How much speed is enough? The question continues today because new bows are more efficient and forgiving than ever before. If your hunting from a tree stand or blind, or shooting paper target faces at designated distances then speed is not your main concern. But, on the other hand, if your hunting open country mule deer or are trying to score your best at 3-D archery, then supersonic arrow speeds may be what’s best for you.

Most archery hunters and target archers would agree that the number one advantage in shooting a faster arrow is to lower your trajectory. I have a passion for archery hunting and 3-D competition, but to compete with my target bow and put as many advantages in my corner, I opt for "blazing" speed. Velocity of 280 to 300+ feet per second (f.p.s.) can be considered fast to very fast. After set-up and tuning, my 2003 model was set at 60-lbs. draw weight and 30 inch draw length. As a final step, I like to know how fast my arrows are flying. My chronograph was reading average speeds of 293 f.p.s. With the newer technology offering more speed and easier tuning, the fact that my newer bow was significantly faster wasn’t a surprise. What was most impressive was the accuracy and stability of the bow and arrow.

Currently, my other 3-D single cam rig (2000 model) is launching carbon arrows out of the bow at 282 f.p.s. and my 2003 cam and a half model is even faster with an average velocity of 293 f.p.s. However, my older bow, when originally set-up, using carbon arrows, was shooting much faster at a velocity in the 290 f.p.s. range, but grouping at close range in the 18yd. to 32yd was unacceptable. Wanting to shoot the faster arrow speed, I opted to try to labor through the tedious task of many arrow rest adjustments and arrow spine adjustments. Once the checklist was completed, I was no better off for all of my efforts. So, I grabbed my 3/16th hex head and starting turning my limb bolts counterclockwise quarter turns at a time to lower draw weight (most bow and arrow set-ups tune best at a specific draw weight sometimes referred to as, the "sweet spot"). With the best form I could manage, soon I was shooting arrow groups from close and long range with confidence. As a general rule, for every pound of draw weight increased or decreased, arrow speed is affected by 2 f.p.s. After sighting in again with the "slower" speed, my pin gap adjustments were negligible. Arrow speed was controlled for maximum accuracy.

Faster arrow speeds are a real advantage on the 3-D course and in the field because they are more forgiving when estimating yardage. There are many factors that influence the speed of the arrow, such as draw weight, arrow weight, draw length, brace height, cam style, etc. Although arrow speed is important in lowering trajectory, practicing good form when executing the shot, and learning how to estimate yardage, will help you be more successful in the field, and on the range. You will need to invest time and patience in practicing these techniques. Accuracy should be your main concern when deciding what’s best for you and your bow and arrow set-up.

Frank Ortiz

Team AZOD