The compound bow shoots high if the draw weight is too light or the arrow is too heavy. If the draw weight is too soft or lightweight, the archery arrow will not have enough energy to make it to the target. If it is too heavy, it will not be able to fly as far because gravity will slow it down.
Reasons why Compound Bows Shoot High
Incorrect Draw Length
If the draw length is long, your arrow will tend to shoot high. On the other hand, if your draw length is too short, your arrow will likely shoot low.
Incorrect Arrow Weight
If your arrows are consistently shooting high, you may want to try switching to a heavier one. Heavier arrows will typically fly higher than lighter arrows. It is because heavier arrows have more kinetic energy and thus are less affected by wind resistance.
Incorrect Center Shot
The center shot is where you place the arrow that suits the bowstring. If your center shot is off, it will cause your archery arrows to veer off course and shoot high or low.
Incorrect Arrow Spine
The spine of an arrow is the portion that runs from the tip to the nock (back end). If your arrow spine is too stiff, it will cause your arrow to shoot high. On the other hand, if your arrow spine is too flexible, it will likely cause your arrow to shoot low.
Incorrect Nocking Point
The nocking point is where you place the arrow in the bowstring. If your nocking point is too high, it will cause your archery arrow to shoot high. Conversely, if your nocking point is too low, it will cause it will also shoot low.
Incorrect Release Aid Settings
Release aids are devices that attach to the bowstring and help you release the arrow smoothly and accurately. If you have not adjusted your release aid properly, it can cause your archery arrows to shoot high or low.
Poor Form
If you have poor shooting form, it will likely cause your arrows to shoot high. Good shooting form includes stance, grip, anchor point, and follow-through. If you’re unsure about your shooting form, it’s best to consult with a professional or experienced archer.
If you are a new archer, shooting high may be something that you need to get used to. Don’t worry; with some practice, you’ll be hitting your target in no time!
Contents
How to know if my arrow spine is too weak?
You will know that the arrow spine is too weak if it veers to the side. It means it is not strong enough to handle the stress of being shot from the bow. If you notice this, getting a new spine better suited for your bow is essential.
Other Signs Arrow Spine is Too Weak
Aside from the obvious sign that the arrow will veer off course when it has a weak spine, there are other few indicators:
Your arrows are not flying as far as they used to
If you notice that your arrows are not flying as far as they used to, it could be because the spine is too weak.
When you fire an arrow from a bow, the bowstring imparts kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is what propels it forward.
However, if the arrow’s spine is weak, it will deform upon impact with the target and lose much kinetic energy. As a result, the archery arrow will not fly as far as it would if it had a strong spine.
Accuracy starts to suffer
When an arrow’s spine is weak, the shot’s accuracy will start to suffer. It is because the spine acts as the support, and if it is not strong enough, the arrow will not be able to fly straight. A weak arrow spine can also cause it to break mid-flight, leading to accuracy issues.
Groups start to open
When you shoot an arrow, the force of the bowstring propels it forward with a great deal of energy. This energy will transfer to the arrowhead, which then pierces the target.
However, if the arrow’s spine is weak, it will start to open up as it flies and quickly dissipates the energy. As a result, it will not penetrate as deeply into the target and will cause less damage.
You hear a lot of arrow noise
When an arrow’s spine is weak, it can cause it to flex and vibrate excessively. It can create a lot of noise as it moves through the air. Sometimes, this can be loud enough to startle or scare game animals away.
Checking the spine strength is a good idea if you’re hearing a lot of noise from your arrows. Replace weakened or damaged archery arrows to avoid any safety issues. A good quality arrow should have a strong spine that can withstand regular use without flexing or breaking.
Your bow starts to feel less stable
The bow will feel less stable when the arrow’s spine is too weak. It is because the arrow cannot fly straight and instead start to wobble. It can cause the bow to feel less steady in your hand and make it more difficult to aim accurately.
There are a few reasons why an arrow’s spine might be weak:
- If the arrow is from a soft material, it will not be as strong as an arrow made from a more rigid material.
- If the arrow is not straight, it will also affect its strength and stability.
- If you incorrectly place the fletching on the arrow, it can also cause it to be less stable in flight and, therefore, not travel as far.
- If the arrow’s point is not sharp, it can also affect the distance it travels.
- If the bowstring is not tight enough when pulled back, it can cause the arrow to lose some of its power and not travel as far.
