Dynamics of Barreled Shafting and Test Impressions
"Barreling"
is the result of tapering both ends of an arrow shaft. This does several
things. First it physically lightens the shaft, making heavier slower
materials viable options without sacrificing much performance compared
to lighter woods like cedar. Second, it stiffens the center of the
shaft, changing the shaft's reaction to bow paradox (the effect of a
shaft "getting around" a non center-shot shelf). Third, the
tapered tail of the shaft allows better clearance of the fletching
passing the shelf, further smoothing out - and quieting - the shot
leaving the bow.
Proponents of barreled arrows say that they reduce the necessity of
"absolute straightness". I believe this to be somewhat true
because when the fatter center portion of the shaft hits the riser, it
forces the arrow to flex in the correct deflection (away from the bow)
for a clean pass off the bow. Straightness is still a good thing, and
these shafts are nice.
The final effect of making this design more efficient is the stiffer
center section of the arrow. Paradox and flexing of a parallel shaft
loses more energy with the shaft bending more in the center and over
it's whole length. The stiff center of a barreled shaft transfers
paradox to the skinnier ends and retains more energy from the bow with
less flex at the center on launch. With less flex at the heaviest
section of the shaft, the added retained energy improves downrange
momentum.
The Testing
Our
stocking order is as nicely matched within the sets as the samples we
received.
We were all impressed with the speed and quietness of these test arrows.
There seemed to be no real drop-off in flight out to 20+ yards with
these slightly-heavier-than-cedar shafts. Downrange momentum and
penetration out to 40+yards was VERY impressive and, although that's
farther than an "ethical" hunting shot with a traditional bow,
it suggests top hunting performance can be expected.
We continually seemed to underestimate the performance of these arrows
on long shots as they often hit high or over the top of the target! This
tells us that they do indeed retain good energy off the bow and
performed as well as lighter cedar shafts once we got over the
"mind set" of having to aim higher with heavier arrows, as was
not necessary.
While barreled shafts may not be the standard fare for target shooters,
these will perform well on lighter bows of 40+#. On a scale of 1 - 10,
I'd consider these a "10" in the wood category. Possibly the
best wood shafting currently available other than personal preference -
which I think might be swayed when you try these wonderful shafts.
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