Carbon Arrow Performance Testing

Impact Resistance Testing

This test mimics the force an arrow endures when hitting a target, tree, or game animal:

• Controlled Impact: Testers use a drop tower to release a 500-gram weight onto the middle of a horizontally mounted arrow shaft.
• Inspection: After impact, the shaft is examined under a high-magnification microscope for cracks, delamination, or permanent deformation.

Flexural Strength (Bending) Testing

Archers often subject arrows to bending forces—whether pulling back the bowstring or retrieving an arrow stuck in a tree:

• Three-Point Bending Setup: The arrow is supported at two ends while a hydraulic press applies upward force to the center.
• Data Collection: Testers record the “flexural modulus” and “flexural strength” to measure stiffness and maximum force tolerance.

Weight and Mass Distribution Testing

Even small weight differences can affect an arrow’s speed and trajectory:

• Precision Weighing: Each shaft is weighed on a digital scale accurate to 0.1 grains.
• Center of Mass (COM) Measurement: Using a balance beam calibrated to 0.01 inches, testers find the COM of each arrow.

Spine Uniformity Testing

The spine (stiffness) of an arrow determines how it bends when shot:

• Spine Tester Setup: The arrow is clamped at both ends, and a standardized force is applied to the center.
• Set Consistency Check: All arrows in a set must have the same spine rating, with a tolerance of ±5.

Humidity and Temperature Cycling

This test simulates long-term exposure to extreme weather:

• Cycle Setup: Arrows are placed in a climate chamber that alternates between high humidity/high temperature and low humidity/low temperature.
• Post-Cycle Testing: After the cycles, the arrows are retested for straightness, flexural strength, and weight.

UV Resistance Testing

Prolonged exposure to sunlight’s UV rays can break down the resin in carbon arrows:

• UV Exposure: Arrows are placed under a UV lamp for 100 hours—equivalent to 6 months of outdoor exposure.
• Inspection: Testers check for discoloration and perform a flexural strength test.

Distance and Accuracy Testing

• Setup: Testers use a calibrated compound bow to shoot arrows at a target 50 yards away.
• Pass Criteria: For competition arrows, the average group size must be less than 4 inches.

Vibration Analysis

When an arrow is shot, it vibrates as it leaves the bowstring—excessive vibration can reduce accuracy:

• Sensor Setup: A small accelerometer is attached to the middle of the arrow shaft.
• Analysis: High-quality arrows should have a vibration frequency of 200-300 Hz and an amplitude of less than 0.1 inches.

Why These Tests Matter for Archers

Every test outlined above serves a single purpose: to ensure carbon arrows are reliable, precise, and durable. For competitive archers, consistent straightness and spine mean the ability to hit bullseyes under pressure. For hunters, impact resistance and environmental durability mean arrows that hold up in tough conditions and deliver ethical kills.