Choosing the right arrow spine and point weight combination can make or break your traditional archery performance, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In my latest video, I break down my two arrow setups I rely on for my 40-45 pound recurves and longbows: a heavy 500 spine configuration with 200-250 grain points for hunting, and a lighter 600 spine setup with 100-150 grain points for 3D competition. The hunting setup prioritizes penetration and wind resistance with high FOC balance, perfect for ethical shots on game at typical 20-yard traditional bowhunting distances. Meanwhile, the 3D setup sacrifices some penetration for 20-30 fps more speed and a flatter trajectory that’s invaluable for longer range target accuracy.

Both configurations use readily available 30-inch carbon arrows that work perfectly with fixed crawl aiming techniques, making them budget-friendly options for archers at any skill level. Whether you’re pursuing game in the backcountry or competing in 3D tournaments, understanding when and why to choose each setup will significantly improve your accuracy and effectiveness with traditional equipment. The key is matching your arrow configuration to your primary shooting goals—high FOC for hunting penetration, or speed and flat trajectory for target precision. Read more about arrow spine here.