An arrow is described as a pointed projectile shot by an archer using a bow. It is very common to several cultures all over the world and is known to exist for over 4,000 years. There are several different kinds of arrows, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Some kinds of arrows work better on certain bows, depending on what you are trying to achieve. Here are some guidelines on how to choose them carefully.
The Parts
A regular arrow has a number of parts, namely the arrowhead, the shaft which is divided into the softwood and the hardwood, the fletching, the spine and the nock. The arrowhead is found at the front end, while the fletching and nock are located at the opposite end. Arrow sizes will differ significantly among various cultures.
These can be as long as 18 inches to 5 feet. Modern arrows are around 2.5 to 3 feet long, just the same as the length of English war arrows. English war arrows are created to be half of the height of the person using these. Very short arrows are also used, which are shot via a guide linked to the wrist of the archer or the bow. Linking to the bow is referred to as an overdraw, while linking to the archer’s wrist is called the Turkish siper. These can shoot longer distances compared to heavier arrows.
The Shaft
The shaft is known to be the main structural feature of the arrow. Other components are attached throughout the shaft. This is usually created from bamboo, reeds or lightweight wood. Modern shafts can be created from composite materials, aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Composite shafts are usually created from an aluminum core covered with carbon fiber on the outside.
The Spine
The spine is described as the stiffness of the shaft. The shaft will bend very limitedly when compressed if the spine is stable. A group of arrows should generally have the same spine to shoot consistently. Having a wide array of spines gives consistent shots if the arrow goes through the central vertical axis of the bow riser among center-shot bows. A lot of traditional bows are not center-shot and the arrow needs to deflect around the handle in the archer’s paradox. Higher draw-weight bows will usually need stiffer arrows that have more spine or less flexibility to provide the right amount of flex when shooting.
About Footed Arrows
A shaft made of two unique wood types held together will produce a footed arrow. These are known to be the most finely made. Footed arrows were used by Native Americans and Europeans. These usually are made of a short length of hardwood found close to the arrowhead, while the rest of the shaft is made of softwood. When you reinforce the area that is most vulnerable, the arrow will be stronger to afford impact. Overall weight and flexibility is still achieved.
Describing the Arrowhead
The arrowhead is known as the projectile point. This is the main functional arrow part and plays the biggest role. Separate arrowheads should be created from horn, metal or other hard materials. Arrowheads will be divided according to their relative functions. The bodkin points are rigid points having tiny cross-sections. Blunts are unsharpened arrowheads generally used for target shooting. These are usually made of hard rubber or metal to hit small game and tree stumps.
Judo points are characterized by having spring wires that extend sideways from the tip. These hold on to debris and grass to keep the arrow from getting lost. It is common for practice and hunting small game. Broadheads are used for both hunting and war. These are usually made of steel with hardened edges. There are about 2 to 4 sharp blades that cause bleeding among targets.
The Fletchings
This is one of the signature parts of the arrow, usually made of feathers. These are located at the back of the arrow to cause a small amount of drag that will stabilize the arrow’s flight. These are made to make the arrow stay along the direction and preventing the tendency to pitch or yaw. Some cultures may not use fletching in their arrows. Modern arrows make use of plastic. Copper vanes were also used in the past. Razor blades may also be used to reduce air resistance.
Very short arrows have been used, shot through a guide attached either to the bow (an “overdraw”) or to the archer’s wrist (the Turkish “siper”).
footed arrows were used both by early Europeans and Native Americans . Footed arrows will typically consist of a short length of hardwood near the head of the arrow, with the remainder of the shaft consisting of softwood . By reinforcing the area most likely to break, the arrow is more likely to survive impact, while maintaining overall flexibility and lighter weight.