Arrow spine selection

[TooTallMike]

Alright so I got the archery bug again after 4 years out of the game and ended up getting a Hoyt Axius Alpha.

Right now pulling at 70lbs and 30in draw

Was thinking of getting some 5 mm Easton Axis match arrows

Arrow length would be 31"

Thinking of running 100gr or 125 gr tips

Mainly looking to build an arrow for elk sized game and under

Should I go 260 or 300 spine?

Currently with some 6.5 mm hunter classics w/ 125gr tips I'm getting 284fps with a 462gr total arrow weight.

Any suggestions?

Finding out a lot has changed since I last was "informed" in the archery world.

Thanks in advance!

[northwesthunter84]

I just ran your arrows and bow through archers advantage and it shows the 260's as optimum with 100's all the way down to 30" arrows.  If you shorten the arrows you can add a little more weight up front.  Not sure your thoughts on FOC but you could go as far as 30" with 125 gr BH and 50gr Brass HITT inserts.
Or another option would be the Iron Will HITT collars plus the standard HIIT inserts.  There are some options. Stay in the 30"-31" range and the 260's are the ticket.

[OltHunter]

When you talk arrow length, make sure you are using the measurement from the nock groove to the end of the carbon.  Not end of your point, insert, etc.

30" draw with a 31" arrow, seems way too long.  Most of the time, you will be 1" shorter, but it really does depend on how you like it.  If you really like a huge overhang of your broadhead then, go ahead.  But you really should just cut your arrow to the middle of your riser.  All my rests are back probably 2 inches from the riser so i really would have to be doing something incredibly wrong or stupid to shoot something into my hand and have the arrow come off the rest or draw past my drop stops!

I'm a 32" draw length and my arrows are cut to 30.75".  I would say yours should be cut around 29".

Shortening your arrows will stiffen up the spine reaction.

Use the trial here to play with the software and different hardware configurations to see what you can get away with.  That is the best way to get your spine in the right ball park.
https://www.pinwheelsoftware.com/index.html

You have 10 days to work out all your options and won't cost you anything.

See what the spine looks at different lengths, different poundage, 100 vs 125, vane weight, etc.

Try to stay in the middle to slightly stiff.

If you settle on a configuration, group your arrows, then take a few turns out on your limbs to drop the draw weight and see if the groups tighten up.  Spines are generally weaker than you think with the high FOC trend going on!

[TooTallMike]

I just ran your arrows and bow through archers advantage and it shows the 260's as optimum with 100's all the way down to 30" arrows.  If you shorten the arrows you can add a little more weight up front.  Not sure your thoughts on FOC but you could go as far as 30" with 125 gr BH and 50gr Brass HITT inserts.
Or another option would be the Iron Will HITT collars plus the standard HIIT inserts.  There are some options. Stay in the 30"-31" range and the 260's are the ticket.

Thanks for the info!!!!

I'm just trying to understand FOC but I don't know if I should go all out on it as I've had great success making groups with selecting the right spine and just practicing. But I'll give it some more thought.

But sounds like I'll be going with 260's

[TooTallMike]

When you talk arrow length, make sure you are using the measurement from the nock groove to the end of the carbon.  Not end of your point, insert, etc.

30" draw with a 31" arrow, seems way too long.  Most of the time, you will be 1" shorter, but it really does depend on how you like it.  If you really like a huge overhang of your broadhead then, go ahead.  But you really should just cut your arrow to the middle of your riser.  All my rests are back probably 2 inches from the riser so i really would have to be doing something incredibly wrong or stupid to shoot something into my hand and have the arrow come off the rest or draw past my drop stops!

I'm a 32" draw length and my arrows are cut to 30.75".  I would say yours should be cut around 29".

Shortening your arrows will stiffen up the spine reaction.

Use the trial here to play with the software and different hardware configurations to see what you can get away with.  That is the best way to get your spine in the right ball park.
https://www.pinwheelsoftware.com/index.html

You have 10 days to work out all your options and won't cost you anything.

See what the spine looks at different lengths, different poundage, 100 vs 125, vane weight, etc.

Try to stay in the middle to slightly stiff.

If you settle on a configuration, group your arrows, then take a few turns out on your limbs to drop the draw weight and see if the groups tighten up.  Spines are generally weaker than you think with the high FOC trend going on!

Thanks for your input! My current arrows are cut to about 30.75" so I just said 31 and I do like a little overhang past the riser, just personal preference.

I would imagine that 1-1.5" difference would not make or break a set up right?

I'll give that software a go and see what it comes with

[OltHunter]

1" does actually a lot to spine reaction.

Take a look at the software to see how it moves around.

Stay on the stiffer side though if you had to chose a side.

I'm not a big FOC guy, just try to get it around 10%. Long arrows, even with 260 spine, you can't do a whole lot out front or you're too weak.

I also like to 4 fletch, so thays going to keep it down too.

[dilleytech]

260 

[elkchaser54]

I have the same bow on order too. I'm a 28" draw and preferred 65#  . I've ordered carbon express pile drivers a 10g per inch arrow and gold tip hunter xt which are like 9 g per inch.  Going to use 100g broadheads and 50g inserts and see what arrow flies best . So im trying out the FOC heavy arrow route nSo excited for the bow,  loved the feel of this year's Hoyt.

[Crunchy]

You would be fine with a 300 spine arrow and a 100 tip.  Would be a good neutral point between a 340 spine that you could probably get away with, and a 260 which is pretty rare/stiff given a 30 inch draw.  260 might be a little stiff, and 340 might be a little weak.  My vote is 300. 

[TooTallMike]

Thanks for your input everyone. I ended up getting some micro diameter VAP TKO elites in 300 spine.

Went with the 50g insert and 125 heads

Right now my arrow is sitting at 480g and pushing 285fps

Getting 16.9% FOC

Pretty happy with the grouping I'm getting and this coronacation has me tinkering extra these days.

Its also boosting my confidence in my gear for this season.
Which I think is the most important factor

Have some 5mm match grade axis arrows I'd sell for cheap or I can hold on to them and fling em at stuff 😂😂😂

[Crunchy]

Good choice.  I need to get it in gear as well.  I have not been shooting much this year  Season starts in a 5 weeks, so I better get it going.

[TooTallMike]

Good choice.  I need to get it in gear as well.  I have not been shooting much this year  Season starts in a 5 weeks, so I better get it going.

I've been shooting everyday for the past month. Was thinking of giving my arms a break today but I can't help it when I see the target in the back yard just asking to get shot at lol

5 weeks you say?
Youll be ready in 2!!