Arrow Weight Help

Currently, I am shooting an arrow around 360 grains at around 60#. From what I have been reading, I feel like I need to increase my arrow weight, at least up to 400 grains. My current arrows are RedHead Blackouts 400 spine (which I think are the same as Gold Tip Hunters, I know they are made by GT). I also bought some Gold Tip "Deer" Hunters from BPS last year, which I assume are the same as the GT Hunters. These are 400 spine as well. I shoot 100 grain broadheads.

My question is, how can I get my arrow weight up? I would like to keep my same broadheads for now as I dont want to have to go buy new ones just yet. I was thinking of getting some 50 or 100 grain inserts. If I do that, how much will it effect my current bow setup? What would I expect to have to adjust on my bow to accomodate this increased arrow weight?

Have you actually weighed an arrow? If not, I bet your 15 to 20gr. heavier than you think. Even at 360gr. you should be ok. Heavier is better though, especially if you're shooting mechanicals.

If your arrows are under 28" you should be able to add 25gr. of point weight and your arrow spine still be stiff enough. To add the weight you will either need to go to 125gr. heads or use the weights that screw into the back of the Gold Tip inserts.

You can find them here:

http://www.3riversarchery.com/gold+tip+screw-in+weight+system_i6693X_baseitem.html

I havent actually weighed my arrows, that is just my calculation based on grains per inch of arrow, nocks, and insert weights. My arrow shafts are 29 inches, but I am thinking of cutting my next set to 30 inches.

I am wavering on fixed blade/mechanicals. I have NAP Hellrazor fixed blades and NAP Killzone mechanicals. I am leaning towards the mechanicals for the time being.

As far as those weights from 3 Rivers. Do they just screw into the insert and then the arrowhead screws into the weight or do I have remove the inserts that are already glued into my shafts... and if so, how do I remove the inserts that are already installed?

I was looking at some of those 50 grain brass inserts that looks like you just glue into your shafts and the arrowhead screws into them. But if I move up more than 25 grains I will need to get a stiffer spine?

To remove your insert take a drill bit just slightly smaller than the inside of your shaft. Remove the nock and drop the bit down the shaft with the flat end of the bit toward the insert. Hold arrow by fletched end and sling it so that the drill bit slides down the arrow and slams into the insert. You will have to do this multiple times to knock the insert out.

The weights screw into the back of the inserts. They sell a tool, which is a long Allen wrench that you can use. You pop out the nock and screw them in from the back of the arrow. You can probably rig your own tool up that will work.

To remove inserts, I'll screw a field point in and then apply heat gradually to the field point only. Take it slow and use a pair of pliers and try to tighten the field point every so often until the insert breaks free. I've been doing it like this for years. You just have to be careful and take it slow so you don't apply too much heat and damage the carbon.

One more thing to do, when you screw the weights in, apply a drop of super glue to the threads so the won't come loose.

Thanks for those tips, that should help a lot.

As far as arrow spine, with 29-30 inch arrows, if I go up more than 25 grains I will need a stiffer spine?

Yep. You'll need a 340 spine.

Thanks guys. That really helps a lot, I think I know what to do now.

If you go with the heavier point and the 340 spine you'll pick up at least 50gr.

That's at 60# with my 28" draw, right (for the right spine determination)? If BPS has their Gold Tip arrows on sale this August I may by some 340s and experiment some.

That's 60# with a 125gr point and a 29 to 30" arrow.

Thanks so much Shaw.