The Archer's Paradox Explained, Video + Mythbusting

Okay, so three things.

#1. For those that don't know, the "Archer's Paradox" refers to how arrows flex in flight and yet stay true on target. Flexible spine arrows flex more, and thicker spine arrows flex less. The flexibility of the arrow also effects accuracy.

#2. The video below is dumbed down quite a bit.

#3. Not all the information in the video is accurate.

Myth - The arrow does not "bend around the bow". The guy in the video isn't very bright, but he is trying hard to explain how it works - even though he is getting his facts wrong.

Fact - The arrow first of all flexes because of the pressure on it coming from the bowstring, and it also gains vibrations in the arrow as it rubs against the bow or arrowrest. The rubbing however doesn't really contribute to the flex of the arrow, merely to its accuracy - or lack thereof. The primary thing causing flex is the pressure on the rear of the arrow from the bowstring upon release. That pressure is then transferred down the length of the arrow during the forward motion, causing it to flex in the process.

If the arrow was too weak the amount of pressure could actually make it snap midshot. If the arrow is too strong / not flexible enough, it will lose some of its accuracy. The arrow needs to be able to flex in order to shoot straighter. An arrow with a spine that is too stiff or too weak will be less accurate. To optimize accuracy archers typically look for arrows that have spine with flexibility which matches the poundage of their bow. The amount of spine they need also depends on their draw length too. Fortunately there are charts on this topic, which show archers what spine of arrow they need.



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