Arrow Weight and Such

[IcEaHoLiC]

OK everyone, i have recent bought some new arrows Easton Epics, from my original radial weaves that came with the bow, so i can shoot a few more arrows before each trip to the target But, the epics i noticed have a little loft at 20 yards when the radial weaves had a flat trajectory. When i asked about this loft issue, where i bought them, the guy confused me. What exactly does the gpi tell you? Is it the weight, or is it how tightly it is weaved to reduce flex? I first thought that the less gpi the less it weighed, but am not sure. My radial weaves were 8.6 gpi and the epics are 8.7. I am in the process in trying to find out which arrows i want to get, and was confused the other day.

I know that i dont want to go with the epics, dont get me wrong they are great arrows but with my set-up I just dont like it. If i had a 70# bow instead of my 60#, i would not have this delema, i dont think. I am trying to decide between getting the carbon express maximas or the gold-tip hunters. My girlfriend said she would get me some but i have to decide which ones.

Can anyone please help me with my delema?

[Royce Aardahl]

You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. gpi is grains per inch. I don't think a human could tell the difference between 8.6 and 8.7 in loft at 20 yards. A 30 inch arrow thats only 3 grains. If you are shooting pinwheel x's at 40 yards 3 grains heavier might drop it a bit but I would guess it would be less than 1/2 inch. Any of the arrows you mentioned should work just dandy. Just my 02.

[MIKEYMN]

I think your best bet is to pick one brand of arrow and get them made all the same. To much differance in arrow desings to shoot more than one brand on a single set up. The two brands you talked about are both pretty good arrows pick one get a dozen or so made and set your bow to them arrows only.

[cliffy]

Eyeguy nailed it on the head. Its grains per inch. This also relates to the spine of the arrow. It can be very confusing to first understand..but just a little research and it will come around.

I would suggest checking out the Gold Tip web site, under products..you can build your own arrow, check the Front of Center...etc. I would also suggest checking out the Easton Archery web site, under the "down loads" section, you will find a lot of info on "tuning" and shaft selection.

As someone else already stated, I would stick to one particular arrow/weight to make the situation uniform. I have been using Gold Tip Hunter XT 5575 (8.2 gpi cut to 28 1/4)...with my 70lb draw bow..and they seem to work fine. If you are pulling a 60lb draw you could probably go with the Gold Tip Hunters 3555 at 7.4 gpi...depending of course on your choice of vanes/feather and FP/BH. The rule of thumb I was always told, is to go no less then 5gpi times the draw weight. Meaning, if you pull 60lbs,....60 x 5= 300gpi. So, you dont want to go any lighter of total complete arrow weight of 300gpi. If you go lighter, you risk the chance of causing damage to your bow...it would be like dry firing it. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Good Luck.

[Rolly22]

You're right on Cliffy 5 x draw weight. Just make sure you adhere to different States' regulations for minimum arrow weight if you decide to hunt out of State.

[Gus]

Are your nocks alligned in the same position with your new arrows as your old putting odd vane in the same position? Do you have the same vanes/feathers as your old ones? Is it possible you are having some unknown contact from your rest or riser from the new arrows? Additionally, I know the epic's are a thin diameter arrow but I'm not familar with the radial weves. It could be this change in diameter is changing your point of impact. You might just have to sight in for one arrow or the other. Just some things to think about.

I've got some Epics on order right now. I'll let you know how they fly for me when the arrive and I get the time to fletch them up.