Only recently have I started to shoot tapered arrows and I gotta tell you, it’s a lot more different to normal arrows than you’d think.
In target shooting, the design and composition of an arrow can make a big difference in performance. Tapered arrows are one type of arrow design that have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their potential benefits in accuracy, speed, and penetration. In this article, I will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of using tapered arrows in target shooting and provide examples of different types of target shooting where tapered arrows can be beneficial.
Here is what will be covered in this article
- Advantages of Using Tapered Arrows
- What different setting they can be used in
- The Disadvantages of tapered arrows
Advantages of Using Tapered Arrows
Improved Speed
Tapered arrows have a narrower diameter at the front end compared to the back end, which reduces air resistance and allows the arrow to travel faster through the air. This can be advantageous in target shooting where speed is a crucial factor in hitting the target accurately. For example, in long-range target shooting, tapered arrows can reach the target more quickly and with greater accuracy, minimizing the effects of wind and other environmental factors.
Enhanced Accuracy
Tapered arrows have a unique flight trajectory that can enhance accuracy when shooting at targets. The front end of the arrow is narrower, which allows it to fly straighter and with less deviation from the intended path. With tapered arrows, archers can achieve greater accuracy and consistency, resulting in much tighter groups
Different settings to shoot in
FITA Target Shooting
FITA target shooting is a popular competition where archers shoot at stationary targets placed at a distance of 50 meters for compound. Tapered arrows can improve performance in target shooting by increasing speed, and accuracy. The unique flight trajectory of tapered arrows allows them to hit the target more consistently and with greater precision, which can be the difference between winning and losing.
Field Target Shooting
Field target shooting is a competition where archers shoot at targets placed at various distances and angles in a natural setting. The rules of the competition allow the use of any type of arrow, making it a great opportunity for archers to experiment with different types of arrows, including tapered arrows. In field target shooting, tapered arrows can help archers hit targets with greater accuracy, even at longer distances and challenging angles. What you may find with their accuracy you may get a very short sight tape which will lead to your margin of error to be less leading you to hit the middle more frequently even if your distance judging is off.
Disadvantages to tapered arrows
Reduced Durability
Tapered arrows are designed to have a thinner front end, which can make them more prone to breakage or damage from impacts. This can be a limitation in target shooting where archers need to shoot multiple arrows during a competition or practice session. If an arrow breaks or becomes damaged, it can affect the archer’s performance and potentially cause them to lose points or the competition.
Increased Cost
Tapered arrows are often more expensive than standard arrows due to their unique design and composition. This can be a drawback for archers who are on a tight budget or do not want to invest in specialized equipment. However, for serious competitors, the potential benefits of tapered arrows may outweigh the increased cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tapered arrows can provide numerous benefits for archers in target shooting competitions. The unique design of tapered arrows can improve speed and accuracy, making them particularly advantageous in long-range target shooting, field target shooting, and even 3D archery. However, there are also some drawbacks and limitations to using tapered arrows, including reduced durability, increased cost. Archers need to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using tapered arrows before incorporating them into their target shooting practice. With the right equipment and technique, tapered arrows can help archers achieve greater accuracy and consistency in their target shooting.