Everything has gone up in price lately. From food and gas to bowhunting gear, budgets are tighter than ever. Many hunters are looking for ways to cut corners this year.
You might decide to skip buying a new bow. You might choose to wear your old hunting clothes for another season. However, you should never skimp on your arrows.
Old, damaged arrows are less accurate and less durable. This can lead to missed shots or lost game. Fortunately, you can save significant money on arrows without sacrificing performance.
Are High-End Arrows Always Necessary?
When you shop for arrows, you will see different straightness ratings. Most arrows come in .001, .003, or .006 straightness. The straighter the arrow, the higher the price.
Many hunters believe they must buy .001 straightness arrows to be successful. The truth is that for many shooters, it simply does not matter. If your average shot is 30 yards or less, inexpensive arrows perform flawlessly.
Use an Arrow Inspector to Filter Your Gear
Most bowhunters practice at 20 to 30 yards. At these distances, a .006 arrow is perfectly capable of a lethal shot. However, you must ensure every arrow in your quiver is straight.
The best way to do this is with the Pine Ridge Archery Arrow Inspector. This tool is an arrow spin tester. It allows you to see if an arrow has a wobble in the shaft.
Wobbles usually occur at the very ends of the arrow. By spin testing a dozen cheap arrows, you can quickly find which ones fly true. This ensures every arrow you carry is worthy of the woods.
The Pro Trick: Cut Off the Wobbly Ends
If you want .001 performance on a budget, consider buying cheap arrow shafts and cutting them yourself. Most "wobble" in a budget arrow is located in the last inch or two.
By spin testing the raw shaft, you can identify the crooked end. If you cut an inch or two off that specific end, the remaining shaft is often much straighter. This simple trick turns a budget arrow into a high-precision tool.
Save 50% on Your Arrow Build
How much can you actually save? Many hunters save nearly 50% by following this method. Store-brand arrows are often made by top-tier manufacturers.
These arrows are high quality but lack the expensive branding. For most hunting situations, these "budget" shafts do an excellent job. They are durable enough for the range and accurate enough for the field.
Spin Test Every Arrow
Regardless of the price, you must spin test every arrow before the season starts. Even expensive arrows can have improperly glued inserts or nock issues.
Sometimes a specific broadhead does not sit flush, causing a wobble. Spin testing your shafts and finished arrows is a must for any serious hunter. It builds confidence and ensures your gear is ready when the big buck steps out.
