Why do arrows wobble in flight?

One of the main reasons why arrows wobble in flight is because you have the wrong length string. Another reason could be that you did not release the arrow correctly.

As an archer, you have to ensure that you get to know your arrow well.

The arrow should be as straight as an arrow is. However, this is not an easy task to do.

Wobbling is a common issue in the world of archery. It is because most archers experienced arrow wobbling at some point. And yes, most archers still struggle with wobbling arrows – even the most experienced ones.

So, why do arrows wobble mid-flight?

Not releasing the arrow right is one of the most frequent causes.

Correctly releasing your arrow is the key to success here. If you release your arrow correctly, the arrow will not wobble. And how do you release the arrow properly? We will discuss that later.

Another reason why arrows wobble is because of a spine match problem. It could be a sloppy shot. Or it could be because the center shot match problem causes the issue.

If you are wondering whether you can solve this or not, the answer is yes.

You can find a solution to arrow wobbling. However, the first thing you have to do is to identify the issue first.

If you need help identifying the wobbling arrow’s root cause, you are in the right place. And yes, we will also let you know how you can solve the problem.

Just read on.

So, the reason for arrows to wobble stems from the approach when you release the arrow.

When you do not fire the arrow properly, it affects the courts of your arrow. It will wobble mid-flight.

Now, you might have the right approach at the beginning. However, you could also mess up at the last minute.

A sloppy release can also be a possible cause of arrow wobbling.

When you pull the strings with high pressure, your arrows will wobble.

It is because there is intense pressure on the nose. The other main reason may be the string that wraps around the cheek.

There can also be another possible reason why arrows wobble. An arrow that was improperly tuned can also wobble in the air.

Sometimes, the center shot can be off. Other times, the arrow spine can have a mismatch.

The nock height can also be the culprit of why arrows wobble.

So, how do you stop them from wobbling in the air?

How do you stop the arrow from wobbling?

An open-handed bow grip is the first step to fixing the wobbling. You also need to note the position of the string before adjusting the center shot. Finally, check for broken strings and manage these strings if broken.

You already know the reasons why arrows wobble in the air.

Now, the question that should be lingering in your mind is how do you stop the arrows from wobbling?

Of course, you have to deal with the causes.

The Center Shot Match Problem

When you talk about the center shot, you align everything in line with the center of the bow.

The center shot helps you in following down the riser to your bow. Also, your center shot ensures that the arrow aligns the torquing strings and sights.

The steps to center-shot your arrows are as follows.

Hold Your Bow

First, ensure that you hold your bow with an open-handed grip.

Holding your bow this way will allow you to see the back of the handle line up with the string line.

Your lineup will also continuously position itself at the center of the riser.

The Position of Your String

The next thing you must remember is the position of your string.

Ensure that the position of your arrow is consistent with the string. You must check if the arrow lies at the string’s left or right.

Adjust the Center Shot

The next step is to adjust the center shot.

Adjust when the arrow’s position is slightly off, either to the left or right.

Manage the String

Sometimes, you get a fractured bow.

If something happens, be careful to handle the broken string.

Matching the Arrow Spine

An arrow spine is the measurement of your arrow’s stiffness. Choose the arrow’s spine to determine how flexible or stiff your arrow is.

The arrow spine also indicates whether your arrow will flex or bend. The spine number will give you that information.

In archery, you must match the arrow spine with the stability of your arrow. If you have the ring number, it will result in your arrow wobbling in the air. It can also result in your arrow being too stiff.

Thus, it would help to find the right spine strength that can come with the right weight.

Here is how you can determine the correct arrow spine number.

You also need a higher spine number if you have a longer arrow. Remember that the longer arrow you have, the higher the spine number you need.

Arrows with heavier arrow points will also need a higher arrow spine number.

Also, if you have a longer broadhead, the ideal shaft is the stiffer one. Choose a more rigid shaft for your longer broadhead instead of a field point.

A spine selector will help you find the perfect size fit.

How to Deal with A Sloppy Release?

As mentioned earlier, it can wobble when you don’t release the arrow correctly.

It is common to misfire if you do not pull back the bow’s string.

In archery, even the most experienced archers can sometimes have sloppy releases. It would be best if you drastically minimized the arrows from wobbling to stop a messy release.

Most of the time, the problems related to releasing the arrow can differ from one archer to another. However, there can be general tips to help you out. Here they are:

• Do not release the arrow too soon.
• Make sure that you have the appropriate brace height. The height should never be out of whack.
• Make sure to release and follow through.
• Practice a lot.

Arrow Porpoising

The porpoising of your arrow can affect its accuracy.

This problem is quite different from fishtailing. The difference is because the wobble, in this case, happens vertically.

The main issue with this problem is knocking height. There can also be other reasons. However, knock height is the most common of them all.

Here are a few steps to fix this.

Take a few test shots using your arrows. When you do this, you allow the test to see the direction that your arrow is porpoising to.

Check the nock point. You will be able to observe the porpoising if you do this.

Now, check the direction you saw. Adjust the nock point accordingly. Most of the time, these minor adjustments can solve the issue. However, you have to be careful that you adjust the nock. Sometimes, you can accidentally remove it.

What causes arrow fishtailing?

Fishtailing is when the arrow moves from left to right, not up and down. The cause of arrow fishtailing usually lies in the arrow spine. The spine can be too stiff, or it can be too weak.

Archers face this problem all the time. And we know how you feel when your shot is not as accurate as you want it to be.

Fishtailing can hurt your shot.

And yes, research and much practice can help you solve this problem.

