For the flight shooters here: what is the best angle, give or take, to shoot at for maximum flight distance?

If memory serves - Larry Hatfield told me "45 degrees", and that seemed to work out best for me.

Rick

45 would of course be the most mathematically logical but I read that with drag factored in it was closer to 38 degrees. No first hand knowledge though.

https://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/merlin-extras/resource/resource_disciplines/flight_archery.htm

"The angle of the dangle - The optimum angle to shoot at for distance is theoretically 45 . However, as the arrow slows down as it travels due to friction through the air, the flight path is not symmetrical and it is better to shoot at just under 45 . If you are shooting with the wind, aim a degree or so higher; if against it, a degree or so lower."

Flight path is a decaying parabola. Some say 43 degrees is best under no wind conditions.

This too: https://physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/PT.6.4.20181203a/full/

"Once I know the launch velocity of the arrow, I focus on the optimal launch angle. If the launch velocity is much lower than the terminal velocity, then 45° is best. As the launch velocity increases, the launch angle decreases. For my flight arrow, 41° is the best angle."

So, it gets complicated, eh?

I did some similar testing with my fluflus. I was bored and decided to build my fluflus like golf clubs. Set them up for specific ranges. Using a protractor a pendulum, varying feathers, and point weights. I was able to stick arrows in the top of targets from 40-80yds at a 45 degree. They would land almost straight down. At 40 degrees they would hit the face of the target at much more of an angle. The difference I contributed to drag and diminishing returns. The 40 degree shots were hitting farther with more momentum.

Yeah. It's a bit complicated. 45 degrees is a good starting point though. You have to learn what your bow and each arrow likes from shooting. Also need to fudge a little if there is wind, and adjust for what kind of wind, updraft, downward shear, etc.. On the flats, I have seen arrows lying flat on the ground with the point facing back towards the shooting line, and arrows in pieces from being slammed down with force. Also, depends on how steady you are through the shot in holding the angle you have chosen.

Thanks for your thoughts gents.

Thanks for your thoughts gents.

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