Chase McBroom, April – We want to avoid shooting damaged arrows. Shooting a damaged arrow can also hurt you, the people around you, or damage your bow. Is a six-dollar Genesis arrow worth the possible damage?
There are many ways arrows get damaged. Here are a few examples: Shooting tight groups where they are hit by other arrows can cause cracks, bends, loose or lost fletching, and damaged nocks. Hitting the frame on the bullseye targets or metal rods on the 3D targets. Sometimes arrows are damaged during transportation or bent in the case by accidentally getting crushed by other equipment. Oh, and of course by shooting a robin hood.
Every time, before you shoot (including brand new arrows), inspect every arrow you are shooting for cracks or bends. Start at the nock since it absorbs most of the energy from the bowstring at release. If there are any flaws to the structure of the nock and it doesn’t detach itself at release, it could cause dry firing of the bow or the string hitting your arm. All nocks should be replaced depending on how often you shoot. Next check the fletching for tears or detachment from the shaft. If the fletching is damaged, this can cause the arrow to fly unpredictably.
After you check the nock and fletching, it’s time to check the arrow shaft. First, look at the straightness of the arrow. To check this, put the arrow point in the center of your palm (upward facing) with the nock pointed straight up, and with your other hand, spin the arrow. Medium to slow wobbles can mean a bend in the shaft, whereas a fast wobble can mean a bend in the point.
Now, it’s time to check for cracks, nicks, splits, dents or other markings on the arrow shaft. Some larger cracks will be visible just by looking up and down the shaft. Others will require running your finger up and down the shaft, feeling for any bumps or ridges. If any cracks are seen or felt, throw the arrow away immediately. NEVER shoot an arrow with a crack in it. It’s not worth it!
