Home Arrow Spine Chart
Arrow Spine Chart
Complete arrow spine reference charts for all bow types.
Find correct spine by draw weight and arrow length.
Includes carbon, aluminum, and wood arrow spine ratings.
🎯 Quick spine finder
Need a fast recommendation? Use our Arrow Spine Calculator for personalized spine selection based on your exact setup. Charts below provide general reference.
Understanding arrow spine numbers
What is arrow spine?
Arrow spine measures an arrow shaft's stiffness or resistance to bending. Under the standard static-spine test used for carbon arrows, a 29-inch shaft is supported at two points 28 inches apart and an 880-gram (1.94 lb) weight is suspended from the center. The measured deflection in inches, multiplied by 1,000, becomes the spine rating.
Example: A 500 spine arrow deflects 0.500 inches (half an inch) under standard test conditions.
How to read spine numbers
| Spine Number | Deflection | Stiffness | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | 0.200"-0.300" | Very stiff | Heavy compound bows (70+ lbs) |
| 300-400 | 0.300"-0.400" | Stiff | Compound bows (55-70 lbs) |
| 400-500 | 0.400"-0.500" | Medium-stiff | Compound 40-55 lbs, heavy recurve 50-60 lbs |
| 500-600 | 0.500"-0.600" | Medium | Recurve 35-50 lbs, light compound |
| 600-800 | 0.600"-0.800" | Flexible | Recurve 25-40 lbs, youth bows |
| 800-1000 | 0.800"-1.000" | Very flexible | Light recurve 15-30 lbs, youth archery |
Lower number = stiffer arrow
This confuses many beginners: lower spine numbers indicate stiffer arrows. Think of it as measuring weakness - a 300 spine arrow only deflects 0.300 inches, so it's stiffer than a 500 spine that deflects 0.500 inches.
- 300 spine: Stiff (for heavy draw weights)
- 400 spine: Medium-stiff
- 500 spine: Medium
- 600 spine: Flexible
Recurve bow spine chart
Use this chart as a general starting point for recurve, Olympic recurve, and takedown recurve setups. It is based on draw weight at your draw length and shaft length from nock throat to shaft end. Exact spine recommendations vary by shaft manufacturer, release style, point and insert weight, arrow length, and bow setup. After finding your starting range here, cross-check the exact shaft model with the manufacturer's current selection chart before buying or cutting arrows.
Carbon arrow spine for recurve bows
| Draw Weight | 27" Arrow | 28" Arrow | 29" Arrow | 30" Arrow | 31" Arrow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-25 lbs | 700 | 600 | 600 | 500 | 500 |
| 25-30 lbs | 600 | 600 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| 30-35 lbs | 600 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 400 |
| 35-40 lbs | 500 | 500 | 500 | 400 | 400 |
| 40-45 lbs | 500 | 500 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| 45-50 lbs | 500 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 350 |
| 50-55 lbs | 400 | 400 | 400 | 350 | 350 |
| 55-60 lbs | 400 | 400 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
These are general starting guidelines, not manufacturer-specific fitment. Heavier front-end weight can make the shaft behave dynamically weaker, and a longer shaft can do the same. Confirm the exact model with the manufacturer's current chart or selector before buying in quantity.
Popular recurve arrow examples
- Easton Avance / Avance Sport: 340-2000 spine (current target/recurve series)
- Carbon Express Predator: 350-800 spine (current standard Predator range)
- Gold Tip Traditional Classic: 340-600 spine (current .204 traditional series)
- Easton A/C/E or X10: Premium aluminum-carbon target shafts; use Easton's selector for the correct current size
Shop carbon arrows for recurve at Centerpoint Archery or recurve arrows on Amazon.
Shop arrows by spine
Once you have your spine number from the charts below:
- Carbon arrows at Centerpoint Archery — recurve, traditional, and hunting shafts by spine
- Carbon arrows on Amazon — Easton, Gold Tip, Carbon Express, Victory
- All arrow types on Amazon — aluminum, carbon, and wood shafts
Compound bow spine chart
Use this chart as a general starting point for compound bows. Exact spine depends on draw weight, shaft length, bow speed, release method, and total front-end weight. Faster compound setups can increase dynamic spine demand, so confirm the exact shaft model with the manufacturer's current selector before buying or cutting arrows.
Carbon arrow spine for compound bows
| Draw Weight | 27" Arrow | 28" Arrow | 29" Arrow | 30" Arrow | 31" Arrow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-40 lbs | 500 | 500 | 500 | 400 | 400 |
| 40-50 lbs | 500 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 350 |
| 50-60 lbs | 400 | 400 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| 60-70 lbs | 350 | 350 | 350 | 300 | 300 |
| 70-80 lbs | 350 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 250 |
These are general starting guidelines. Increasing point, insert, collar, or other front-end weight makes a shaft behave dynamically weaker and can change the recommended spine. Use the combined front-end weight in the manufacturer's selector rather than applying a fixed grains-per-spine-group rule.
