Its all about the learn'n, when we learn we refine & progress, if we dont we would still be shooting sticks & stones.
Well there you go. Don't forget to consider the amount of deflection each arrow shaft type generates in probably .25" increments in order to maximize your efficiency of inertial energy to optimize the amount of kinetic energy generated by your bow. Also you may want to consider the impact that some of the insert components and their design and construction will add to the efficiency of the arrow as well. I think there are 10 to 20 different arrow components available for the Easton line of arrow shafts(aluminum and carbon, not to mention the arrow shafts that are both aluminum and carbon fused together). Some of the other arrow manufacturers make specialized components that either improve or degrade the performance of their particular arrow brand (depending on which camp you find yourself in). Then we have the different types and weights of broadheads that will also affect the dymanics of the arrows function and mechanics, not to mention flight characteristics and ballistic efficiency. The Fletches will also have to be considered as the weight, height, and stiffness of the construction of each fletching type and brand will need to be evaluated as to how it relates to each of the above criteria on an individual basis. Remember that the different fletching types can also be greatly affected to a greater or lesser degree by the atmospheric conditions,i.e. wind rain, himidity. Oh, yeah don't forget to calculate the effects of the cresting or wraps or lack thereof as that too will affect the spine, deflection, efficiency and the kinetic energy both imparted on the shaft along with the amount of that energy that is retained through out the the flight of the arrow depending on the amount of resistance imparted on the above mentioned components and fletching choices. Don't forget Front of Center. Small changes in FOC can have a tremendous effect on the arrow and it's flight characteristics. FOC is a huge factor in selecting each single aspect of the arrow. Surface coating can be a major or minor influence on penetration along with affecting the amount of noise the arrow shaft makes while drawing and releasing the arrow on the rest. Some even believe the amount of noise the arrow makes in flight is also affected by this variable. Oh yeah how much noise the arrow makes in flight can also be affected by the fletches, broadhead, cresting and the amount of deflection and the speed of the arrow as well. The last thing you want is that buck of a lifetime ducking your arrow because he heard it coming at him at a speed that is either too slow or so fast that it generates a frightnening sound akin to a Lear Jet on final approach. We must also consider the nock. There are a couple of dozen different aftermarket nocks available for the average arrowsmith (the occupation not the rockband) to consider. Some are longer, shorter, lighter, heavier, some with rubber dampeners and some with set screws. Most come with either a tighter fit on the string or a looser fit. All these factors will affect arrow flight and efficiency. The amount of energy and speed delivered to the arrow can be greatly increased or decreased depending on the selection of each and every one of these arrow components and variations. Don't forget to ponder your color choices on the various components of the arrow. While the color may not affect the mechanical performance of the arrow it will definately affect your perception of the arrow and it's flight. There is a great advantage to watching your arrow as it passes through the air to find it's mark on a target. This could prove vital in a hunting situation. So choose wisely your next hunt may very well hinge on the choices made today in your arrow selection. I'm thinking about 1.25 million to just under 3 million possible combinations available.
Orrrrr..... You can just not worry too much about it and have a good time. It is your choice. Oh by the way an arrow chart is your best friend. Go by the chart pick the arrow that is in the middle of your parameters and you can rarely go wrong. Of course if you've got a few tens of millions of dollars to spend and a couple of hundred of years to test them all, the choice will be clear given the correct amount of testing.
In case you didn't get the joke my entire post is one!!! UTGrad please don't melt down when you read this (I know how you like to analyze all the data). I am only joking around.
