trad bow nation logo
grizzlystik arrows and broadheads

Shooting High FOC Arrows with a Traditional Bow

Shooting a high FOC (Front-Of-Center) arrow with a traditional bow offers unique advantages: deeper penetration, flatter trajectory, and improved wind resistance. However, the journey requires careful consideration and specific tuning, unlike its lower FOC counterpart. Buckle up as we delve into the secrets of wielding this heavyweight champion.

Understanding FOC:

FOC is the percentage of an arrow’s weight positioned in front of the nock. Aiming for high FOC typically means 20% or more. Lighter shafts, heavier points, and inserts, and shorter vanes contribute to a higher FOC.

Why High FOC with Traditional Bows?

Traditional bows often lack the power of their compound counterparts. High FOC arrows compensate by delivering more energy transfer and deeper penetration, crucial for ethical hunting, especially with lower-weight trad bows. Additionally, their superior stability improves accuracy and resists wind deflection, maximizing your effective range.

The Balancing Act:

Tuning a high FOC arrow for a traditional bow demands meticulous attention. Here’s your roadmap:

    • Arrow Selection: Start with lighter shafts to accommodate heavier points while staying within your bow’s recommended spine range. Carbon arrows are the most popular and the easiest way to get started. Wood arrows can be used, but it’s more complicated.

    • Point Weight: Heavier points are key. Consider brass inserts or weight adapters and broadheads specifically designed for high FOC setups. Experiment to find the optimal balance between penetration and bow performance.

    • Fletching: Shorter vanes (2-3 inches) create less drag and maintain stability. Choose stiffer vanes to handle the increased point weight. Fletching style (e.g., helical) can also be adjusted for fine-tuning.

    • Tuning: This is crucial. Bare-shaft tune your arrows (without fletching) to ensure they fly straight through the bow. Once tuned, fletch and re-check flight trajectory. Traditional bows often require more frequent tuning due to the increased sensitivity of high FOC setups.

     

    Embrace the Challenges:

    Shooting high FOC with a traditional bow isn’t without its hurdles:

        • More Time & Effort: Purchasing, assembling, and testing high FOC setups requires more time and effort. 

        • Tuning complexity: The constant interplay between point weight, shaft stiffness, and fletching demands patience and experimentation.

        • Higher Costs: Purchasing broadheads, arrows, and components specifically designed for high FOC setups can get quite expensive. Budget and choose wisely.
      The author’s high FOC arrow setup uses a 75-grain adapter and an affordable 125-grain broadhead.

      Beyond the Tips:

          • Seek guidance: A knowledgeable archery shop or experienced traditional archer can provide invaluable advice and hands-on assistance for testing different setups.

          • Start low, go slow: Begin with moderate FOC and gradually increase point weight as you gain confidence and experience.

          • Safety first: Ensure your bow is suitable for high FOC arrows and always prioritize safe archery practices.

        Remember, mastering high FOC with a traditional bow is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the learning process, enjoy the experimentation, and appreciate the performance of this unique setup.

        For more information on FOC, check out Clay Hayes’s excellent video below or read Dr. Ed Ashby’s 12 arrow penetration factors.

        Related Posts