Wobbling arrow optical illusion?

[nralover]

I have never noticed my arrow in flight before, but I saw a few of them while shooting the other day, and they seemed to have some english on them. The vanes are getting a little old now, and at 17 yards they were grouping very well, in fact alot of times the three arrows are nearly touching. Am I seeing an optical illusion, or does it even matter since they are accurate?

[Mikey S.]

One of the worst habits to get into is looking for your arrow after you release. I shoot dark fletchings for practice, so my eyes don't wander off to the arrow in flight. Focus on your spot, all the time, till the arrow hits.

What you may be seeing is the arrow spinning in flight, especially if you have bright vanes. If you have doubts on how well they are flying, shoot 'em thru paper and see how they are flying.

ORIGINAL: nralover

I have never noticed my arrow in flight before, but I saw a few of them while shooting the other day, and they seemed to have some english on them. The vanes are getting a little old now, and at 17 yards they were grouping very well, in fact alot of times the three arrows are nearly touching. Am I seeing an optical illusion, or does it even matter since they are accurate?

[KodiakArcher]

If the arrows are "wobbling" in flight it's either a sign of poor tuning or poor form. I can't see mine in flight until I get out over 40 yards. Mikey brings up a good point, have someone else look for it while you concentrate on the target until the arrow hits. I only see mine out of my periphial vision.

[nralover]

ORIGINAL: KodiakArcher

If the arrows are "wobbling" in flight it's either a sign of poor tuning or poor form. I can't see mine in flight until I get out over 40 yards. Mikey brings up a good point, have someone else look for it while you concentrate on the target until the arrow hits. I only see mine out of my periphial vision.

I think you may be right- I have pretty bright fletching, and it really just caught the corner of my eye. I make an effort to smoothly release the arrow and stay put until it reaches the target.