Hey there everyone. Does anyone have a go to person to buy ready made traditional arrows from for practice that won't break the bank? I do not mind if they are plain but I need some for practicing my accuracy. Looking for some for my sub-52lb draw bow. My grandfather gave me three of his VERY expensive arrows to practice but I really don't want to use them and risk damaging them!
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For excellent match spine and weight Wapiti (a sponsor here) Premium shafts are an excellent choice. A well made arrow from them will be consistent and easy to tune. My last set of big game arrows made from their premiums had an extreme spread of only six grains in the finished arrows.
Scott, there are a number of companies and individuals that build arrows, and lots of info on building your own. Start by doing a little research among sponsors and others in publications such as Traditional Bowhunter. TradArchers World, and Primitive Archer magazines. 3Rivers Archery, Kustom King, Waipiti and others sell materials. books, and DVDs.
Based on your desire to keep the cost down, I would suggest the DVD on making wood arrows produced by 3Rivers Archery. I would start with wood either Port Orford Cedar, Sitka Spruce, or Douglas Fir. Whether you order pre-manufactured arrows, or buy shafts you should get matched in spine and weight. That means within 5 lbs and within 10 grains in a dozen. If you want the arrows for practice or hunting they need to be straight and Matched in spine and weight or you will go crazy trying to figure out why you missed.
If you decide to build your own, the DVD will really help. It is a lot of fun and a great way to spend time indoors when the weather is lousy.
Like the others have said, building your own arrows can be very cost effective as well as fun. Very plain arrows are just as effective as the fanciest ones, so don't be shy for fearing they won't look good. As you make a few sets, trust me, your creative instincts will kick in, and not only will you make functional arrows, they will begin to look good. This can be done cheaply, especially when you figure over the long haul.
Scott, you can buy shafts on sale, wood or carbon. Check out some of our advertisers. At least one routinely has specials. Get a used feather fletch device and some feathers. You can do it. That's about the cheapest way, unless uou buy a board and cut / plane your own.
Oh I agree. I am just having to watch what I spend as of late. If it comes down to it, I very well may be able to buy the necessary supplies and just have my grandfather Donald show me how to make them. I definitely would not mind at all becoming an arrowsmith to add to my already growing skillset of hobbys.
One approach is to build your own. That way you know exactly what went into them. A set of great arrows alongside a set of not so great can have both sets looking equal. The initial investment might be discouraging but if you shoot a lot you will make it back many times over.
My cost for the materials to build a dozen best quality arrows using premium quality components is $73.00. A professional arrow maker probably has lesser costs but the labor is deserving of a considerable upcharge.