A comparison of two different arrows, the main difference is fletching and tip weight, because both arrows weigh 7.3 grains per inch.

Bow used: PSE X Force set on 53 LB 29’’ draw.

The bow paper tuned with both arrows at the same time, shooting a bullet tear with either.

Arrow 1: CX Maxima 250 with Blazers, wrap, 125 gr. tip. Total weight 385 gr. Speed 283 fps. FOC = 12% has 68.4 LB of KE.

Arrow 2: Redhead Carbon Max 2000 with 4’’ feathers, 85 gr. tip. Total weight 325 gr. Speed 305 fps. FOC = 11% with 67.1 LB of KE.

I shot four 3 shot groups @ 40 yards to compare accuracy:
Arrow 1: 3 in, 4.25 in, 2.25 in, 2.5 in. Average 3 inches
Arrow 2: 4 in, 3 in, 1.5 in, 2.5 in. Average 2.75 inches

The 385 gr. arrow is 22 fps slower than the 325 gr. at launch.
Accuracy at 40 yards is basically equal.

I used a calculator http://home.att.net/~sajackson/ballistics.html for the next part:
Arrow 1:
@ 20 yards: 275 fps 65 LB of KE
@ 30 yards: 272 fps 63 LB of KE
@ 40 yards: 268 fps 61 LB of KE

Arrow 2:
@ 20 yards: 292 fps 61 LB of KE
@ 30 yards: 285 fps 59 LB of KE
@ 40 yards: 266 fps 51 LB of KE

I thought some people might find this interesting.

Another reason to bump up arrow weight...look at all that extra downrange KE.

I'm surprisedin the KE difference at 40 yards; out to 30 it's not so bad, but past 30 the difference opens up.

That extra 60 grns gives you the same KE at 40 yards that your lighter arrow produces at 20 yards...all else equal.

To me, thats a no brainer.

gr8 post.

+1, unless you're talking pure target bow, it makes more sense to stick to the HEAVIER arrow, especially if you have about the same "speed" at 40yds as well.

i'll stick to my 100gr. heads....remember back in the day when we thought 210fps. would never be topped??

....damn, I'm getting old.....[&o]

Right.

It's a good to see the downrange result of using a lighter arrow.
Feather fletching will cost KE at a distance versus vanes on an arrow where weight is otherwise equal.
Of course if someone is restricted to 20 yard shots it won't make as much difference.

Take a tip from the trad world, go with more weight for hunting. My slow longbows shoot the heaviest arrows. I try to tune an arrow to around 650 grain for my longbows that pull60+lbs @ 28". And at leat 500+ with weights below 55lbs @ 28".

Lighter arrows will shoot faster, but will also loose more energy on impact through arrow oscillations. Heavier head weights will give you better penetration. FOC is more important for penetration than weight and speed. With compounds, its not as important as with trad gear. I like to have a FOC of at least 15 with compounds and with trad bows no less than 20.