to it than shooting compound

[@mikefoster1194]

Very good breakdown and explanations. I am sure you know but it may be helpful to some viewers to mention another way to affect spine is to add weight on nock end. Increase weight on nock end makes arrow act stiffer.

[@delstein7869]

Clay, I have been shooting longbows now for 37 years and this is the best and most honest advise I have ever come across. I particularly like your lack of absolutes for arriving at a desired outcome. Your instructional methods and delivery are clear and precise. The sequencing of the tuning process takes the mystery out of the mix. Thank you for a very well done video.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Del

[@jasonpettit9984]

Man,you have helped me so much ,I appreciate your time and knowledge,Thank you sir...your information is absolutely spot on ....

[@fishhunter348]

Thanks! Finally a clear explanation of how this all works! Was looking for a while! I wanted to know why knock left or knock right happens, I'm someone who needs to have a proper understanding of what is happening and you explained it all perfectly, thank you!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it helped

[@Outdoorguy57]

Absolutely the best information for tuning a traditional bow!!! I was having arrow flight issues with my recurve and was about to give up and go back to my compound. After watching this video, I increased the tip weight on my arrows and the flight issues disappeared. I had a 600 spine GT that I cut 2" off of to increase trajectory, by dropping some weight...and reduced my tip weight from 145 gr. to 125 gr. This video has shown me that I increased the spine by both of the changes, thus effecting my arrow flight. I had to add a 100 gr. tip weight and 175 gr. field tip, for a total of 275 gr., which created a 545 gr. total arrow weight. Great flight, but for a 42# recurve, I've severely cut my range/trajectory. Perhaps new full length arrows with only a 50 gr. tip weight and a 125 field tip (175 gr. total) would still provide good arrow flight with improved trajectory. Thanks for the video instruction!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I'm glad it helped!

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

Great video one of the best I have seen, I have been shooting on and off for over 60 yrs, and am going to get serious again, not shot much for the last 5 years. I use mostly Rodney Wright bows, have from 33 lb to 54 lb left and wright hand. If my shoulder holds out will be shooting right hand , but if not will shoot left hand, have shot bough but do a bit better with my wright hand but bad left shoulder, when acting up feels like I am getting stabbed in the shoulder when I release the arrow. Thanks for the video, I need refreshing.

[@migalito1955]

Yes, I agree. The best arrow to bow tuning explanation and video I have seen too. I do intend to hit your store up for your book. I am sure you have acquired some great tips to help the process precede without the crackling sound of splintered wood. Actually I am hoping you cover to some degree wooden arrow building from scratch. I'd like to make a set but I am not certain which woods are most suitable and the best method for turning square stock to round such as hand plane or dowel maker.

[@outdoor_ed]

Thank you very much for putting these videos out. Your method of "teaching" makes the subject easy to understand. These have helped me a lot!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good to hear Ed

[@snakeriverscotto]

Concise; exactly what everyone needs to know. Excellent content without nonsense or confusion. Nicely done!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@aussiebackyardfood7819]

Mate, this is THE most comprehensive explanation of what can be a difficult concept for new archers to get their heads around. I only wish I could have seen this years ago before I had to nut it out myself! Respect 👍👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks man!

[@edwinmatthews1703]

As always a super video. Good for old shooters and beginners like me. I like so many of the rest of us thank you for your time, love of the sport and your unselfish sharing. Thanks Clay

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that Edwin but the real thanks should go to all the folks supporting me at www.patreon.com/clayhayes so I can spend the time to make these videos and keep a roof over my family’s heads at the same time.

[@edwinmatthews1703]

Yes that may be true, but there has to be a message to support and someone to delivery it. You provide that message and we thank you.

[@gravityalwayswins1434]

I've been shooting stickbows since 1994. Clay's advice is 'spot on'.

[@philliphill4763]

Great teaching skill & visuals! Exceptionally done!

[@bigjm83]

This is hands down the best video on this topic. It’s so hard to find guys who know there stuff up and down. It’s very hard to get good info on traditional archery. Good stuff man👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@trevorwire7482]

Thank you Clay, this video has helped me move forward in my archery more than ever. Amazing how no one ever talked about arrow spine growing up shooting bows. Now I see how important this is, explained very well. We are grateful for your videos.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Trevor

[@dutchmcoven7292]

Man, wish I'd seen this a couple year ago. Fantastic tutorial,, thank you.

