Can to heavy of an arrow harm a trad bow? I'm shooting bows that are 36 to 41#s for targets. What would be the maximum arrow weight I could safely shoot? Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

The short answer is no. It will be too heavy for decent trajectory maybe if you go nuts. I'm usually anywhere from 9 to 12 gpp on my arrows...and a few were even 13 gpp. Don't know why you would think heavy arrows could damage a bow since they bog down the dynamics. Now ultra light arrows may be another issue.

No. I've actually shot arrows made from fiberglass rod that were close to 20grs. per pound.

My arrows are 610 grains and are 8.5 gpp for my bow, it's still quiet and shoots them flat as a pancake.

I have used 500 grain arrows for bows in that weight range. I tried a few of them today, just because they were handy. They hit about where I intended at 15 yards. In the past I tried a similar test to 20 yards with hunting arrows. If I reminded myself to make a strong shot it was accurate.

As George said I expect they were easier on the bow than very light ones. - lbg

George x 3.

Thanks guy's for clearing that up.Someone told me recently that the 525 gr woodies that I was using were hard on my 39# recurve.

You really have to test the weights out to see whats flying the best rather than saying this what I am going to use> Each bow is a little different and that is where variables come in at.

Have a few test arrows and mount up broadheads and see what the bow likes not necessarily what you think. Then try to keep your weights within that range.

You will need a scale also and a spine tester.

525 don't think so. Many bows like heavy arrows especially woodies.

Heavy arrows will not damage your bow. In fact, i have found many benefits to an arrow just above 12 gpp (yes, before anyone tries to pick it apart, i realize this is not a "very heavy" arrow, but it is much heavier than 8gpp).

For me benefits include a quieter bow. Gaps that fit my deer hunting style. And with the lower poundage bows i shoot, i have gotten better penetration on whitetails. I also shoot more accurately w a heavier arrow.

Of course, beyond 20 yds trajectory becomes more exaggerated.

Backyard that was clearly someone who has no idea of how a bow works.

My only concern would be whether the spine works with that draw weight.

Arrows too heavy? I agree with other posts and would also add that if your shooting longbows with less mass in the riser section your elbow, wrist and thumb joints will thank you for those heavy arrows. I'm currently shooting 2117's and 2020's with 280 - 300 grain points for total arrow weight of 680 - 720gr. out of 48-55# longbows.

You will be happier if you match arrows to each bow. I like correct spined arrows that are 10 grains per pound of draw weight. So 36# bow, I would likely shoot 600 spine carbons with 145 grain heads for an arrow weight of 370 grains.

Thanks again for all the input.

Shot a big doe several years ago with a 1200gr fiberglass fish arrow with a 190 gr grizzly on the front. 63lb Rocky Miller Mountain bow. Hit her going hard away in the right hip pocket. Arrow centered the heart and exited thru the sternum. Trajectory was kinda steep though.

There is a point of diminishing returns when you get too heavy. You sacrifice performance just to get the dang think in motion. You can also err being too light, but there is plenty of room in between. I like to be able to try to hit those flying crows that swoop over you every now and then so I want a bit of forward motion on mine. I'm right about 11 gpp on mine.

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