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Having trouble deciphering the charts or determining your
needs? Call us at 208-547-3474 or email at dennis@avidarchers.com
Arrow Weight Charts
The IBO Chart (International
Bowhunting Organization)
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IBO
STANDARD: Minimum Allowable Arrow Weight - Includes
Tip Weight
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80#
Bow
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400 gr min.
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64#
Bow
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320 gr min.
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48#
Bow
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240 gr min.
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78#
Bow
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390 gr min.
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62#
Bow
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310 gr min.
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46#
Bow
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230 gr min.
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76#
Bow
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380 gr min
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60#
Bow
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300 gr min.
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44#
Bow
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220 gr min.
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74#
Bow
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370 gr min.
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58#
Bow
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290 gr min.
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42#
Bow
|
210 gr min.
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72#
Bow
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360 gr min.
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56#
Bow
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280 gr min.
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40#
Bow
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200 gr min.
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70#
Bow
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350 gr min.
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54#
Bow
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270 gr min.
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38#
Bow
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190 gr min.
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68#
Bow
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340 gr min.
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52#
Bow
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260 gr min.
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36#
Bow
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180 gr min.
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66#
Bow
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330 gr min.
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50#
Bow
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250 gr min.
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34#
Bow
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170 gr min.
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The AMO
chart (Archery Trade Association {formerly the AMO})
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R
E
C
U
R
V
E
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R
O
U
N
D
W
H
E
E
L
|
E
N
E
R
G
Y
C
A
M
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S
P
E
E
D
C
A
M
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Using
this chart
1.
Select the column that describes the type bow you shoot
2. Move down that column to locate your Actual Peak Draw Weight
3. Move horizontally across the row to your "AMO Draw
Length" column.
4. The box at the intersection contains the minimum total arrow
weight
for your equipment
Arrow
weight includes all arrow components - shaft, insert, point, fletching,
and nock.
Ex:
Given a bow with; 28" draw length, 65# peak draw weight, &
speed cam
The minimum arrow weight is given as 348
grains.
SE=Stored Energy, ESE=Energy Storage Efficiency, BH=Brace Height,
PDF=Peak Draw Force
AMO
Recommended Minimum Arrow Weights (Grains)
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SE/PDF
~0.95
ESE
~62%
BH
~9.5IN.
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SE/PDF
~1.04
ESE
~66%
BH
~9.0IN.
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SE/PDF
~1.20
ESE
~71%
BH
~8.0IN.
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SE/PDF
>1.30
ESE
~75%
BH
~7.0IN.
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Actual
Peak Draw Weight (lbs)
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25"
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26"
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27"
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28"
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29"
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30"
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31"
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32"
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33"
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<33
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<32
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<29
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<27
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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34-41
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33-38
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30-35
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28-32
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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151
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165
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42-46
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39-43
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36-39
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33-36
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150
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150
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150
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150
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150
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163
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179
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195
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211
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|
47-52
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44-49
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40-44
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37-41
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150
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150
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150
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167
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185
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203
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222
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240
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258
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53-58
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50-54
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45-49
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42-46
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150
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163
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183
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203
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224
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244
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264
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285
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305
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59-63
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55-60
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50-54
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47-50
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172
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195
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217
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240
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262
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284
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307
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329
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352
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64-69
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61-64
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55-59
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51-55
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202
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227
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251
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276
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300
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325
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350
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374
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399
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70-75
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65-71
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60-64
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56-60
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232
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259
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286
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312
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339
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365
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392
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419
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445
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76-81
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72-76
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65-70
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61-65
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262
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291
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320
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348
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377
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406
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435
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463
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492
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82-86
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77-81
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71-74
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66-69
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292
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323
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354
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385
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416
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446
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477
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508
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539
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87-92
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82-87
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75-79
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70-74
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322
|
355
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388
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421
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454
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487
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520
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553
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586
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93-99
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88-94
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80-85
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75-80
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352
|
387
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422
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457
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492
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532
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581
|
629
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676
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We most strongly recommend you adhere to the IBO or AMO
Standard regarding minimum arrow weight
Arrow Weight: Is Lighter Better?
This is a hotly debated topic, but the fact is, lighter
arrows fly faster with less loss of trajectory. A faster arrow won't necessarily
penetrate better, but it will make it to the target more quickly. Hunters need
to carefully consider their choices and consult an archery pro shop for advice
if necessary. Please call or e-mail Avid Archers Pro Shop with any questions
you may have at 208-547-3474 or dennis@avidarchers.com
.
In the current archery market, speed sells. Archery manufacturers are under
constant pressure to make things go faster. As a result, each year brings a new
bumper-crop of even lighter arrow shafts, better string materials, more
efficient bow designs, friction-reducing components, etc. The main idea is,
lighter arrows go faster - sometimes dramatically faster. Heavy arrows go
slower. So if you want your bow to shoot "flat", lightweight arrows
are going to be a must, but how light is too light?
Arrow Weight: How Light is TOO Light?
Shooting an arrow that is too light can be dangerous, both
to you and your expensive compound bow. Shooting an underweight arrow has a
similar effect as dry-firing your bow. Without sufficient arrow weight, the
string and limbs of your compound bow move too quickly and violently. The bow
needs the resistance of the arrow to stay intact.
Naturally, an underweight arrow will fly like a rocket -
generating unbelievable speeds. But anyone who does this is just asking for
trouble. Modern compound bows aren't toys. They generate a tremendous amount of
energy and should be treated with the same respect you would give any dangerous
weapon. The vast majority of serious compound bow failures are not caused by
manufacturer defects, but rather by dry-firing the bow or shooting dramatically
underweight arrows. For your personal safety, and the longevity of your bow, we
most strongly recommend you follow the IBO or AMO Standard regarding minimum
arrow weight.
The International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) sets a 5
grains per pound standard. In other words, arrow weight should never be less
than 5X the bow's draw weight. So a 60# bow should shoot no less than a 300 (5 x
60) grain arrow. Simple enough!
Another authority in the archery industry, the Archery
Trade Association (formerly the AMO), also publishes an arrow weight
recommendation chart. The AMO chart is a bit more complex and takes more
variables into account (brace height, bow efficiency, cam design, draw length,
etc.), but it is less widely used.
Some manufacturers ask you follow one standard, some the
other. And depending upon your particular bow setup, the IBO and AMO
recommendations may or may not be the same. Check the literature that came with
your bow to find which standard you should follow.
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