Building Arrows for Western Big Game

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Building Hunting Arrows | Element Archery

For years I’ve shot the same arrow setup and as of late I’ve been contemplating changing that arrow setup. With the recent trend and growing awareness of increasing an arrows FOC and the benefits that it brings I’ve decided to change my arrow set up this season to increase arrow weight and achieve a much more desirable arrow FOC.

What is Arrow FOC and Why is it Important?

The acronym FOC stands for front of center and it is the percentage of an arrow’s total weight that is in the front half of the arrow. The more weight that is in the front half of the arrow the higher it’s FOC will be. An arrow with a higher FOC will stabilize the flight of an arrow and increase its downrange accuracy. It’s one of the key elements in shaping the trajectory of the arrow. The ideal percentage for FOC for hunting is between 10%-15% but some hunters go even higher. It all depends on how your setup tunes and the desired results you’re attempting to achieve.

In this short segment, we share and explain the arrow and components chosen to achieve my arrow FOC.

Below is the list of Tools and Compenents used:

  • Typhoon Arrows by Element Archery – I’m using a 350 spine arrow that is .204 ID which weighs 10.3 GPI and has a straightness of .003.
  • 100-grain weighted insert with a 100-grain weighted point.
  • AAE Max Stealth Vanes- One vane is 2.6″ long X .50″ high and weighs 9.2 grain +/- .5 grains
  • AAE Max Bond- is a high-viscosity liquid that is easy to work with and penetrates well when using our tough Elastimax material. Whether you are fletching carbon or aluminum, this is the toughest glue available.
  • AAE MAXweld Primer Penn- creates an amazing “Weld” between any Max material vane and the archers chosen arrow.
  • AAE Max Clean Arrow Wipes- are a quick and easy method of cleaning arrow shafts for proper fletching adhesion.
  • Easton Quickbond Insert Adhesive- Impact resistant and ready to shoot in about 30 minutes.
  • Bitzenburger Fletching Jig- This fletching jig is made of long lasting die cast alloy. There are no plastic parts and it is built to last. Some say it is “the last jig you will ever buy.” I fletched mine with a right helical.
  • Nock Out Lighted Nocks- I shoot the Contender lighted nock that weighs around 21-25 grains depending upon the size of the bushing used.
  • Arrow Spinner- Checks straightness of shaft, nock, insert, and point. Also, it is the easiest way to check broadhead straightness.
  • Scale- to measure arrow components and the finished product.
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You can see how I like to build and customize arrows, the next step in the process will be shooting and adjusting my sight tape to find out how these higher FOC arrows perform.

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Ethan Smith is a seasoned marine veteran, professional blogger, witty and edgy writer, and an avid hunter. He spent a great deal of his childhood years around the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. Watching active hunters practise their craft initiated him into the world of hunting and rubrics of outdoor life. He also honed his writing skills by sharing his outdoor experiences with fellow schoolmates through their high school’s magazine. Further along the way, the US Marine Corps got wind of his excellent combination of skills and sought to put them into good use by employing him as a combat correspondent. He now shares his income from this prestigious job with his wife and one kid. Read more >>