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THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES TO THE UBIQUITOUS X10 AT THE TOP OF THE RECURVE GAME

Q Is there a point where the Easton arrow spine chart just doesn’t work anymore? I shoot 38lbs but I’m quite small and have 24” arrows, and I just can’t see to find an arrow that works for me! I used to shoot x10s but I have to cut so much off them that I don’t think they’re even barrelled anymore so don’t see the point in using expensive arrows if I need to cut them past their maximum recommended trim. Do arrow manufacturers not expect somebody with a short draw length to be shooting at a high enough level to need good arrows?

A This is a great question, and I understand your frustration in not being able to find a matching arrow. There’s certainly a point where the spine chart doesn’t work anymore. As you found out, this occurs if your arrow length starts approaching the lower end. In reality, the chart is Easton’s best effort at making a rough guide for most archers, and generally, it works well. But ultimately it’s just a guide. Whenever you start approaching a draw weight or length which is near the extremes of the chart, the chances of deviating from the recommendation increases. If it’s any consolation, the chart isn’t correct for me even at my ‘average’ draw length and weight combination. This is due to other factors affecting tuning, such as the release, limbs, riser, stabilisers, tab…etc. The list goes on.

Although it’s annoying not to be able to get the arrow you want, it’s not because manufacturers don’t expect you to shoot at a high level. It’s simply because there aren’t enough archers buying that spine of an arrow to make it viable to produce. The same goes for archers who have very long draw lengths. Often, they’ll have to cut the back of an X10 to make it stiff enough, even though this is not the best practice.