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.

Why do all the best archers have mustaches?

Look at the images below and pay close attention.

Howard Hill

Awa Kenzo

Robin Hood

Robin Hood (parody)

Howard Hill and Awa Kenzo are two of the best archers from the last century. Robin Hood on the other hand is a fictional character, who may or may not have been based off a Welsh Yeoman who actually existed and has been raised to legendary status.

It doesn't seem to matter who the archer is, if they are a great archer they often have a mustache - or at very least facial hair. Even the film versions of Robin Hood and other characters often have mustaches or facial hair.

With exceptions (most of them being women), not all great archers have facial hair. But it does make you wonder... does a mustache make you a better archer? Or is it just a cultural stereotype that great archers have mustaches?

The Seven Biggest Myths about Archery

Some weaker archers use compound bows.

#1. "You don't need to be strong to do archery."

This myth is only partially true. Yes, it is possible for a complete weakling to do archery, but they would need to be using a very weak bow - a light poundage one - and the weaker the archer, the less accuracy they often have.

Archery is mostly about technique and the quality of your form and your aim, but if you are weak your arrows will fly slower and slow arrows will be effected by the wind a lot more, so being physically stronger gives the archer a distinct advantage.

Beginner archers should begin with a low poundage bow and then should slowly progress to higher poundage bows as they become physically stronger, improving their form first and slowly increasing their physical strength / capabilities.

Some weaker archers also choose to use compound bows because they are easier to use.

#2. "Archery is a dangerous sport."

This is ridiculously untrue. Archery is more than three times safer than golf, with just one injury for every 2,000 participants. Also 90% of archery injuries happen while bowhunting (and usually involve falling out of a tree or shooting themselves in their hand), so if you exclude bowhunting it really is only 1 injury out of 20,000 participants.

Compare that to Football where the injuries to players ratio is 1 to 1 (100% of football players suffer from injuries) and wherein 1 out of every 3 football players suffers a brain injury.

#3. "You need good eyes to do archery."

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Im Dong Hyun is severely visually impaired and is "legally blind". He sees a target at 70 meters as a blurry wash of colors with a blurry yellow in the middle. Using a sight he just aims at the middle of the blurry yellow, but the quality of his form has allowed him to set the world record.

So no, you don't actually need good eyes to do archery. (Although it certainly helps when it comes to shooting at moving targets.)

#4. "Archery is expensive."

This is only partially true, but it really depends on what type of equipment you buy. You don't need to buy a $2,000 Olympic recurve bow with arrows that cost $50 each. You can easily practice with a $150 bow with arrows that cost $7 each. How much you spend is really up to you.

Some people even make their own bows and craft their own arrows, so with some smarts and creative skills you can just make your own equipment.

Kid dressed as Viking Archer

#5. "Archery is for nerds."

Oh really? So I guess bowhunting is for nerds too then eh? The truth is archers come from all walks of life, from every cultural background, rich and poor, smart and not-so-bright, male and female, young and old. Not every archer is a Katniss / Green Arrow / Legolas fanatic - but many of them are fans of a broad range of cultural icons.

Do you need to dress up as a viking archer like the girl on the above right? No, nobody is forcing you. But she still looks awesome.

#6. "Do I have to join an archery club?"

No, nobody is forcing you to join a club. eg. Joining the Toronto Archery Club is completely optional. You can still practice archery without the need to join a club.

#7. "Bah, I can do that. Archery is easy!"

This one is absolutely untrue. Archery is hard. It is arguably the hardest, most perfectionist sport ever conceived of.

How hard is it? You won't know until you try it. But once you do you will realize two things: One, archery is always harder than people were expecting; Two, archery is addictive and amazingly fun. You never get bored of shooting.

Archery is so rich with history, with different personalities, different shooting styles, new things to try and do that you will never get bored and you will never learn everything there is to know about the sport. But it is the journey that is enjoyable.

Unusual Broadheads