Here, we are going to talk about this problem. We will also let you know how you can solve it in time.

Arrow Fishtailing Defined

Arrow fishtailing is another kind of arrow wobbling.

In arrow fishtailing, the wobbling movement of the arrow is from left to right.

The cause is something you can attribute to the arrow spine.

Sometimes, the cause can also be the spring tension in the cushion plunger. Of course, there may also be other causes of arrow fishtailing. However, those mentioned above are the most common.

The Causes

Now, what is the main reason why arrows fishtail?

The most common reason is the wrong approach when releasing the arrow.

This type of reason would usually affect the course of the arrow. Additionally, the texture of the flight may be impacted, increasing air tremors.

However, there can also be a lot of reasons.

These are the most common:

• Sloppy arrow release
• Pulled strings with high pressure
• Excessive string pressure on the nose
• Improper tuning
• Center shot off
• Nock height
• Arrow spine mismatch

How do you avoid arrow fishtailing?

You can avoid fishtailing with arrow propoising and arrow spine matching like wobbling. You can also minimize fishtailing with a good release of your arrow.

As mentioned earlier, the cause behind arrow fishtailing can be many.

And for you to avoid fishtailing, you have to determine the cause.

Let us begin to identify the problem. And with its identification, we can determine the ways to avoid fishtailing.

The most common problem in arrow fishtailing is the wrong way of releasing arrows.

And so, if you can only ensure that you release the arrows correctly, you already secure yourself to a smooth arrow flight.

Here are some other reasons why your arrows fishtail.

Arrow Propoising

It affects the arrow’s flight. It makes it impossible for the arrow to have a smooth flight. It also results in the arrows to fishtail.

Spine Matching

It is hard to perfect spine matching. However, if you can, spine matching will resolve your fishtail issues.

There are two ways to achieve perfect spine matching. And we will talk about these later.

Sloppy Release

Sometimes, an archer gets perfect releases most of the time. If the fishtailing happens occasionally, the problem can be with a sloppy release.

A clean arrow helps.

Center Shot Match

A center shot match is another possibility why your arrows fishtail.

But what do you mean with a center-shot bow?

A center shot means you align everything in line with the center of your bow.

You may follow down the riser to the bow with a center shot bow. It may also assure you that the arrow aligns torquing string and sights.

However, the most crucial step is to perfect this using your eyes.

There are two ways to center shot arrows.

Hold the bow with an open-handed grip. Make sure you are handling the bow so you can see the back of the handle line up with the string of the cams. Also, it should line up with the centerline of the riser.

Check if the arrow’s position is to the string’s left or right.

Adjust to the center if it is partially to the left (or right).

If you have a fractured bow, manage a broken string.

For you to center shot match, you must understand how to release the arrow the correct way.

Now, how do you release the arrow and not have it fishtail?

The gist of the story is you have to release the arrow the right way.

If you don’t do this right, there is a chance that the arrow will fishtail.

If you fire your arrow the right way, you also increase the accuracy of your shot.

As an archer, how do you ensure that you release the arrow correctly?

Pull back the bowstring entirely. Do it naturally and gracefully.
When ready to fire, release the tension from the bowstring finger. Do this smoothly. The step will have the arrow fly as energy is already stored in the limbs.

Fixing an Arrow Fishtail

These are the tips for you to avoid arrow fishtailing.

If you already know how to release the arrow the right way, your arrows will not fishtail. But what if you don’t know how to release the arrows correctly?

Here are the tips on how to correct fishtails.

Before we start, let us mention the causes:

• Arrow spine mismatch
• Sloppy release
• Center shot match issues.

First, you must understand that arrow spine matching is critical to ensuring a smooth arrow flight.

But how do you do this?

Initially, let us tell you about arrow spines.

In standard terms, an arrow spine measures how stiff your arrow is.

The arrow spine refers to how stiff or flexible the arrow is.

But how do you use the spline number for a perfect shot?

You might also want to know what an arrow spine number is.

The spine number refers to how much flexibility your arrow has. It means that your arrow spine rating is the number that tells how stiff the arrow shaft is.

The arrow spine will tell you how resistant the arrow shaft is to bending.

If the arrow bends a lot, it will not fly. It will also not hit the target correctly. And it is also the same if the arrow shaft is super stiff.

But the perfect spine number should not make the arrow flex. It should also not make the arrow stiffer.

It would help if you matched the spine strength with the draw weight.

Doing so will give your arrow an accurate flight.

It will also result in a smooth flight without any form of fishtailing.

Now, you already know why an arrow spine is essential. And because you know it is necessary, picking up the correct arrow spine is also crucial.

Here is how you determine the correct arrow spine.

You must get a higher arrow spine to shoot heavier arrow points. If you have a longer arrow, you need a higher spine number.

Make sure to use the spine selector in finding the right spine size.
You can also opt to choose a stiffer shaft. It is essential to do so when you are shooting a longer broadhead.

How to Avoid Sloppy Releases

As you already know, a sloppy release can result in arrow fishtails. If you correct it, you can have an arrow that flies smoothly.

It is hard to give you tips on how you can avoid sloppy releases. We have to see how you release your arrows for us to determine why it is cluttered.

If you have somebody who can coach you on your release, take advantage of his/her services.

However, you can start with these practical tips. These tips can help you:

Do not release the arrows fast.

Ensure that the brace height is perfect. It should not be out of whack.
Make sure to release and follow through.

Practice a lot.

As you can see, there might be tips to help you improve your performance.

However, the best thing that you can do is to always practice.

And when you do, make sure somebody is present to correct you.

It is only through this that you can improve your performance in archery.