Ways to test the strength of an arrow’s spine
Test the arrow by shooting
One of the ways to test the arrow is to shoot it and see how it performs simply. If it breaks or bends, then it is not strong enough.
Use a Spine Tester
You can also use a device called a spine tester. It is a tool that measures the amount of force needed to bend the arrow.
Use an Arrow Puller
Another method to test the strength of an arrow is to use an arrow puller. This device measures the force needed to pull the archery arrow out of a target.
Use an Arrow Flex Test
You can use an arrow flex test. This test measures the force needed to bend the arrow in half.
By testing the strength of your arrows in these different ways, you can be sure that they are up to the task of hunting or competition.
Why are my arrows not shooting straight?
The arrows will not shoot straight if you do not hold the bow correctly. The grip on the bow must be firm but relaxed, and the hand must be in line with the arrow.
Other reasons why arrows do not Shoot Straight
The bow is not tuned correctly
You have to balance the bow so that the weight of the arrows will not result in tilting. The archery arrows will not fly straight if it is not balanced. If the string is loose, it will not have enough power to go directly.
The arrows are not the right length or weight for the bow
Your arrow needs to match the bow to work correctly. The archery arrows will not shoot straight if they are not the right length or weight for the bow. If they are not, they will not have enough power to travel in a straight line and veer off to one side.
The arrows are not fletched correctly
The fletching of the arrow plays an essential role in its flight. The fletching is the feathers or vanes, and you should place them near the back end of the shaft. They provide stabilization and keep the arrow flying straight.
If they are not placed correctly or are damaged, the arrow will not fly straight because the spin will be off. Ensure your fletching is in good condition and set correctly before shooting.
There is something wrong with the bowstring
When you shoot, the bowstring will pull the arrow along with it. If there’s something wrong with the bowstring like if it’s frayed or not the correct tension, it won’t fly straight.
If the bowstring is not tensioned correctly, it can cause the arrow to veer off course. It will force off its natural flight path if the string is tight.
On the other hand, if it is too loose, it will not have enough power behind it to fly straight. Either way, an improperly tensioned bowstring can cause your arrow to miss its target.
Ways to Fix arrow not shooting straight
- If you’re having trouble getting your arrows to shoot straight, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
- Check to ensure the arrow is correctly seated in the bow. The archery arrow should be snug against the nock, with no gaps. If it is loose, it can cause it to veer off course.
- Check your arrow rest. Ensure that it is properly adjusted and not causing the arrow to come into contact with the bowstring.
- Check your form. If you are not holding the bow correctly, or if your release is not consistent, it will also affect your shot’s accuracy.
- Check the condition of your arrows because damaged or bent arrows can also cause them to veer off course.
- Inspect the bowstring for damage. If there are any nicks or frays, this can affect the arrow’s trajectory.
- Have someone else check your equipment.
What happens if arrows are too lightly or heavily spined?
If an arrow is too lightly or heavily spined, it will not fly correctly and may veer off course. It can impact both the accuracy and distance of your shot negatively. In extreme cases, a poorly spined arrow can even break upon firing.
As such, it is essential to select arrows that have the appropriate level of the spine for your bow and shooting style. If you are unsure which arrow spine is right for you, consult with a professional archer or archery shop.
Ways to correct the spine of the arrow
The arrow spine is the measurement of the arrow’s stiffness and strength. Here are some of the ways to correct the arrow spine:
Use an arrow spine chart
Many different charts are available online or at your local archery shop to help you select the right arrow spine for your bow. Match up the GPI of the arrows with the appropriate range for your bow’s draw weight.
Test fire different arrows
If you’re still unsure which arrow spine is right for you, the best way to find out is to test-fire different arrows. Set up a target at a consistent distance and try shooting arrows with different spines. See which ones fly the most accurately and consistently for you.
Get professional help
If you’re still having trouble choosing the correct arrow spine, it’s always best to consult with a professional archer or archery shop. They can help you find the right arrows for your bow and shooting style.
Use a weight and spine tester
If you want to do it the technical way, you can use a tool like weight and a spine tester. It will help you find the exact arrow spine perfect for your bow.
Try different arrows until you find one that works
There’s no wrong way to find the right arrow for you. Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect arrow spine is to try out different archery arrows until you find one that works well with your bow. Experiment and have fun!
Get a good arrow spine tester. Select from this list of +100 testers.
Leave a Reply