Arrows come in four components.
- Shaft It is the long, straight spine on the archer. Modern arrow shafts are constructed from fiberglass, wood aluminum, carbon, or wood. The bow, regardless of the shaft material, should be of the right stiffness to match the bow. When the arrow is released the shaft will bend before straightening during flight. A lack of stiffness can result in the arrow flying in a wildly inconsistent manner and with poor accuracy.
- Fletching feathers or plastic vanes that are on an arrow. Fletching can cause wind drag, and can also make the arrow turn like a rifle bullet which can improve stability and precision when it is in flight. Fletching is composed of three or more feathers or vanes. The feathers of one will have a different hue and are referred to as”cock” feather “cock” feather. The other feathers are known as”hen feathers. “hen” feathers.
- Arrowheads: The point of the arrow. Different types of arrows are available and each has a distinct function and benefit.
- Nock The tip of a plastic slot on the back of the arrow. It attaches to the string and keeps the arrow in place. There is a specific location on the bowstring also known as the “nocking point” where arrows can be notched. Fine-tuning of this point by moving it up and down on the bowstring is typically needed.
