Arrow Spine Chart | Complete Reference Guide for Recurve, Compound & Traditional Bows

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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. It's measured by supporting a 29-inch arrow shaft at both ends, hanging a 2-pound weight from the center, and measuring how much the shaft deflects (bends). The deflection in thousandths of an inch 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.

Recurve bow spine chart

For recurve bows, Olympic recurves, and takedown recurves. Based on draw weight at your draw length and arrow length from nock throat to shaft end.

Carbon arrow spine for recurve bows

Draw Weight 27" Arrow 28" Arrow 29" Arrow 30" Arrow 31" Arrow
20-25 lbs 900 1000 1000 1200 1200
25-30 lbs 800 900 900 1000 1000
30-35 lbs 700 800 800 900 900
35-40 lbs 600 700 700 800 800
40-45 lbs 500 600 600 700 700
45-50 lbs 400 500 500 600 600
50-55 lbs 340 400 500 500 600
55-60 lbs 300 340 400 500 500

Note: These are general guidelines for 100-125 grain points. Heavier points (150+ grains) may require one spine group stiffer. Always test before buying bulk arrows.

Popular recurve arrow examples

Shop carbon arrows for recurve at Lancaster Archery or recurve arrows on Amazon.

Compound bow spine chart

For compound bows with cam systems. Compounds need stiffer spines than recurves at the same draw weight due to faster energy release and mechanical advantage.

Carbon arrow spine for compound bows

Draw Weight 27" Arrow 28" Arrow 29" Arrow 30" Arrow 31" Arrow
30-40 lbs 500 600 600 700 700
40-50 lbs 400 500 500 600 600
50-60 lbs 340 400 400 500 500
60-70 lbs 300 340 340 400 400
70-80 lbs 250 300 300 340 340

Note: Most modern compound hunters shoot 60-70 lbs with 340-400 spine arrows. Adjust one spine group for every 25 grains of point weight change.

Popular compound arrow examples

Shop compound hunting arrows at Lancaster Archery or carbon 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 900 1000 1000 1200 1200
30-35 lbs 800 900 900 1000 1000
35-40 lbs 700 800 800 900 900
40-45 lbs 600 700 700 800 800
45-50 lbs 500 600 600 700 700
50-55 lbs 500 500 600 600 700
55-60 lbs 400 500 500 600 600

Wood arrow spine (traditional measurement)

Wood arrows use different spine measurements based on shaft diameter and wood species. Common spine/diameter combinations:

Wood arrow spine is measured differently - the number represents the actual draw weight the arrow is spined for, not deflection. A "55# spine" wood arrow is designed for a 55 lb bow.

Shop wood arrows at 3Rivers Archery or carbon traditional arrows at 3Rivers.

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

Shop aluminum arrows at Lancaster Archery or aluminum arrows on Amazon.

Arrow spine selection tips

📏 Measure accurately

Draw weight at YOUR draw length, not bow's marked weight. Arrow length from nock throat to shaft end. Small measurement errors cause wrong spine selection.

🎯 Start in the middle

If between two spine groups, choose the weaker (higher number) spine. Easier to make arrows stiffer by cutting shorter than to make stiff arrows weaker.

⚖️ Account for point weight

Heavier points (broadheads) make arrows act weaker. Add 25 grains point weight = move up one spine group. 125gr broadhead may need stiffer spine than 100gr field point.

🧪 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 Effect Spine Adjustment
Increase draw weight 5 lbs Needs stiffer arrow Move down one spine group (500→400)
Increase arrow length 1" Needs weaker arrow Move up one spine group (400→500)
Add 25 grains point weight Arrow acts weaker May need one spine stiffer
Cut arrow 1" shorter Arrow becomes stiffer Effective spine drops ~50 points
Switch to compound bow Needs much stiffer 2-3 spine groups stiffer than recurve

When to use spine charts vs. calculator

Use spine charts when:

Use our arrow spine calculator when:

Calculate your exact arrow specs

Get personalized recommendations:

Why proper spine matters more than you think

I've watched countless archers struggle with accuracy problems that had nothing to do with their form, their bow tune, or their release. The problem was arrow spine. They were shooting 500 spine arrows when they needed 400, or vice versa. The arrows looked fine, flew okay, and grouped... sort of. But never consistently. Never tight groups. Always that one flier that ruins the perfect score.

