176 fps is a good speed for hunting, that's about what all my bows used to be set up to shoot somewhere from 170-180 fps.

Don't know why everyone would want a chrono.

Well, there's a lot of reasons, with the most important to me being how good my release is.

Maybe that's not a question. I don't see a question mark. But that's an answer. They are fun to play with.

Bowmania

Hico, i agree. Lots of posts about draw weights, but having the ability to know actual speed and arrow weight provides more performance related information.

Chronographs are NOT trad. There, I said it. I have a chrono, it is fun, but I sometimes hate it as I do not get the speeds others claim to get, with a recurve, longbow, or compound bow.

I've seen guys who don't get the speed they think they should have and they begin to wonder if there is something better. Well, yeah...something faster...so my buddy's bow isn't faster than mine. Hmmmm, I thought I would get at least 180 but I'm only getting 173...better start looking.

Look, there is nothing wrong with a chronograph if it doesn't mess you up in the noggin, but some do get messed up and it's a never ending cycle. As I've said before, I don't know what "trad" is since it was apparently born in the past two decades. I just know that if you shoot your setup through a chronograph one time, you will have an idea of what 173 feels like. I judge my tune and performance by my arrow flight and point-on, so I don't need one.

If you are enamored by numbers then by all means go buy one. I wouldn't give you $20.00 for a barrel full....with due apologies to Bobo.

Hey Bob. Are you using that chrony indoors? If so what type of light set up are you using?

Those instincts have 100 grain outserts right?

Any suggestions for buying a crono. I'm really surprised I don't have one even for stuff like this. One thing I know for certain is most animal's don't move fast enough to get away from a slow heavy quiet arrow .jmho.

Chronographs remove the BS when it comes to arrow speed the same way that GPS indicated speed took away all of the ridiculous claimed speedometer top end on performance boats. And like GPS it gives instant and reliable feedback when a change is made. The only way to know what's true as opposed to wishing it into truth. A shooting machine takes human error and inconsistency out of the equation for the absolute truth. I lucked up on one years back, if you like to test and tinker and can afford one, they are lots of fun.

Gonna get me one of these...and I might even give the old geezer running it a job making bows for me. ;-)

But in the meantime, I think I'd rather compare bows by flight shooting in a big field. In general I'm suspicious of machines, and the guys who use them.

Absolutely. The full, unfettered flight of an arrow is a lovely sight. But not all yards can contain it so the chrony must serve. I could see getting probably too fascinated with what changes in form do to muzzle velocity. 3 under, split, hold or snap release, bow arm push, bow hand tight or slack, low brace, high brace and the little o-rings on the arrows and...and...and... But very cool barebow that you could see and tell us what hit on speed you traded for a quiet shot.

I ran a test about 4 years ago with 5 vintage 50lb recurve bows.All set up with a 10 strand ff string.All bare shaft tuned with the same Beman 400 carbon arrow, and 150 gr pt. Total weight 450 grs. An Indian Hawk Eye, Bear Grizzly,Ben Pearson Cougar, Ben Pearson Apex 15,and a Browning Nomad.I draw 27 inches. All the bows shot with in 7 fps of each other.From 162 fps to 169 fps.The Indian Hawk Eye shot the fastest,169 fps average 10 shots.The Ben Pearson Cougar shot the slowest 162 fps average 10 shots.The other 3 right in the middle.I was expecting the Browning Wasp to be the fastest from the reading I had done.Any one of those bows would do fine as a hunting bow.Just not that big of a difference to worry about it, but just had to run the test because of what I had read about Browning Wasp.Now I know.You can learn a lot with a chrony.

Bassman, which was it--a Nomad or a Wasp?

And you can observe a lot just by watching!

crookedstix X 2

I think a test of how far a bow casts a dozen arrows over a long distance reveals far more about that bow than how fast it gets an arrow going three yards from the archer.

Someone was doing those long rang field tests on here for a while. I thought they were quite interesting vs the general chrono tests.

Someone was doing those long rang field tests on here for a while. I thought they were quite interesting vs the general chrono tests.

barebow, those stats for a 41# bow are impressive. I think most would be surprised at their "actual" fps.

