Why Arrow Selection Matters
Ask any experienced archer and they'll tell you: your arrow matters just as much as your bow. The wrong arrow can hurt your accuracy, damage your bow, or even be dangerous. The right arrow, matched properly to your setup, will fly true and help you shoot your best.
At Gregory Archery we help beginners and experienced shooters alike find the perfect arrow for their bow. Here's what you need to know.
Understanding Arrow Spine
Arrow spine refers to the stiffness of the arrow shaft. It's one of the most important factors in arrow selection. An arrow that's too stiff or too flexible for your bow will fishtail through the air and miss its mark.
Spine is measured as a number — the lower the number, the stiffer the arrow. Common spine ratings include 250, 300, 340, 400, 500, and 600. The right spine for you depends on:
- Draw weight – Higher draw weights require stiffer (lower number) spines
- Draw length – Longer draw lengths also call for stiffer arrows
- Arrow length – Longer arrows flex more, so they need a stiffer spine
- Point weight – Heavier points require a stiffer spine
Most arrow manufacturers, including Easton, provide spine selection charts to help you find the right match.
Arrow Length
Your arrow should be cut to the correct length for your draw length. As a general rule, your arrow should extend about 1 inch past the front of your arrow rest when you're at full draw. Shooting arrows that are too short can be dangerous — always err on the side of slightly longer when in doubt.
Arrow Materials
Modern arrows come in three main materials:
Aluminum
Aluminum arrows are affordable, consistent, and great for beginners. They're heavier than carbon, which can actually help with forgiveness and penetration at shorter distances. Easton's aluminum arrows have been trusted by archers for decades.
Carbon
Carbon arrows are lightweight, fast, and extremely popular for both target archery and hunting. They're more durable than aluminum and resist bending. Easton's carbon lineup — including the popular Easton Carbon Legacy and Easton Axis series — offers options for every budget and shooting style.
Carbon/Aluminum Hybrid
Hybrid arrows combine an aluminum core with a carbon outer layer, giving you the best of both worlds: the weight and consistency of aluminum with the speed and durability of carbon. The Easton X10 is the gold standard for competitive target archery.
Point Weight and Type
The point (or tip) of your arrow affects both spine selection and how the arrow performs downrange. Common point types include:
- Field points – Used for target practice and 3D archery. Match the weight to your broadheads for consistent practice.
- Broadheads – Used for hunting. Come in fixed-blade and mechanical styles.
- Judo points – Great for roving and stump shooting.
Easton inserts are precision-machined to ensure your points thread in securely and stay aligned. Using quality inserts like Easton's makes a real difference in consistency.
Fletching: Vanes vs. Feathers
Fletching stabilizes your arrow in flight. You'll choose between:
- Plastic vanes – Durable, weather-resistant, and the most common choice for compound bow shooters
- Natural feathers – Lighter and more forgiving, preferred by traditional archers shooting off the shelf
Fletching size and angle also affect arrow spin and stability — larger fletching provides more correction but slows the arrow down slightly.
A Simple Arrow Selection Checklist
Before buying arrows, know these numbers:
- Your draw length (in inches)
- Your bow's draw weight (in pounds)
- Your intended use (target, 3D, hunting, indoor, outdoor)
- Your preferred point weight (typically 100 grains for most setups)
With those four pieces of information, our team at Gregory Archery can match you with the perfect Easton arrow for your setup.
Shop Easton Arrows at Gregory Archery
We carry a wide selection of Easton arrows and inserts. Whether you're a first-time archer or a competitive shooter, we'll help you find the right arrow, cut it to length, and get you set up for success.