Here's what most beginners don't understand: arrow spine isn't just about whether the arrow breaks or flies straight. It's about consistency. An arrow with slightly wrong spine will sometimes group well - when conditions are perfect, when your form is perfect, when the wind is calm. But it won't group well consistently. That's the difference between a 270 score and a 285 in 3D archery. That's the difference between a clean kill and a wounded deer.

Spine charts are helpful for getting close, but they're approximations. Every bow is slightly different. Two "identical" 60-pound bows can require different spines based on cam design, brace height, and tuning. This is why serious archers test multiple spine groups. They don't just look at a chart and order arrows. They buy 3 arrows in 340 spine, 3 in 400 spine, and 3 in 500 spine. They shoot all three groups and see which one gives the tightest pattern.

The other thing spine charts don't tell you: spine changes with arrow modifications. Cut an arrow 1 inch shorter and it effectively becomes about 50 spine points stiffer. Add a 125-grain broadhead instead of a 100-grain field point and the arrow acts weaker - you might need to go from 400 spine to 340 spine. Add weight to the front with inserts or heavier points and dynamic spine changes even though static spine (the number on the shaft) stays the same.

Professional archers and bow shops have spine testers - devices that actually measure your arrow's deflection with your specific point weight and arrow length. The reading often differs from the manufacturer's labeled spine by 20-30 points, especially for budget arrows with inconsistent wall thickness. This is why buying cheap arrows from unknown manufacturers is risky - the spine consistency varies wildly shaft to shaft within the same dozen.

If you're serious about accuracy, invest in proper spine selection. Use these charts as a starting point, but verify with actual shooting. And once you find the perfect spine for your setup, buy several dozen and don't change anything. Consistent equipment enables consistent performance. Change your spine and you're starting over with tuning and practice.

Arrow spine chart FAQs

What arrow spine do I need for my bow?

Arrow spine depends on draw weight, arrow length, and bow type. For recurve bows: 45 lbs at 29 inches needs 500-600 spine. For compound bows: 60 lbs at 29 inches needs 340-400 spine. Compounds need stiffer arrows than recurves at the same draw weight. Use our arrow spine calculator for exact recommendations based on your setup.

What does arrow spine 340, 500, 600 mean?

Arrow spine numbers indicate stiffness. The number represents deflection in thousandths of an inch when a 29-inch shaft is suspended at both ends with a 2-pound weight hanging from center. 340 spine deflects 0.340 inches (stiffer, for heavy draw weights). 500 spine deflects 0.500 inches (medium stiffness). 600 spine deflects 0.600 inches (weaker, for lighter draw weights). Lower numbers = stiffer arrows.

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 and aluminum arrows at Lancaster Archery.

What happens if my arrow spine is wrong?

Wrong spine causes poor accuracy and erratic arrow flight. Too weak (high spine number): arrow flexes too much, impacts left for right-handed shooters, fishtails in flight. Too stiff (low spine number): arrow won't flex enough around bow, impacts right for right-handed shooters, reduced accuracy. Proper spine is essential for consistent grouping and safe shooting.

Do I need different spine for hunting vs target shooting?

Potentially yes. Hunting arrows use heavier broadheads (100-125 grains vs 75-100 grain field points), which makes arrows act weaker. You may need to go one spine group stiffer (lower number) when switching to broadheads. For example, 500 spine for target may need 400 spine for hunting. Calculate spine with your actual point weight using our spine calculator for accurate results.

Can I cut arrows to make them stiffer?

Yes, cutting arrows shorter makes them effectively stiffer. Cutting 1 inch off reduces spine by approximately 50 points (500 spine becomes ~450 spine effective). However, always maintain safe arrow length - arrows should extend 1-2 inches past your arrow rest at full draw. Use our arrow length calculator to determine minimum safe length before cutting.

Why do compound bows need stiffer spine than recurves?

Compound bows release energy faster and more efficiently than recurves due to cam systems and let-off. This faster energy transfer causes more violent arrow flexing, requiring stiffer spines to control. A 60 lb compound needs 340-400 spine while a 60 lb recurve needs 400-500 spine. The mechanical advantage of compounds also means peak draw weight matters more than holding weight for spine selection.

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.