Arrow (V7)
Contents
From the Rulebook (V7)
Arrows may never be used as a hand or melee weapon. The “point” of all arrows must have a diameter of at least 2.5 inches. An arrow scores hits like any other weapon. Arrows from short bows and single-hand crossbows do two points of damage to armor. Properly colored head covers (V7) may be used in lieu of ribbons (V7).
See also the Bow (V7), Crossbow (V7) and Archery (V7) page.
From the Equipment Construction (V7) Section of the 7.2 Rulebook (V7)
Arrows are generally fragile and are often broken under the constant rigors of fighting. Arrow shafts made from graphite offer a flexibility and resilience not found in their aluminum or wooden counterparts. Wooden arrows
must be taped along their entire length. All arrowheads must be removed from the arrow, and the base of the arrow at the tip must be built up with a sufficiently strong material to at least the diameter of a penny, which is used to cap the arrow. Arrows may not be drawn beyond 28 inches, and must have a stopper in place if they are longer. Arrows must have a minimum of 2 inches of closed cell foam on the tip, and it must be at least 2.5 inches in diameter. It is suggested that you also incorporate a layer of open cell foam to reduce the recoil of the arrow when it strikes a solid surface. Arrow fletching and nocks must be in good repair, and arrowheads should be checked regularly for degrading foam. All arrows must be clearly labeled with their owner’s name on the shaft. Properly colored head covers may be used in lieu of ribbons.
Legal Requirments for Arrows.
All arrows must be clearly labeled with their owner’s name on the shaft; this prefevents the 'It not mine' at large events. Wooden arrows must be taped along the entire shaft. All Arrow metal or plastic 'heads' must be removed. Arrow heads must have at least two inches of closed cell foam on the tip. Arrow heads must be at least 2.5 inches in diameter. Arrows must never be used as a hand or melee weapon. If an arrow is longer than the max draw of 28" then it must have a 'stopper' in place to prevent it from being over pulled.
Types of Arrows in Amtgard
See A comparison of arrow construction (V7) by Izce
About Arrows
Wood arrows tend to warp and break easily, so proper care is essential. Some wood arrows are made from compressed cedar, which are stronger and resist warping. Although heavier and slower than non compressed wood, they provide better penetration. These are best for beginners, since beginners will tend to loose many arrows. They are not that expensive.
More durable than wooden arrows are fiberglass arrows. Another pro to fiberglass arrows is that they can be fitted to each archer of varying lengths and strengths. In addition, fiberglass arrows of any given size are manufactured more consistently than wooden arrows. The down side is that they break easily.
Aluminum arrows are types of arrows that can be manufactured more consistently than both wooden and fiberglass arrows. Therefore, archers purchase additional arrows that match up with their original. Furthermore, these arrows are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and in different types of aluminum alloys. That makes them accessible to most everyone. Since these arrows can be straightened easily and the tips replaced, you can keep a good set of these arrows for a long time. Unfortunately, these arrows are rather expensive but their strength and consistency make them the number one choice among many advanced archers.
Finally, the aluminum-carbon arrows. These types of arrows are made of an aluminum core with a carbon coat. These types of arrows are smaller and lighter than pure aluminum arrows, making them fly faster. The price of these arrows, however, is a major drawback. They are typically used by archers who shoot long distances outdoors. If you intend to pack your arrows in one spot on the target, then these are not the arrows to buy. If aluminum-carbon arrows are struck then the wrapping may break down.
As the archer increases in strength, his or her draw length will increase and they need to buy longer arrows.
Fletching of the arrows is also important. Make sure the feathers are straight and stiff and properly cemented on. Most target arrows have fletching that is about 3 to 4 inches long. Bow hunting arrow fletching is about 5 inches in length to support the heavier arrow head.
Arrow points' weight is measured in grains. Target shooters use light points, considerably less than 100 grains, while, bow hunters use heavier points, about 90 to 170 grains. Sometimes, bow hunters like to use field heads and broad heads from season to season.
