What is arrow speed, and why does it matter?

As the name suggests, arrow speed is the speed that an arrow travels towards the intended target, once the string has been released on the bow. There’s no question that older archery equipment – be it a recurve, compound, or longbow, is capable of producing accurate shots, and adequate penetration on game animals. However, there are significant advantages for those who opt to upgrade their equipment, or optimise their current set up to increase their arrows speed. The advantages have been outlined below:

Benefits of speed

• Flatter trajectory.
• Allows you to shoot through smaller gaps in thick brush, and maintain accuracy.
• More kinetic energy (arrow penetration).
• Allows you to hit the target faster, which minimised the chance of a deer “jumping the string”.

Benefits of a slower arrow

• Quieter string release. This is especially true when using heavier arrows.

Kinetic energy

The energy of the arrow during flight. This calculation is the best measure of your arrow’s penetration power, and it’s ability to push the arrow through soft tissue, muscle, and bone. Most bowhunters will focus their attention on arrow speed, but it’s only part of the kinetic energy equation. The second half is arrow weight. A balance must be struct between these two factors to achieve optimum penetration.

As a rough guide, your kinetic energy value should line up with species listed below:

• >65ft-lbs: Water buffalo.
• 50 – 65ft-lbs: Large game animals i.e Sambar, Red deer.
• 40 – 50ft-lbs medium sized game: Chital deer, hog deer, etc.
• 25 – 40ft-lbs small game animals i.e. rabbits.
• <25ft-lbs not suited for hunting.

Momentum

Momentum is the amount of energy required to stop the arrow. This calculation is the best measure of your arrow’s energy retention after it hits the target. Generally speaking, momentum favours heavier projectiles while kinetic energy favours speed.