Traditional Bearpaw Cedar Arrow 11/32 with Natural Feathers – 12-Pack

Traditional Bearpaw Cedar Arrow 11/32 with Natural Feathers – 12-Pack

Usage and Technical Specifications

These arrows are primarily designed for traditional bows (longbows, field bows, recurve bows without arrow rests). Due to the use of natural feathers, they are ideal for shooting "off the shelf" or over the hand, as the feathers collapse easily upon contact with the bow, maintaining a clean flight path.

Recommended Bow Parameters

To ensure the arrow performs correctly and clears the bow without striking it (the "archer's paradox"), you must choose the correct spine (stiffness) matching your bow's draw weight. These arrows are ideal for bows with a draw weight ranging from 40 to 70 lbs, depending on the selected spine. For a 50 lbs bow, I recommend a 50–55 spine for optimal flight performance.

Interesting Facts about Cedar

Did you know that Port Orford Cedar grows only in a narrow coastal strip in Oregon and California? Archers began using this wood extensively in the 1930s, and to this day, no better natural material for arrow shafts has been found. Besides its flight characteristics, cedar has a unique bonus: when you warm the arrow by rubbing it, it releases a wonderful, signature aroma that is an essential part of the traditional archery experience.

Caring for Your Wooden Arrows

• Pre-shot Inspection: Before nocking an arrow, flex the shaft slightly while listening for any cracking sounds and checking for splinters. If the shaft is damaged, discard it immediately. Shooting a cracked wooden arrow is extremely dangerous.
• Moisture Protection: Wood is a natural material that reacts to humidity. If your arrows get wet, wipe them with a dry cloth and let them air dry at room temperature. Never place them near a heater, as they might warp.
• Feather Maintenance: If the feathers become matted or out of shape, hold them briefly over steam from a kettle. The steam will "reset" the fibers, making the feathers look brand new.
• Storage: Store your arrows vertically in a quiver or an arrow rack to prevent the shafts from warping under their own weight over time.

What to Avoid

Never shoot at hard objects like trees or stone walls. A wooden arrow carries immense energy, and striking a hard surface will destroy the wood fibers. Furthermore, do not use these arrows with compound bows – the extreme acceleration could shatter the wooden shaft upon release, potentially leading to serious injury.

Recommended Accessories

To complete your traditional setup, I recommend a high-quality leather quiver (back or hip style) to complement the aesthetic of the cedar shafts. Also, don't forget bowstring wax and an arrow puller, which will make it much easier to retrieve arrows from dense targets. A good fletching glue is also handy for quick field repairs.