Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeminai
I do like the idea that the arrows have to be heavier to withstand the pressures of the bow.
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There are two basic reasons (though Fred touches on some very valid limiting steps) for bows needing heavier arrows.
The first is "spine." If you don't have an arrow shelf, releasing the bowstring causes the arrow to flex and deflect sideways. There's a "right" amount of deflection to make the bow shoot straight.
The second is efficiency, which is quite important. You want the arrow to be infinitely heavier than the deflecting mass of the limbs . . . since the energy you put into drawing the bow will accelerate the string and limbs as well as the arrow. Heavier arrows are more efficient in capturing maximum energy from the draw.
Range is proportional to velocity, though . . . so if you want to capture basically all the energy, but only have a few yards of range, have at. If you still want a DISTANCE weapon, you start to make compromises!