"I think a test of how far a bow casts a dozen arrows over a long distance reveals far more about that bow than how fast it gets an arrow going three yards from the archer."

Yeah, the next step. Set the chrony out at 25 or 30 yards. This would tell about how straight a launch you had and how well the arrow slips through the air. With a gun this second data point is just calculated but you tuners will have the fun of trying very hard to not hit your chrony.

My brother has a pro shop . Sales mostly compounds and crossbows. He also has a giant windowed chrony. Pro type.We tested speeds of cross bows from 3 ft. to 60 yards.Using a bench rest.I will give the sample results with a Thunderhawk crossbow.At 3ft. the bow shot through the chrony at 329fps.At 60 yards the arrow shot through the chrony at 293 fps.We used sand bags to protect the chrony in case of a hit.Never happened. I was surprised that at 60 yards that arrow was still traveling that fast.

I had a misprint above . The test was ran with the Browning Wasp,not a Nomad. I have a Nomad, but it is 45 lbs at 28 inches.Sorry for the misprint.

293 at 60. Insanely serious weapon. I had no idea, will the Pope restrict them again?

Chronos don't just tell you how fast an arrow goes! They also tell you a boatload about your form and consistency!

They will also tell you if you are becoming a more efficient self bow builder.They can also tell you if you have enough energy foot pounds to knock a heavy metal ram down at past 500 meters with your hand load with out breaking you shoulder to do it.They will also tell you how your favorite hunting rifle shoots a hand load, and how to sight for long distance shooting, and on and on.If you like to play with them good, and if you don,t like them that is good too. To each his own.

Put me down with the chrono lovers. I've been using mine for airguns, rifles, and bows for years. Mine must be 25 years old! I learned a lot about what full draw did for speed and consistency. I added a clicker after that lesson. I'm shooting 650 grain arrows out of a 51 pound longbow. One bow shoots them at 162 fps, and the other at 164. The first bow is quieter, and gets the nod when I grab a bow to go hunting. I did have a buck duck the arrow this year, and wondered if I should drop down to 9 grains per pound. I'm guessing the speed would be in the 180's. I've got another reason to set up some new arrows and mount the chrono on the tripod. Offseason project!

The Browning Wasp is a real sleeper. I was able to shoot this guys arrow faster out of my 55# Wasp, than his 55# Black Widow T/D(he shot his bow). That was almost 20 years ago, I don’t remember the speed, but I know the guy couldn’t believe it, so we repeated the shot a few times.

They are hard to find but I want one that reads 200-210 f.p.s. with 10 to 1 arrows. And I know they are out there because I've seen the claims.

The first three things that come to mind when reading these Chrono topics are, What is the shooters actual measured draw length? what is the actual measured draw weight at the shooters draw? What is the actual digitally measured weight of the arrow?

Well see their MStyles we have different findings.Maybe I killed all of those bows with a 27 inch draw, but at my draw that is what the bows showed.Good hunting and shooting. Bob.

Ok back to the original post. Even before I read barebow's followup that he doesn't have a precise draw weight scale, I was about to write his speeds are nudging "too good to be true". The speeds suggests we don't know the honest-to-gosh actual draw poundage in barebow's hands, and I won't bet against anyone who thinks its more than barebow writes.

Then again, it IS a Blacktail, and there's the great probability the string supplied is also as good as it gets speed-wise (we have no specifics).

Next, and I type this in caps because it needs hammering. ONE CANNOT ACCURATELY COMPARE SOMEONE ELSE'S CHRONO RESULTS TO YOURS.

Too many variables in conditions, setup and different archers. Kind of the same, similar, sort of close, believable, all yes. But reliably accurate? Nope. Example? +/- 5 fps just with arrow nock tension.

Last, got to end up with George and bassman (honorable mention to jimwright for tongue-in-cheek sarcasm). Apples to apples, there ain't enough practical difference to matter either in bows or a few FPS. But, I had to get from opinion to confirmation of the facts as bassman has, by using MY chrono, set up fairly, with my bows, shot by me.

