After becoming interested in bamboo and river cane arrows, I recently purchased a set of traditional TTFLY Bamboo Arrows on Amazon. With so many arrow options available, I opted for these based on their affordability and positive reviews. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of my experience with these budget bamboo arrows, aiming to inform fellow traditional archers like myself.
First Impressions: A Natural Look and Feel
The TTFLY arrows arrived well-packaged, showcasing their natural beauty with a smooth, unblemished finish. The bamboo feels sturdy yet lightweight, and the fletching (feathers at the end) appears well-secured. The self-nocks are a classic design that pairs well with a traditional longbow. Compared to some synthetic arrows, these felt more traditional and authentic, which I really appreciated.
Performance on the Range
Taking to the practice range, I nocked the first arrow and drew my longbow. The arrow felt well-balanced in my hand, and it flew with a satisfying arc towards the target. I was immediately impressed with my grouping on the target with the arrows. I was also elated with how quiet the bamboo arrows were out of my bow.
Durability: Built to Withstand Learning Curves
One of the biggest concerns for beginners is arrow durability, especially with early misses. To my surprise, the TTFLY bamboo arrows have held up remarkably well. I’ve snagged a few on the hill behind my targets, and they’ve only resulted in minor cosmetic scratches. The bamboo itself seems resilient, and the fletching has remained firmly attached despite some rough landings. Many traditional archers say that bamboo or cane arrows are the toughest you can shoot except for carbon arrows. Just keep in mind that the self-nocks can be damaged if hit by another arrow, and they are tougher to repair than replacing a plastic nock. I’ve “Robin Hooded” a couple of them.
Value for Money: An Archer’s Ally
Let’s face it, archery can be an expensive hobby. Fortunately, the TTFLY arrows offer excellent value for the price. They’re significantly more affordable than many other bamboo arrow options on Amazon, making them a budget-friendly choice for beginners who are still refining their skills.
Room for Improvement
While I’ve been generally impressed with the TTFLY arrows, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the self-nocks (the notches at the end of the arrow that fit onto the bowstring) are a bit tight. This can make it slightly challenging to nock the arrows quickly, especially for thicker strings. However, an easy fix is to move the self-nock back and forth on the string serving to loosen it up. Secondly, some users have reported issues with different weights in the bamboo shafts. I found this to be the case with my set of arrows. Half of the arrows weighed 550-570 grains, and the other half weighed 600-620 grains. This didn’t bother me, because the lighter arrows shot great with my 45lb reflex/deflex laminated longbow, and the heavier arrows flew great out of my 48lb Osage Orange self-bow. However, it’s worth mentioning for potential buyers.
Wrap Up
Overall, I recommend the TTFLY Bamboo Arrows to traditional archers. They provide a good balance of affordability, durability, and performance. The natural look and feel add to the archery experience, and their toughness is confidence-inspiring for those new to the sport. While there are minor quibbles with the nocks and potential shaft imperfections, these can be overlooked considering the overall value proposition. If you’re looking for a tough and natural alternative to cedar arrows, the TTFLY Bamboo Arrows are a great option.
