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Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: Bronson on August 02, 2011, 05:07:28 PM

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Title: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: Bronson on August 02, 2011, 05:07:28 PM

I have a question for those of you that use some of the archery software thats available.

I have been tinkering with my bow and its set up recently and decided to see what some of the software suggests.  I found two companies that let you download their software to demo.  One was OnTarget2 and the other was TAP.  They both seem to be pretty good so far but my problem is that when it comes to arrow spine they tell me two completely different things.  One says the spine of my arrows is slightly stiff, the other says the spine is way too soft. 

Anybody experience something similar to this when using different archery software?

I have a tendency to believe the one that says its slightly stiff based on what I have experienced as well as the fact that the program that says that (OnTarget2) seems to be a bit more detailed overall.

Thoughts?

Title: Re: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: jechicdr on August 02, 2011, 09:13:25 PM

I bought the OnTarget2.  I had previously used the "charts" to pick my arrow spine the first year.  Beman MFX 340's.  When I shot, the difference between my broadheads and field tips were too far off despite tuning and I also wanted to use a heavier broadhead, so I picked a stiffer spine and was able to tighten up the broadhead and field tip distance even with the 125 grain broadheads (more front of center).  Played around with OnTarget2 and it essentially predicted the 300's were more appropriate with the broadheads I wanted to use.  Just happened to get lucky with the arrow length. (was using 28.5 inch and it predicted 28.13 inches).  The program predicted I would do better with a weaker spine for my target arrows and this tightened up the groups a little too, but still not hitting the same spot.

In other words, the program will pay for itself (1 dozen 340's wasted)...though you can get the right spine with the trial version.  But the full version has some nice simulations.  Best one for me is the targeting.  If you have a target at 85 yards and you use your 80 yard pin, you put the "pin" on the target your arrow will drop say...10 inches (and it shows you on a target or animal silhouette where your arrow would hit).  I "practice" my shots before I get to the range.  And my arms don't hardly get tired at all.  At the various distance I've gotten good at estimating how high I need to hold to get in the center ring.  This has translated into more "kill" shots on the range.

Title: Re: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: Matt on August 03, 2011, 02:04:22 PM

Go with TAP.  If you have any issues or questions Tony will help you out any time.  If you can't get the right set up using his program he will figure it out for you.  Great support.

Title: Re: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: RUTNBULL1 on August 03, 2011, 10:07:24 PM

Archers Advantage or TAP, the  AA seems to have a newer updated program, both work well! :)

Title: Re: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: vern96 on August 08, 2011, 06:53:11 PM

TAP hands down! (www.thearcheryprogram.com (http://www.thearcheryprogram.com))

Tony is AAA+ when is comes to customer service if there are issues or questions!

Title: Re: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: RadSav on August 09, 2011, 09:14:21 PM

Everything spine related is based upon arrow speed in these programs.  Measure from eye to sight to get your speed and arrow spine the most accurate.  Once you have that measure from peep to sight to set your yardages.  Eye to pins on my bow shows 290 fps and 340 spine as optimal which matches the chrono within a few fps.  Peep to pins gives me 267 fps which is way off but my sight markings are dead on perfect out well beyond hunting range.

I have never used TAP so I can not say for sure if they are the same.  Archers-Advantage is the one I have had the best luck with.

Title: Re: Archery software question for those of you that use it
Post by: Bronson on August 11, 2011, 10:25:10 AM

Thanks everyone for your input.  I was just curious if anyone else had seen complete opposite results in spine suggestions from different software.

RadSav thats really good information, thanks for sharing!  I will take a look at the settings for the bow again and see if that changes anything.

-Allen