Broadhead tuning requires a bow that is properly tuned in order to achieve
accurate and consistent arrow flight. Shooting form, proper center
shot and proper nocking point must be achieved before any broadhead shooting
takes place. Fetching clearance with the bow and rest is also vital and
overlooked by many shooters in the tuning process. Fletching contact (even
with feathers) can present an incorrect center shot or nock point adjustment
and cause mass confusion during the tuning process. Incorrect arrow spine
can also show center shot problems for finger shooters and nocking point
problems for release shooters. Finger shooters put a horizontal torque
on arrows and release shooters exert a vertical torque upon arrow release.
Broadheads must be perfectly straight and aligned on the arrow.
Broadheads should be assembled on the arrow, tightened and spun to check
for straightness, occasionally inserts or outserts (for carbon arrows)
need to be turned in order for the broadhead to spin properly. 2-part epoxy
is good for this purpose as its slow cure time allows the archer to check
the arrows as the epoxy begins to harden. Broadheads should be turned on
the arrow as the epoxy thickens until the arrow spins true.
Then stand the arrow up straight for the glue to cure. Hot melt adhesive
is also useful(especially for aluminum arrows). But working time is very
short and occasionally must be reheated to achieve a true spin.
All of these problems must be addressed prior to an archer tuning broadheads.
If all of these problems are corrected broadhead tuning can be a snap.
Typically compound bows are tuned to shoot a bullet hole through paper,
recurves and longbows are best tuned to shoot a bare shaft straight. Both
methods are generally done at ranges of 3 yards, 6 yards, and 10 yards.
Generally perfect broadhead flight can be achieved through this method.
If for good broadhead flight is found, then arrows are shot 20, 30, 40
years, etc. and checked for broadhead grouping.
When broadheads group well, then consistent arrow flight is achieved.
Occasionally some minor rest and nocking point adjustments may be necessary
to achieve good grouping.Broadhead groups tat consistently deviate high
and low can benefit from minor nock adjustments. Conversely, groups that
show a horizontal deviation can benefit from minor center shot adjustments.
In both situations adjustments should be made minutely in 1/16" increments
or less, in either direction until groups close and become more consistent.
One important point to remember, adding a broadhead to the end of an
arrow is like adding small fletchings, any angle that arrow leaves the
bow is generally the angle that the arrow will want to follow until fletching
is able to control the flight of the arrow. If everything is in a straight
line, straight and consistent arrow flight is easier to achieve.
Many bowhunters still believe that consistent grouping of fields
points and broadheads into the same sight point is possible and sometime
this can happen, but this today's faster and harder shooting equipment,
this can be difficult. I, personally have had only 3-4 compound bows that
would group filed point and broadheads together and all of those were slower
energy cam type bows generally shooting under 240 f.p.s. and my recruves
and long bows.
If a bowhunter wishes to attempt this, adjustments can be made
to nocking point and center shot to move groups closer together. Broadheads
react to the direction in which they are launched much more that target
tipped arrows. If broadheads group to the left of field points then the
arrow rest should be moved to the right. If broadheads group ;above field
points, nocking points should be lowered. THis adjustment can be reversed
for opposite conditions, but remember to make adjustments in very small
amounts and to pay attention to broadhead groups begin to suffer.
Broadhead tuning can be an arduous affair or can be very simple.
A lot of time and patience is necessary to achieve this task, but as bowhunters,
we owe this to the animals we hunt and our reputations as hunters and sportsmen
to ensure that the most efficient and humane harvest is achieved. One that
provides us with adequate sign to trail the animal and a short and humane
harvest.
Best Wishes and Good Luck in your tuning.
Yours in responsible Bowhunting,
Mark Land,
Muzzy Products Corp.
Muzzy Products Corporation
110 Beasley Road
Cartersville, Georgia 30120
Telephone: (770)387-9300
For Additional Information
Please Email:sales@gomuzzy.com |
