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Explained Archery

Arrows: Length, Spine, Fletching and Setup Guides

Use this hub to get arrow length, arrow spine, setup, and cleanup in one place. Start with fit, then move to spine and maintenance. The arrow-length and quiver pages use visual checks to make the setup steps easier to compare.

How to size arrows in the right order

Arrow selection goes wrong when people buy in the wrong sequence. Each number depends on the one before it, so work down this list.

  1. Draw length, because it sets everything else. Use the draw length calculator.
  2. Arrow length, normally draw length plus 1 to 2 inches so the point stays ahead of the rest at full draw.
  3. Point weight, usually 100 or 125 grains. Decide it before you buy shafts, because it changes the spine you need.
  4. Spine, the stiffness of the shaft. A longer arrow or a heavier point makes an arrow behave weaker, so both push you toward a stiffer shaft, meaning a lower spine number.
  5. Total weight and balance, which decide how the arrow flies and how quietly the bow shoots. Never go below 5 grains of arrow per pound of draw weight.

Finger shooters need a weaker spine than a compound shooter at the same draw weight, which is why a compound chart sends recurve archers to shafts that are far too stiff.

Live tools

Start with fit and length

Arrow setup and maintenance

Arrow weight and FOC

Use these calculators after you settle on arrow length and spine. They help you compare finished arrow mass and front balance, but they do not replace a scale or a shaft maker’s chart.

Arrow Weight CalculatorArrow FOC CalculatorArrow Kinetic Energy CalculatorHow to Choose Arrows for a Recurve Bow

What this hub covers

Arrow length, spine, quiver carry, and cleanup all affect how the arrow behaves. A good setup starts with the right length, then checks spine and component fit before you shoot.

Safe next steps

Beginner gear checklist

If you are still building the first setup, start with the equipment list before you buy extras or tune the arrows too far.

Arrow spine and tuning

If the spine is wrong, the arrow can fly poorly even when the length looks right. Use the arrow spine calculator for a starting spine, then confirm it on the arrow spine chart for recurve, compound and traditional bows. Crossbow shooters should use the crossbow bolt weight chart instead.