I just got a blackwidow PLX takedown 64" 56@28". I have a hodge podge of arrows that I have acquired over the years. I have some 2216 aluminums, 2117 autumn orange aluminums, some carbon express heritage 250s and some axis 340s that I shoot out of my blackwidow recurve. The axis have 100gr inserts with 175 gr points. The carbon express and aluminums have standard inserts with 145 gr points in them. I can shoot them all accurately out of my longbow. So my question is this. I want to get some new arrows and I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. My Axis weigh 620 gr. Will these be to heavy to shoot at farther distance? Or should I go with a 400 spine and a lighter insert like a 75 gr? If they won't be to heavy then I could make up some more 340s and I would be able to use them out of either bow. I want to stick with a 175 gr point because I have the 175 gr VPA 3 blades and I want to shoot the Simmons Tiger Sharks wich are also 175 gr. I realize I can just shoot any of the arrows I currently have. But I love making new arrows !!!
What is your draw length?
Sorry about that, I draw 28".
OK, so your 620 grain arrows are about 11.4 grains per pound out of your new Black Widow. That's a substantial weight, but not terribly so, Imo. I tend to shoot 11-12 gpp for hunting. Lighter will be flatter. But, as you note, you can shoot any of your current combinations, so it's pretty much whatever you most like looking at and shooting.
Personally, I would go with 400 spine and tune the point weight/insert for a 29" arrow. But if you want point weight more than 200 grains, you would probably be better off with .340 spine.
Ahhh . . . the addiction of arrow building. Know it well!
As you have multiple arrows that fly well for ya, I suggest taking your best 175 grain VPA broadhead and the best flying of each of your current arrow flavors. Place the broadhead on each different arrow and see which is most accurate and flies best at your maximum distance using this single broadhead. If a winner emerges . . . you'll have a good suggestion on which arrows ya get to fashion next. I wish you well.
BTW - Welcome to Trad Gang JF. Hopefully it becomes yet another addiction for you. :archer2:
Can you shoot a .400 spine? Seems light for 56#
Yes, .400 heritage with standard inserts and 145 gr points cut to 29 1/2" fly good bareshaft.
I have the same setup and it likes the 2117.