[@alwagner2042]

New to archery, shooting a longbow 48#. It’s a retirement gift from me to me. Can use all the help I can get. Great video, I’m far away from this. I’ll keep practicing until I’m ready.

[@wrad2667]

This is the best explanation i have ever Seen. I am looking for arrows fitting my bow for long time. If you have 68lbs and 32" Draw getting matching wood arrows is not easy. 😀

[@iowaselfbow6774]

Hey clay, I really appreciate you making these videos. I enjoy every single one of them. It's so nice seeing someone who takes selfbows seriously and takes the time to get them ACTUALLY shooting properly and hunting with them. I'll be joining the patreon site soon! Thanks Again

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much!

[@guillermocazarez2847]

Thanks for all the great information. Being very very new to archery, this is incredibly useful to help understand what is going on with my arrow flight.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re welcome.

[@lissahime]

Your videos have been so helpful. I'm new to archery and most recurve videos are more modern style and don't apply as much to me. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I couldn't get anything consistent. After this and other videos you've done I'm hoping to see an improvement

[@BruceBowditch]

This is one of the clearest explanations I've come across of arrow tuning and matching arrow weights/spine to a bow.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Bruce

[@DouglasCorrell1]

This is quite possibly the best tuning video on youtube. Great job!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks, share it with all your buddies!

[@MrGaborseres]

Great information 👍👌this really helps me out. I just started in archery...... You explain everything where even I can understand. 😁 Thank you 👍

[@carlito1919]

Delightfully explained. Nicely done. Thank you.

[@garyclephane9623]

Comments you made on this post explain a lot thanks.

[@mlugin8050]

Damn that was very well explained. Subscribed immediately. Thanks and greetings from Switzerland

[@DifferentWayDown]

This one will go down in the history books, Clay. Awesome in depth video. Should help a lot of folks out, thanks so much!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@basails45]

Just getting into archery with a recurve. This was way over my head but by the end I was catching up. Great info

[@jumperzee9161]

Great video Clay! Finally redoing my whole arrow situation and this was super helpful and timely. Hope you're doing good!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good deal!

[@edithrobert-casanova7545]

Great and crystal clear explanation, as usual.

[@heymikemikemike9238]

Now, I finally really understand what nock left and nock right arrow flight has to do with arrow tuning! THANK YOU!

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re welcome!

[@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas]

Thank you. I'm new to archery and you made everything easy to understand.

[@lukebarbour]

A very good explanation, especially the physics behind arrow flight. Thanks from the UK.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Luke

[@js4540]

It's really both technical and also straight forward, and more so very useful. Thanks much

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks John

[@bradleysnyder50]

This is a great video.. Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail.

[@dave-d]

Finally! Thanks so much for this vid. Been trying to get my head around this for a long time. Great content and very well filmed. A real credit to the tube. You're a natural teacher Bro.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@b0lobattali0n78]

Just want to say that watching your videos has improves my archery skill set.

[@clayhayeshunter]

good to hear

[@stopbeingstupid8208]

Please keep creating videos and sharing. Whether it is hunting, bow making or instructional, when it says Clay Hayes, I am watching! Great stuff! Your family is amazing too!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much! Please share them when you can.

[@glennwhitt7375]

The best video. You really know your archery. Thank you immensely for this information.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re most welcome

[@kyrie26]

One of the better archery channels around!

[@HK-mr4rv]

Awesome video Clay, this answered all my questions. Thanks for the great explanation

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re welcome

[@sprk11]

glad this is still here. With covid we haven't had a 3d shoot in 3 years and needed a refresher on arrow tuning,,, and bow tuning as I put on a new string and made a new batch of arrows.

[@Makete100]

Wow. That is a load of great information. Will have to watch this again to make sure I get all that useful info in my pea brain. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Haha, just put it on loop!

[@Makete100]

LOL.

[@savagepete1983]

I'm new to longbows. I just bought an OMP Sierra 68" 45#. Thanks for your helpful videos! I've watched quite a few.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Have fun

[@markyoung7271]

Clay ...superb video. I have what I call the " arrow grave yard" ..it's filled with broken wooden arrows... You have put together a lot of great tips. As my form is not consistent it has taken me months and a lot of arrows that have been cut too short to realise that you should ..get your fletched arrows grouping well, and hopefully no nock left or right high or left. Then go for the bare shafting...if folk watch this they will understand the tuning process and save money on wasted arrows.!! Thanks for your time and effort .

