How much difference does arrow weight make?

[jw0312]

How much difference does arrow weight make? If I'm shooting an arrow that weights 10.4 gpi and pick up an arrow that weighs 8.6 gpi, how much difference will it make in my shooting?

 

[51 pointer]

the lighter the faster....the faster the more flat....the more flat the more accurate

my bow is a good example of flat....I pull 72 lbs, I shoot 315 fps, I use a 300 carbon arrow with 75 grain points, I use 1 pin from zero to 35 yds so I don't need to guess yardage or have multiple pins

I do lose kenetic energy for being so light but getting a complete pass thru on whitetails is no problem, if I were hunting elk or something I would have a completely different set up

 

[TNDeerGuy]

It is all in personal preference. Myself, I want a good balance between the two, with an edge going to weight. I understand what 51pointer is saying, and he is right. However, I don't mind having a slight drop in my arrow, due to weight&#151that is why I have pins and spend time practicing. I'm shooting 67lbs @ 270fps and my complete arrow weight is 448grains, which equates out to 72 ft/lbs of energy. I look at it like this. If a ping pong ball or a golf ball is being thrown at you at 160mph, which is going to do the most damage&#151the ping pong ball or golf ball? I realize that is an extreme analogy, but you get the point. Like I said, it boils down to personal preference&#151either way will work.

 

[ShaneHallum]

I try to get a little heavier myself. I don't care so much about the speed. Give me a little heavier arrow, it will keep it quieter and hit like a sledge hammer.

 

[jw0312]

This reminds me of the old 9mm vs 45ACP debate.

I should have been clearer in my question. What difference will it make in aiming / accuracy? I'm assuming I wouldn't want to practice with an arrow lighter than what I'm going to hunt with.

 

[51 pointer]

I try to get a little heavier myself. I don't care so much about the speed. Give me a little heavier arrow, it will keep it quieter and hit like a sledge hammer.

good point about noise, my old bows that I tweeked for speed were not very quiet, these newer bows get speed pretty easy with less draw weight, I use to pull 86 lbs back in the day

 

[Radar]

It may be faster , but speed doesn't always equate to increased accuracy with broadheads .Lighter arrows tend to wind plane more , especially with fixed blade heads . A heavier arrow will have more momentum down range as well .

 

[Hoss]

Don't worry about the speed. Select an arrow that is spined to provide good broadhead flight. Let that be your first consideration. Experimentation will allow you to play with arrow weight/point weight, just for fun and games. But never compromise on spine. Stick to a shaft that is spined for your draw length/weight. The speed is fun to talk smack about. But in reality speed talk is more likely to cause you to overlook flawed arrow flight in favor of few FPS. That is not a good trade.

Arrow flight is paramount. Everything in archery is about balance. Balance your need for speed with a greater need for accuracy and flight. Always favor the latter and you will save yourself some serious headache.

I take speed where I can get it. I won't give up much in order to gain it.

 

[Bowdacious]

This reminds me of the old 9mm vs 45ACP debate.

I should have been clearer in my question. What difference will it make in aiming / accuracy? I'm assuming I wouldn't want to practice with an arrow lighter than what I'm going to hunt with.

Correct. You will do better if you practice with the same weight you will be hunting with.

 

[Hoss]

The lady is right! Practice with the same arrow type you plan to hunt with. Use the same weight points also. Practice with the broadhead you plan to hunt with also.

 

[Boone 58]

x-2....i want K.E.....and you do suffer some. give me balance.