Ok, assume two same shaft type arrows, equal weight, but one is full length, the other is just short enough for your set up to not require an overdraw or similar. Which one would you rather hunt with?

Are longer or shorter arrows more stable and forgiving?

Obviously, the shorter one would require less time to provide equal penetration, especially on a bad hit. Is this enough to give it the nod?

Is anyone tired of my stupid questions yet?



Edited by - Rangeball on 09/13/2002 16:14:14

In my opinion, a longer arrow is more stable and forgiving. The reason is that a longer arrow is slower, and weighs more. If your arrow is too long, it will be underspined. A heavier arrow will always out penetrate a short, light arrow. Simple kinetic energy tells the story.

I read somewhere that arrows shorter than 25" run into stability problems, but I've never shot an 8" overdraw so no way for me to swear to it.

If both weighed the same, like you said, and they both were spined correctly and were tuned for my set-up then the answer is simple: THE SHORTER ONE BECAUSE IT DOESN'T STICK OUT AS FAR FROM THE RISER AND WILL BE LESS PRONE TO BE CAUGHT ON BRANCHES.

The shorter. It has less surface area for wind to catch, and has a SLIGHTLY better aerodynamic profile. Also, the shorter the arrow, the better chance it is straight (arrows are normally only graded to 28&quot