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Mark

[@mattbenson-traditionalarch2992]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks you for showing this video.

[@FIFTHTRUMPETDRONE]

Great video! Exactly what I was looking for! Great job on Alone!

[@philipsutton2316]

This is really great Clay and very helpful - thanks for taking the time!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Philip, I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@user-si6fk9er8i]

Just the right video every Chinese Trad shooter should see. I have been shooting 500 spine 300 grain arrows for no reason but now I know why.

[@thorstenfleck-baustian8775]

Thank you, great job again Clay👍

[@HonestDoubter]

Clay - I am getting ready to build my first set of wooden arrows and this video cleared up SO MUCH for me. I do have one observation though. You asked your poor wife to film you shoot - why didn't you just ask your dog about your spine weight? He saw the whole thing.

[@davidtyndall3786]

Good man,. Appreciate the heads up. I'm ready to try again. Thank You.

[@drrejimathew3919]

Excellent video.....probably the best video on Arrow spine.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@davidzellers3537]

Wow I just learned more from this video than I’ve learned in 46 years! Thanks for the advice!

[@clayhayeshunter]

You're most welcome!

[@mikkelhollnagel8199]

Excellent, informative and to the point. Thanks!

[@crossfitloughborough4589]

Some great advice, Im normally a compound archer, but moved last year to Trad, and this really helps

[@clayhayeshunter]

Welcome to the fam!

[@calebtaylor6908]

Thanks so much, helped a ton to decide my first whitetail setup !

[@GINGERGARY1]

clay, this was a great video, I have been shooting since 1957 and still got a couple of good ideas, thanks

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Gary

[@jrbtc]

Clay, as an aging and avid hunter my entire life, I grew up shooting a recurve and then got away from it and followed technology for many years. I recently dove back into Traditional with a new recurve and am having a blast, but was seeing a non optimal flight... that led me to your video and channel and it has made a big difference. If you get to the east coast, I will gladly return the favor and show ya how I hunt and shoot off a saddle on a rope and carry nothing else, not even a platform. As minimal as it gets. Cheers brother.

[@clayhayeshunter]

welcome back!

[@PurplemonkeyHS]

Totally new to archery. I think I'm going to be glad I found your channel

[@Chriskellyauto]

I have been going through this process recently, and this video reinforced everything I have been figuring out. One of the most frustrating things, is that wood bows can change draw weight under different heat and humidity. So one set of tuned arrows might not work once you find yourself in situation with more or less heat and humidity! So now I am trying to make up some wood arrows with changeable points, so I can adjust point weight within a draw weight range that I know my bow can shift in. Turns out, my 70lb longbow needs me to buy 50lb spine wood arrows at 29". Then I can fine tune with point weight between 80 and 140 grains. Trying to keep my GPI down to about 6, so I have a nice light target arrow as well. God it is a ton of work. :)

[@georgzausinger9730]

science talk ? friends

[@LukePighetti]

if you use wood arrow shafts with a wood bow does that solve the problem? The spine changing with humidity and the draw weight as well.

[@davidtyndall3786]

Amazing it's been done for over 50,000 years. What a pain in the ice - age.

[@killerpaws]

thanks for the advice, i'll be coming back to this video when my 30yd shots are better grouped :)

[@everettewelch337]

Dude, just finished watching you win Alone on Netflix's and today I had one of your videos come up randomly on my KZbin page. Congrats on the Alone victory.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@jamescullins2709]

best video on tuning I have seen. Good job!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks James

[@sprk11]

nice vid. I do the same thing only I don't put the point on and I shorten till the start to shoot just a touch stiff. Then I put my tips on and continue with the process as you describe.

[@williamlockhart5031]

Thanks Clay! This information will help a lot!

[@notapplicable531]

As someone who tunes his Korean hornbows every time he strings them so they draw without unstringing, I was sensitive to the title of this video. What you are doing is tuning the arrows, not the bows for perfect arrow flight. Regardless you've provided an excellent guide to getting the perfect arrows for one's bows. Thank you.