arrow weight/f.p.s

[Jotis]

Is it worth changing arrows/components over 20 grains? I am looking to gain a few more f.p.s

 

[Billy Goat]

You will gain around 7 fps.

It's not uncommon for me to have 125 and 100 gr heads on arrows while I'm hunting. At 40 I add a yard.

 

[Bump79]

The first question is - Where are you now?

To me, 20 grains isn't worth the effort in itself. But if you were to combine that with something like adding 5# of draw weight or a faster bow then it's measurable.

I made an arrow speed calculator the other day for people to play around with. It's based on a good sized dataset with actual chronograph data at varying lengths and weights. I find it a little more accurate than others out there, but none are perfect. This one lets you detune the IBO so it's closer to reality. Most bows I find are about 5% lower than advertised.

Arrow Builder — The Arrow Builder

www.thearrowbuilder.com

 

[5MilesBack]

What does that extra few fps get you?

 

[Dylan Sluis]

To me no. If it was as simple as put a different field point on the front than ya sure. But if you aren't changing anything other than the weight it's not worth it. And like asked above what is your fps now?

 

[Bergy-Bowsmith]

No 10-20 grains is not worth changing the arrow set up. you will not see a performance difference.

 

[nphunter]

Only you can answer that question. What is the main driver for you wanting a faster arrow? There are some pretty easy ways to cut 20 gr without changing arrows. Cutting them shorter, fletching with lighter fletchings, or using a lighter broadhead would be the easiest.

One thing to consider if shooting fixed heads is that once you start shooting over 280fps they become much less forging and groups typically open up unless you are shooting with near-perfect form every shot.

 

[guylaga]

At 70lbs and 30" draw you will not see any difference except at yardage that would be too far for an ethical short on an animal.

At 28" and 60lbs you may see a difference at shooting range but it may not be enough to justify changing things.

However if your shooting a 24" draw and a 40lb bow that 20grs may be worth it to get more speed and range.

 

[bergie]

I say go for it. Certainly wont be a huge difference but I find the more I mess with my bow, the more I learn This time of year is the best time to learn. If you ask this question mid August I would have to agree with everyone above who says just leave it alone.

 

[Wilderlife]

It's not going to make a huge difference, but where you are now in terms of poundage, draw length, and arrow weight, will gives a better idea as to whether it's worth thinking about.

If you're at 70# and 550gn, getting a little extra speed may not be a bad thing and 530gn is still a fairly heavy arrow that will penetrate well.

If you're at 60# and 400gn, for example, I'd maybe suggest that's cutting things a little fine with the weight.

 

[westonhoma]

Yeah its all about where you are at now and what you are looking for

This by no means is a rule of thumb. Heard guys talk about it on podcasts and seems to be working decently for me.

I try and figure out (using arrow KE calculator) what weight will get me around 265 fps and start there. I will mess around with things to ensure proper paper tune , arrow flight . how things look at distance, etc.

As long as i am at least in the 260s , I dont feel that handicapped at further distance. I felt like if my arrow was heavier.. speed would be slower.. have more of a drop i have to battle against at distance

But its all unique to the individual (Im pulling 70 pounds at 26.5" draw)