Here is what I know about my set up (please keep in mind that I have never been a tech guy...just set it up and shoot)

Martin Magnum 64 lbs. Arrow speed is unknown
Draw length is 28 inches
My arrows are the Bass Pro shop Red Head line 350's 4 inch fletch carbon arrows..They are cheapies. The 3 fletches are not straight they kind of have a twist to them. They are 28.5 inches without the BH's
I am shooting with a release
My rest is a standard "pronghorn" rest that came with my bow.
My arrow weight with the BH on is about 550 grains

I have some 125 gr 2 blades BH's I was so frustrated last night I did not even think to try those. Is it possible that the added length of the BH's is causing so much trouble? It seems strange to me that an arrow weighing the same with a field point and a broad head flies so different....I probably should have paid better attention in school.

BTW I am hunting the bigger plains game...kudu, gemsbok, wart hog

Thanks for all the help!!

your about 150 grns off[&:]

There is no magic answer to this, this is a fact of shooting broadheads well.

You NEED to learn how to tune the bow and yourself to shoot fixed heads. There are no shortcuts or fairy dust.

Download Eastons tuning guide - and start from there - read it learn it - do it.

Good Luck in Africa

I'll bet you a nickel this is your problem. The absolute WORST place to skimp on a set up is your arrows.

Spin test your arrows with the broadheads on them. They're probably all over the place. You still need to check bow tune, but this is where I'd start.

If I were in your shoes, I'd get me some new high quality shafts asap. I wouldn't want the drop in the butt load of Africa hunting trip bucket of $70-$100 for a dozen high quality shafts potentially ruin my trip...

That's a recipe for trouble. Do like Rack said and download the guide and learn(even if you don't end up working on it...it;s still good info to know).


I think that is off somewhat...my 2216's weigh less than that.


Sounds like you need some help. Find a REPUTABLE shop....take your bow there and spend the money to get it straightened out. You've got plenty of time...get it straightenend out the right way.

Also, like Arthur said....you'd better double check with the outfitter...many only allow cut on contact heads...and have minimum arrow weights and bow poundage requirements. Hate to see you get all the way over there then find that out.

Good luck

Your draw weight might be a bit on the light side too from memory they have an 80lb min

I agree with Range , you got crap arrows . Get you some acc 349's with 5" feathers and it'll be like magic .

Have you realistically considered that skill and knowledge wise, including having proper gear, you might not yet be ready for an Africa hunt? Some outfitters/guides can be
very hardcore. Their income is based on reputation and success for their paying customers.

You might get there and not pass inspection on proper gear and skill. At which time they (outfitter) keep most or all of your money and tell you that it was your responsibility to know if you were qualified for such type hunting.

Thanks for the help guys!!!! I did forget to mention that I just had my string and cable replaced and tuned by a pro at a good archery shop. I am making an assumption that bow tune is not a major factor in my BH problem (as I mentioned before I was driving tacks with the field points). Lesson learned here is that I need to learn the basics of tuning and flight physics. I'm 100% going to invest in some real arrows. I have an appointment at the archery shop this evening to try some different arrows.

c903....Thanks for the advice on evaluating my skill and knowledge on bow hunting. I want to apply your suggestion. How would I exactly know when I am ready for a trip to Africa??

kman, read this most excellent post by Len if you haven't already-

http://forum.hunting.net/asppg/tm.asp?m=590669

As with the others, I urge you to find out ASAP from your outfitter what the minimum bow poundage and arrow weights are, as well as any specific broadhead type requirements BEFORE you lay out more cabbage for stuff you potentially won't be able to use.

Once you know these things, get your set up ready, and practice, practice, practice. Ask your outfitter what the likely shot yardages are to be, and practice them.

Assuming a minimum arrow weight is involved, and it's 450 grains on up, consider aluminum. XX75s will be plenty on spec to do what you want, although ACC Kinetics or Beeman Matrix may offer more durability in the long run, although at a higher price tag...

I would think a good outfitter would have sent info on the basics to someone booking a hunt. Shots average... but can be out to ..... minimum bow poundage by law is... I prefer my clients to have a minimum bow poundage of...... Broadheads should be ....., and total arrow weight should not be less than... outta your .....pound set up.. You should expect to walk....... carrying...... for..... amount of time.... etc. etc. While I will be with you to identify the animals. You should be able to recognize a ... from a.... from a.... from a.... you can access ....source for information on the various animals endcountered and trophy examples of each, etc. etc.
. Juniorpc.