Popular compound arrow examples
- Easton Axis: 200-700 spine (current 5mm hunting range)
- Carbon Express Maxima RED: 300-400 spine (current standard-diameter range)
- Gold Tip Hunter: 300-500 spine
- Victory RIP: .204 small-diameter hunting shaft; verify current spine in Victory's guide
- Easton 4MM Axis Long Range: 250-400 spine (micro-diameter hunting)
- Black Eagle Rampage: 250-400 spine (current .204 hunting range)
Shop compound hunting arrows at Centerpoint Archery or carbon arrows on Amazon.
Gold Tip spine chart by model
Gold Tip offers several shaft families across multiple spine sizes. Current availability varies by model, so use the manufacturer's selector and product specifications for the exact shaft. The Hunter XT, for example, is currently offered in 250, 300, 340, 400, and 500 spine.
- Gold Tip Hunter: 300-500 spine
- Gold Tip Hunter XT: 250-500 spine
- Gold Tip Traditional Classic: 340-600 spine
- Gold Tip Velocity: 300-700 spine, designed for higher speed
Gold Tip provides its own spine selector tool based on your specific draw weight, arrow length, and point weight — cross-check your result with our Arrow Spine Calculator before cutting shafts. Once you've confirmed your spine, shop Gold Tip arrows on Amazon.
Traditional longbow & self bow spine chart
For traditional longbows, self bows, and bows shot off the shelf or hand. Traditional bows need slightly weaker spines than modern recurves due to more arrow paradox (arrow bending around bow on release).
Carbon/wood arrow spine for traditional bows
| Draw Weight | 27" Arrow | 28" Arrow | 29" Arrow | 30" Arrow | 31" Arrow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-30 lbs | 600 | 600 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| 30-35 lbs | 600 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 400 |
| 35-40 lbs | 500 | 500 | 500 | 400 | 400 |
| 40-45 lbs | 500 | 500 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| 45-50 lbs | 500 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 350 |
| 50-55 lbs | 400 | 400 | 400 | 350 | 350 |
| 55-60 lbs | 400 | 400 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
Wood arrow spine for traditional bows
Wood shafts are commonly sold in spine-weight ranges rather than carbon-style deflection numbers. The correct range depends on the bow's actual draw weight at your draw length, finished arrow length, point weight, shelf or center-cut geometry, and the individual shaft.
Use the shaft maker's starting recommendation, then confirm the result through bare-shaft or test-shaft tuning before ordering a matched set. Wood-shaft suppliers commonly offer test packs in adjacent spine ranges for this purpose.
For wood arrows, treat any general spine chart as a starting point rather than a final specification.
Shop wood arrows at Optics Planet or carbon traditional arrows at Centerpoint.
Aluminum arrow spine chart (Easton system)
Aluminum arrows use a 4-digit numbering system (e.g., 1816, 2014, 2213). First two digits = shaft diameter in 64ths of an inch. Last two digits = wall thickness in thousandths of an inch.
Example: 2014 = 20/64" diameter (5/16"), 0.014" wall thickness
Common aluminum spine sizes by draw weight
| Draw Weight | Aluminum Size | Approximate Carbon Equivalent | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-20 lbs | 1416, 1516 | 1000-1200 spine | Youth beginner arrows |
| 20-30 lbs | 1616, 1716 | 800-900 spine | Youth intermediate |
| 25-35 lbs | 1816, 1913 | 700-800 spine | Youth advanced, light adult |
| 35-45 lbs | 1916, 2013 | 600-700 spine | Adult recurve, Olympic |
| 40-50 lbs | 2014, 2016, 2114 | 500-600 spine | Adult recurve hunting |
| 45-55 lbs | 2117, 2213, 2216 | 400-500 spine | Heavy recurve, light compound |
| 50-60 lbs | 2219, 2315, 2413 | 340-400 spine | Compound hunting |
Popular aluminum arrow series
- Easton XX75: Most popular aluminum arrow, great for target and 3D
- Easton X7 Eclipse: High-performance target aluminum
- Easton Jazz: Budget-friendly aluminum for beginners
- Easton Tribute: Entry-level target aluminum
Shop aluminum arrows at Optics Planet or aluminum arrows on Amazon.
Arrow spine selection tips
📏 Measure accurately
Draw weight at YOUR draw length, not bow's marked weight — use our bow poundage calculator if unsure. Arrow length from nock throat to shaft end. Small measurement errors cause wrong spine selection.
🎯 Cross-check the manufacturer
If your setup falls between spine groups, don't apply one rule to every bow. Manufacturer recommendations differ by bow type and release method. Use the chart here as a starting point, then confirm the exact shaft with the manufacturer's current selector.
⚖️ Account for front-end weight
Heavier points, inserts, collars, and other front-end components make the shaft behave dynamically weaker. Use the combined front-end weight in the manufacturer's selector rather than applying a fixed spine-group rule.
