Arrow

Archery has been a primordial sport since ancient times. It has given birth to various essential survival skills. The use of archery arrows and bows comes hand in hand with all its complexity. The arrows have a distinct style and variation depending on the usage. Apart from archery, the longer shafted arrows are used for single uses in various survival activities and struggles. The arrows are made from a single shaft on which the tip, fletching and nocks are present. The balancing of any arrow plays a crucial role in its activity and thus should meet all the prescribed aerodynamic parameters.

The basic construction of archery arrows

The arrows have a primary fin-like projection with a sharp tip, fletching and a nock. It is composed of the following parts -

Shaft - It is the fundamental basal part of the arrow made from wood or non-metals such as aluminium, plastic, carbon fibre or their altogether combination. All other components are attached on the shaft only. Its spine analyzes the rigidity of the shaft. It detects the degree of shaft’s bending and compression. The weight of the shaft is measured in GPI (Grains per inch) unit. For example, if you have an arrow that is 32 inches long and has a GPI of 10, it means that your shaft is 320 grains or, in other words, about 20 grams. 

Arrowhead - It is the tip of the arrow, also regarded as the projectile point, which is the first part to hit the surface. Hence, it is the most crucial part of the shaft which determines the usage. The tip or points of arrowheads are of various types which determines its function -

• Bullet points - The arrows with bullet point tip has a resemblance with bullet and looks like a pointed dome. The tip has a smaller or equal diameter according to the shaft width. The combination point is manufactured with sharp bullet tips and is regarded as maximized "target saving".
• Blunt Points - The arrows have a blunt (flat) point which is used in various target shooting and hunting practices. The blunt end usually provides a minor jolt on the surface of the target besides penetrating inside. These blunt points are prepared from plastic or with hard fabricated rubber.
• Grabbing Points (JUDO) - The arrowhead has a blunt tip with various hooks stacked on it. These arrows are used in multiple shooting practices, along with hunting activities. They are composed of spring wires which are placed from the sideways up to the tip of the arrow, which makes it easy to recognize in vegetative grasslands.
• Broadheads - The broadhead tips of an arrow have two to four blades combined. They have a sharp edge which can rupture any surface very quickly. It is not legal in every state and country. So before using it, check the law about this point.
• Safety Arrows - These arrows have a full padded tip with a huge foam ball placed over it and are used in competitions of archery tag. It usually has a padded head with 3.2 cm diameter with a maximum circumference of 28 inches.

Fletchings - Fletchings are found in the back of the shaft, which provides additional stability and force for a smooth flight of the arrow while focusing. They keep the arrow stiffed and held the arrow pointed while targeting. In modern time, the fletchings are made from plastic which increases stability. In some specific competitions such as flight archery, the fletchings are made from metals. There are usually three fletchings placed in the shaft - one is referred to as nock feather to which the cock feather is attached at the right angle. Sometimes arrow with four feathers is also used.      

Wraps - These are the plastic and vinyl material usually used to wrap the nock end of an arrow. Wraps with various bright color aids in easy detection of the arrows in grasses. Wraps help in easy removal of the vanes and the fletchings.

Nocks - It is found at the end of an arrow. The self nocks are located in the arrow’s back with various slot pieces. The nocks provide additional friction to the arrow so that they can be prevented from slip off. Nocks also provide extra strength to the arrows by increasing its velocity. 

Rules and regulation of archery arrows in official tournaments

• Any arrows are allowed to use in the competitions with a maximum diameter of 9.3 mm. The shaft should be of 9.3 mm including the tips, nocks, fletching etc., excluding the arrow wraps. The wraps should have a maximum length of 22 cm and should not extend from it. 
• The arrows should consist of the archer’s name and initial. The participants aren’t allowed to use any tracer nocks aided with electricity.

History of Arrows

Arrows used in ancient times

The oldest evidence of arrows being shot by a bow was found 10,000 years ago in Ahrensburg valley of Hamburg. People also have other theories based on history but most believe that arrow shafts were primarily made from wood, bamboos or reeds in ancient times. The traditionally preferred woods were obtained from Port Orford Cedar. The traditional bows lack any specific centre shooting skill, and thus the arrows usually deviate from the path. In oldest times the fletching was manufactured with natural sources such as feather obtained from turkey and goose. The traditional arrows were heavy to use and were easily broken down while aiming. They usually have a length of 45 cm to 150 cm.

Arrows used in modern time

The modern arrows have undergone multiple changes and modifications. These are usually made from fibre and non-metals to increase its durability. The shafts are sharpened to provide additional strength to the arrow. The new age arrows have a length from 75 cm to 96 cm. These are light weighted than the ancient form and have a higher degree of compression.