Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

5/16 or 11/32 Shafts

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    5/16 or 11/32 Shafts

    So I’m wanting to build my first set of wood arrows for my recurve. I’ve been looking at shafts and am wondering if there is a huge difference between the two popular sizes 5/16 or 11/32. I’m not a math genius but that doesn’t seem like a lot of difference. What’s yalls experience?

    #2
    You can see and feel the difference. I made cedar arrows (11/32) for decades but cedar got so hard to get for a while that I started buying Ramen wood arrows with the smaller diameter and really liked them. They do break easier, a little more brittle. May have to give your string a twist or two if switching back and forth to line up your knock point.
    I haven't built any for a long time so others may have more recent advice.

    Comment


      #3
      The 11/32nds is a 32nd larger than 5/16.[emoji3]

      Gary

      Comment


        #4
        Depends on your bows poundage 5/16 can only go so far on cedar

        Comment


          #5
          Depends on the spine. I have 23/64th cedar shafts that spine out for a 35 pound bow. If you can find the large diameter shaft in the spine you need that is what I would use.

          Comment


            #6
            Bow is 50# @ 28”

            DRT - I see what you did there ! That’s why I’m asking the question. I was doin the math and am thinking that A 32nd can’t make that much of a difference, but maybe it can.

            Comment


              #7
              Also, what is yalls opinions between cedar, ash, spruce....etc.

              Comment


                #8
                Since I dabbled quite a bit as a fletcher, here are my 2 cents: the 11/32 will be a little heavier but, as others mentioned, they will be slightly more durable.
                They will also give you a little more mass if you are looking at a heavier hunting arrow.
                My favorite types were 11/32 tapering down to 5/16 at the nock.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Horsehide - where would a guy find tapered down blanks like your talking about ?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by RackstackerG5 View Post
                    Horsehide - where would a guy find tapered down blanks like your talking about ?
                    3Rivers.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by RackstackerG5 View Post
                      Horsehide - where would a guy find tapered down blanks like your talking about ?
                      I used to get them from Rogue River Archery. They sold the business and it is now called Wapiti Archery POC. They will be the ones I get when I get back into making arrows.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        I like Douglas fir. Your bow will want a lighter spined 11/32 shaft than the 5/16”. The fatter the arrow, the further you are from center. Like mentioned, some heavier spines won’t be available in 5/16”.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Get some surewoods.
                          You can get them tapered, cut or whatever.
                          Great shafts!

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by MEsquivel View Post
                            Get some surewoods.
                            You can get them tapered, cut or whatever.
                            Great shafts!
                            I heard good things about these guys too and will likely try their tapered shafts.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by RackstackerG5 View Post
                              Also, what is yalls opinions between cedar, ash, spruce....etc.
                              Spruce is a bit lighter than cedar and makes a great target arrow, Cedar 5/16 vs 11/32 vs 23/64 as you increase diameter you ,in most cases, increase shaft weight. If you compress shafts to a smaller diameter you loose spine but keep the weight. Fir is heavier than cedar and makes a good hunting arrow. I used to hunt exclusively with cedar but have yet to have a shaft survive a deer. I now use spruce and cedar for 3-D and fir for hunting. IMHO, DG

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X