Proper arrows for Martin "Stick" longbow

[VMI88]

I just took the plunge into traditional archery by purchasing a new 2009 model Martin "Stick" longbow. This is my first longbow, and I am not sure what weight and length of arrow I should try with this bow.

It is a 45# bow and my draw length is 30". I plan to use the bow only for recreational target shooting with field tips.

Will carbon arrows work fine for these purposes? How many grains and what arrow length should I start out with? Any safty considerations I should be aware of?

Many thanks for your help!

[cyclepath]

Welcome to the fourm VM188. I just sold my stick bow also a 45# a few months ago since I also had a bamboo viper. I used beman mfx 400s with 100gn inserts and 125gn points with 5" rw feathers. Since there is really no shelf to speek of the smaller diameter the arrow the better it flys. I have used aluminum arrows but they just didn't fly as good as the carbons. Hope this helps.

[Destroyer]

Will carbon arrows work fine for these purposes? How many grains and what arrow length should I start out with?

Carbons will work, I prefer alloy's for any traditional bow. 9 grains per pound minimum for either. Length? Usually one inch over your draw length on a finished arrow for safety reasons if your using broadheads.

Spine? You can try a 500 spine carbon or a 2018 alloy, but it depends on how well you shoot. Better to buy one to try tuning before buying a doz.

[MLN1963]

i will be back soon

No, you'll be gone soon!

[DeepRiverBowman]

Welcome to the fourm VM188. I just sold my stick bow also a 45# a few months ago since I also had a bamboo viper. I used beman mfx 400s with 100gn inserts and 125gn points with 5" rw feathers. Since there is really no shelf to speek of the smaller diameter the arrow the better it flys. I have used aluminum arrows but they just didn't fly as good as the carbons. Hope this helps.

Sounds like a great arrow. I'm shooting GT's with 100 gr brass inserts and 125 gr tips. They come out to a 21.9 % FOC. I think they would be referred to as Extreme FOC and they fly great! I can't get a bad arrow with them. I'm going to try hunting with them this fall.

mike

[wut4dude]

I just purchased a 2008 Martin Bamboo Viper...45# model...I've been shooting Easton ST Excel 400's with RW 3 degree helical 4" Rayzr's on the Bamvoo Viper and the 50# Savannah I have...I've been looking at the Carbon Express CE Heritage 150's...they're 10 gpi and offer the look of cedar with the performance of carbon...I'm thinking about picking up a dozen shafts.