Rick R

Those who have owned a chrono and shot a number of bows over them know that they can reveal much about the bow, the arrow and the archer.

But those whose knowledge runs a little deeper?...also know there's much a chrono doesn't reveal that flight shooting does but?...not everyone has 300yds out their backdoor.

I could've gone my entire life without things like digital scales and chrono's but without such things?...I wouldn't have gained the same same level of knowledge and understanding I have concerning bows, arrows and archers. ;)

Longcruise x 2...and that's not because I question anyone's honesty; it's because those variables are really important to pin down. It's very possible to stretch your draw a bit, or "goose" a release, without even realizing that you've done it.

Right now on my rack I have a 1968 Spitfire Magnum, and a 1969 Spitfire Magnum. The specs on each bow say "52#"...but at my draw, there's over 2# of difference from one bow to the next. Gotta have those actual weights, or the rest of your numbers will be meaningless.

And Jinkster x 2 as well...the more sources of data you have, the more you will know.

The Browning Wasp was the fastest bow that Browning hardback in their recurve days. Not all bows shoot so well at shorter draws, an open field or a chronological will reveal this with a few shots when comparing toothed bows. The length of the bow is poor assumption, if one has a 27" or less draw length. It is very possible that a bow that is faster at a 30" draw can be slower at a 26" draw, having access to a chronograph will answer that question very quickly. Since, I am not knowledgable in how accurately they can be calibrated, everyone always claims that theirs is dead on, no matter how much different they read than the next guy's,for shot to shot comparisons they are very handy.

Bob while shooting through my chrono my buddy and I have noticed about a 2-3 FPS increase when switching from a regular leather tab to a cordovan tab.

When I shot a bunch one day through a chrony, my fastest readings were with a Hill glove with a fresh load of foot powder on the finger tips.

I have no idea how fast my HH Tembo shoots, but I do know it goes thru deer like there made from paper. I guess the need to tinker or experiment is part of the sport and some people get as much enjoyment from tuneing bows as they due from hunting. I personally would rather spend my time in the woods, to each his own.

Chrono Shmono, Im killing deer with my longbow and wood arrows .who knows what my speed is, the blade is serrated and you wouldn't even want to shave with it. I get almost pass thru penetration with my 42 lb bow at 25 yards. That was last weeks kill. All this technical crap of special arrows and releases and speeds. Just learn to shoot,the rest will fall right in.

On one hand any good archer can get by without a chronograph, an arrow traveling at 155 fps with right head will shoot through any deer in Iowa, it does not need to be as heavy as a carp arrow either. However, I do not feel threatened by them. There are those that get super intoxicated with digital readouts and perhaps do things to get higher numbers than what would benefit them when hunting. Example, I have seen a fellow struggling to have a way too long of a draw for him. His hunting accuracy suffers for it, but he is so afraid that his arrow speed may suffer that he continues to strive for a draw that he cannot consistently reach or aim with. With no doubt, they can quickly reveal things about a bow or a shooter.

Be honest with your self.When my son shoots those vintage recurve bows mentioned above,because of my short draw ,and because of his long draw those fps numbers jump by at least 20 fps.That doesn,t bother me a bit. I am hunting with my bow he isn,t.If he would hunt with one of my bows he is getting low to high 180,S in fps.My shots are 15 yds., and in with a selfbow,and 20 yds.and in with a recurve,and have done all right over the years with deer.I would pass on an elk hunt with that combo.

Ok. Here's a black widow PLx 62" 51# @28" Arrow; 28 3/4" bop 11/32" _125 grain fp. Four arrow average 524.5 gr. Eight feet from crono ; 147 fp Cast; 153 yard's Actual draw lent to back of riser; 26 5/8" The fp was within one pound of listed. Cast was within four feet of total spread

For the widow string ; 12 strands of D-97 with pad to 14 strand. Wooly string silencers (2) located 14" from ends. Bateman Cordovan split finger tab.

