Arrow spine denotes the stiffness of an arrow shaft. It is a crucial factor in archery, affecting accuracy and consistency. An arrow’s spine must be appropriately matched to the draw weight of the bow and the archer’s draw length for optimal flight. For example, a bow with a high draw weight requires a stiffer arrow spine, while a bow with a lower draw weight needs a more flexible arrow.
Selecting the correct arrow stiffness is vital for achieving consistent arrow flight and accurate shots. An improperly spined arrow will flex excessively or insufficiently during the shot cycle, leading to erratic arrow behavior and decreased accuracy. Historically, archers relied on experience and trial and error to determine appropriate arrow stiffness, but modern spine charts and software tools have simplified the selection process.