🧪 Test before buying bulk
Buy 3-6 arrows in recommended spine. Shoot and verify grouping before ordering full dozen. Different bow tunes can shift ideal spine slightly.
Factors that affect required spine
| Factor | Dynamic Effect | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Increase draw weight | Places more load on the shaft | Re-check the manufacturer chart; a stiffer (lower-numbered) shaft may be required |
| Increase arrow length | Makes the shaft behave dynamically weaker | Re-check the manufacturer chart; a stiffer shaft may be required |
| Add point, insert, or other front-end weight | Makes the shaft behave dynamically weaker | Use the total front-end weight in the manufacturer's selector |
| Shorten the shaft | Makes the shaft behave dynamically stiffer | Tune in small increments and follow the shaft manufacturer's minimum-length guidance |
| Use a faster compound setup | Can increase dynamic spine demand | Use a selector that accounts for bow speed, release type, shaft length, and component weight |
When to use spine charts vs. calculator
Use spine charts when:
- You need a quick general reference
- Your setup is very standard (typical draw weight/length)
- You're browsing arrow options at a shop
- You want to understand spine ranges across draw weights
Use our arrow spine calculator when:
- You have unusual draw weight or arrow length
- You're using heavy broadheads or unusual point weights
- You want a personalized recommendation for your exact setup
- You're ordering custom arrows and need precise spine
Once you have the correct spine, tie your D loop if you haven't already — it affects draw length and nocking point position. Then confirm arrow flight with the Paper Tuning Chart — select your tear pattern and get exact fix steps for compound or recurve bows.
Arrow spine chart FAQs
What arrow spine do I need for my bow?
Arrow spine depends on draw weight, arrow length, bow type, front-end weight, and bow speed. A typical 45 lb recurve with a 29-inch shaft may fall around 400 spine, while a 60 lb compound at the same shaft length often falls around a 340/350-400 range depending on the shaft maker and setup. Use our arrow spine calculator for a starting recommendation, then confirm the exact shaft with the manufacturer's selector.
What does arrow spine 340, 500, 600 mean?
Arrow spine numbers indicate stiffness. Under the standard static-spine test used for carbon arrows, a 29-inch shaft is supported at two points 28 inches apart and an 880-gram (1.94 lb) weight is suspended from the center. A 340 spine shaft deflects 0.340 inches; a 500 spine shaft deflects 0.500 inches; and a 600 spine shaft deflects 0.600 inches. Lower numbers indicate stiffer shafts.
Can I use the same spine chart for carbon and aluminum arrows?
No, carbon and aluminum arrows use different spine measurement systems. Carbon arrows use a 3-digit number (300, 400, 500) based on deflection. Aluminum arrows use a 4-digit number (1816, 2014, 2213) where first two digits are diameter in 64ths of an inch and last two are wall thickness. Always use manufacturer-specific spine charts for the arrow material you're shooting. Shop carbon arrows at Centerpoint Archery or aluminum arrows at Optics Planet.
What happens if my arrow spine is wrong?
Wrong spine can cause erratic arrow flight, tuning difficulty, and inconsistent groups. A shaft that is dynamically too weak flexes more than the setup calls for; one that is dynamically too stiff flexes less. The exact impact direction can vary with bow type, release method, and tune, so use paper tuning or bare-shaft testing rather than left/right impact alone to diagnose spine.
Do I need different spine for hunting vs target shooting?
Potentially. Spine selection should be based on your actual finished setup rather than whether the arrow is labeled for hunting or target shooting. Heavier points, inserts, collars, or other front-end components make an arrow behave dynamically weaker and can require a stiffer shaft. Use the total front-end weight and finished arrow length in the manufacturer's selector or our spine calculator.
Can I cut arrows to make them stiffer?
Yes. Shortening an arrow makes it behave dynamically stiffer, but it does not change the shaft's labeled static spine — a 500-spine shaft remains a 500-spine shaft. There is no universal spine-points-per-inch conversion because the effect depends on the bow, shaft, point weight, and other components. Shorten shafts only within the manufacturer's limits and tune in small increments. Use our arrow length calculator to determine an appropriate starting length before cutting.
Why do compound bows need stiffer spine than recurves?
Compound setups often require stiffer shafts than recurves at similar draw weights because cam efficiency and bow speed can load the arrow more aggressively at release. But draw weight alone is not enough: bow speed, shaft length, point and insert weight, and release method can all change the recommendation. Use a compound-specific manufacturer chart or selector for the final choice.
How do I read aluminum arrow spine numbers?
Aluminum arrows use 4-digit codes (example: 2014). First two digits: shaft diameter in 64ths of an inch (20 = 20/64" = 5/16" diameter). Last two digits: wall thickness in thousandths of an inch (14 = 0.014" thick). Larger first number = bigger diameter (heavier, stiffer). Larger last number = thicker wall (heavier, stiffer). Common sizes: 1816, 2014, 2213, 2315.