Ok barebow,here is a test I ran on two all fiberglass bows. A 45 lb. Paul Bunyon, and a 40 lb. Stemmler.Both bare shaft tuned with a 450 gr arrow. 10 strand ff string on both bows.At my 27 inch draw the 40 lb.Stemmler shot 150 fps., and the 45lb.Paul Bunyon bow shot 155 fps.Those bows look like toys ,but perform as very lethal weapons.I was pleasantly surprised.Painted them wood grain,and put new leather on the risers ,and rests.Makes a great foul weather bow, and would be great for bow fishing. Pretty much bullet proof.Much better bow than I thought they could ever be before I chronied them. Fun to shoot also.

Bassman, interesting to see the gain in fps equal to the gain in pounds of bow weight.

Great thread... We used to have a shop 5 minutes from my house. I had to shoot the chronograph about every visit. No, I didn't think my bow was going to get any faster, lol. I just used the chrono to give me a check-out. Like mentioned above, the chrono reveals in detail just how well ones form is.

Ok, I guess it may be a little late to put a chrono on my Christmas list but I have a feeling I will be getting one for my birthday. Y'all have given me the itch. The closest shop is an hour drive for me. Yep, I need one :)

Tlhbow

That widow seems to be slow. Slow enough that you might want to check the Chrono calibration.

Longcriuse those we're the first readings with the crono. Just got it yesterday morning. With the spread so close and the group being within four feet I felt like the numbers were close or consistent. I Did the same test with cx150's/ 500 grain and gained 3.5 fps (158) and 5 yards on cast. I will take it to town and compare it with another Chrono. I should try a home aid clicker and check the results at 28".

I just went out and tested the Stemmler fiberglass bow again, and checked my draw length,and marked the arrows , and my wife let me know when I was at the right draw.The average fps stayed the same but, and this is a big but, when I weighed the arrow it was 400 grs, and not 450 grs .Can,t shoot the other bow, my son has it.

Funny story from 30 years ago.The teacher is helping new kid shoot.I set up my chrony and show him how too shoot through it with my BW bow 190 fps.Now his turn with same bow 210 fps,not good i turn chrony off and on then we do it again with the same results.That was the day i learned about draw length.

LOVE MY CHRONO! BIG FUN!

But that's all -FUN.

I don't try to compare to others because, like what folks have mentioned here, too many variables!

One thing I've noticed is how LITTLE difference there actually is between most bows in actual FPS and how well many vintage bows perform.

The only exception I've seen with this is when I've compared my Uukha, short VX-1000 on my 21" (a 62" bow) and 41# -a super curve recurve, to ALL my other 40ish pound bows (I've got over 80 bows...) with the exact same arrow. I can't remember exactly but it average was somewhere around 20+FPS faster!!

Doesn't mean I like that bow best but WOW! what a difference! I've shot (without a chrono) the Morrison Max 5 and they felt faster than my VX-1000.

Not putting down anyones chronograph. Many years ago a fellow from Sioux City wanted to shoot my bow through a chronograph, I cannot verify the accuracy or remember how heavy the cedar arrows were, they flew perfect out of my Schulz Legend. Three shots over 200 feet per second, that was faster than what some of the compounds got. Then a guy with a Bingham recurve shot, he had me shoot his bow earlier to see if he could hunt deer with it, I told him that he could hunt moose with it. His Bingam recurve was faster yet, I had a few 2018s with me and had him try those out. I was curious about the spine and weight of his arrows, the 2018s slowed him down a little, but only 4 or 5 fps. Then one of the compound guys said, "You know, a compound arrow doesn't get up to full speed until it is twenty or thirty yards out there." They all agreed.

If your concerned with accuracy buy a set of light bars for your chrony. Its not light that messes em up but shadows. They sell light bars to fix that.

Wow!

That is why I question the accuracy of chronographs set up at shoots in the old days. They always set them up in the shade of a small tree. Small trees are never complete shade and bits of sunlight are constantly dancing around under them.

When bighorn cam eout with the longer handel I was in heaven and shooting great.(many years ago and shooting 600grn cedars) put it through a crony and got 175FPS. got reid of that junk. fullish youth

I'm for anything that will make you shoot better

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