Research done by Tony Warden, Sponsored by Firenock LLC
Part 1 Introduction
This section deals with the differences and similarities of the shafts, components and completed arrows for speed, weight and kinetic energy. I wasn't too concerned with where on the target each arrow hit, as accuracy depends on the person shooting. For me, a 2 inch group is not too bad, but to someone who only goes out deer hunting once a year, a 6 inch group is "good enough to kill a deer" as my dad used to say.
There are a few things that I need to explain before you proceed so that you can understand what I'm talking about.
First, all arrows were shot in groups of three. This means that the numbers you see are actually the average of three arrows that are built the same. There are a couple of instances where the Labradar couldn't pick up the shot, but that was few and far between
Second, before we go further, I should mention the equipment that I'm using for the testing:
- Compound Bow - Hunting - Xpedition Xcentric, 30" Draw and 70 pounds. Biscuit style arrow rest, 75% letoff.
- Compound Bow - Target - Gearhead B36, 30 inch draw and 62 pounds. Hamskea Trinity Target rest and 70% letoff.
- Crossbow - for all but AeroBolt II - Ravin R10 with Firenock AeroRest.
- Crossbow - for AeroBolt II - Scorpyd Death Stalker 380.
- Release Aid - Carter RX1
- Chronograph - Main - LabRadar
- Chronograph - Secondary - Caldwell G2
- Crossbow Bench Rest - Caldwell Led Sled
- Points for Standard Made set ups - Saunders USA
- Points for Scientific Arrow set ups - Firenock LLC
- Inserts and Nocks for Standard set ups - Bohning Archery
- Inserts and Nocks for Scientific set ups - Firenock LLC
Third, what is the difference between a "Standard" made arrow and the "Scientific" Arrow Process:
The standard made arrow is how about 95% of all arrows are made today and it's the same way that arrows have been built since before I started in 1964. The shaft is cleaned with rubbing alcohol or (shudder) use a scouring pad, the shaft is put on a jig at a 45% angle and then the vane is clamped onto the shaft. Once you make the arrow, you clean any excess glue off and put a dab of glue on the front of the vane where it meets the shaft to make the vane stay on better.
Here's the problem with that system. First, while rubbing alcohol will work, it doesn't clean really well. Second, having a shaft set on a 45 degree angle (or God forbid, a tower style) means that after the glue is put on the vane, it tends to run downhill somewhat (gravity works), and that's why a drop of glue is usually put on the front of the vane. Third, the way the clamp goes onto the jig can be loose or on a bit of an angle so the vanes can end up being glued incorrectly onto the shaft.
The Scientific Archery Process is more detailed and accurate. First the shaft and base of the vanes are cleaned with 100% acetone. This allows the cleanest surfaces to be glued. Next, the shafts are placed in a jig that is parallel to the ground. This stops the glue from running to the back of the vane which has a higher accuracy rate. It also eliminates the need to add extra glue. There are a few other processes, but those are the main points.
It amazes me that everything in archery has advanced so much over the past 7 or 8 decades, except for building an arrow.
So when you see "Scientific Arrow Process" you know what I'm talking about. If you want to know more about this process, drop me a line.
Next, I have some definitions for you (since this is an international website and some are used to the metric system):
- The speed of an arrow is calculated in feet per second or fps.
- The weight measurement is in grains or gn.
- Kinetic Energy (the hitting power of the arrow) is measured in foot pounds, with the symbol Ke.
- Distance used is Imperial measurements. so feet, yards, inches, etc.
Fourth, a word on Standard Deviation:
Standard deviation measures the average number of an object and compares it with zero. The closer the number is to zero, the better. It's a scientific formula.
Fifth, you will see the word "Extrapolate" quite often. This is also a mathematical calculation that projects (in our case the percent of speed loss) what an arrow will do at farther distances without having to shoot 70 to 100 yards.
Sixth, I used various on-line calculators for Standard Deviation and Interpolate. It's easier than doing the math long hand.
Seventh, a word on Arrow Concept 1.0 versus 2.0. These are two arrow building techniques that are patented by Firenock LLC, and are only available through their authorized dealers. To find a dealer near you go to the Firenock Dealer webpage.
Final point that I need to make is that I have good relationships with almost every company in this test, so there isn't any bias, and I didn't pull any punches with the data.
Part 2: Introduction
In the second part, we will be comparing arrows made the standard way to arrows made with the Scientific Arrow Process.
I've broken this down into 4 pages based on the size of the arrows (.166, .204, .246, and crossbow) in order to see if one arrow building system is better than the other, and how much of a difference, if any.
I have also tested arrows built with a proper balance to see how they preform against extreme front of centre balanced arrows.
I've used the same compound bow and crossbow set up as in Part 1 and I have shot groups of 3 arrows for each test result.