The table below provides us with a general idea of how much momentum is needed for different types of wild game and it also shows us the arrows penetration capability when coupled with KE. For every 3 grains of additional weight on the bowstring, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. The calculator uses this data, along with AI models, to predict the performance . This calculator is based on average efficiency gains as arrow weight is increased from 5 grains per pound (IBO). Confirm the zero by shooting a . The chart below demonstrates the minimum, as well as recommended, kinetic energy, for hunting different-sized game. Finally, enter the Additional weight on the string if this is known. Arrow Speed Calculator. - 400 F.P.S. As such we recommend that elk hunters stick to 300 FPS or more. Values below should be considered very close estimates of what you will experience in the field (a 2% margin of error should be assumed). Using everyday masking tape, you can easily calculate the power stroke of your bow. Mid-Range Rise; Mid-range rise when sighting in a crossbow is the highest point in the arrows trajectory between the point blank range and the true zero point. Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. Execute. Arrow Speed, Kinetic Energy, and Momentum Calculator - ArcheryHunting.com Here are some interesting things to note, based on the kinetic energy chart at the top of this page: #1: Kinetic energy drops are fairly predictable. . You will need to provide total arrow weight and initial speed for the calculation to be effective, as well as some other optional info (see below). The arrow weight in grains (includes fletchings, wraps, inserts and also. Thus these values of speed, momentum, and kinetic energy, are only valid within a specific distance range. If you open any online store that is selling them, you'd see that the speed of the arrows (measured in FPS or feet per second) that are launched by each listed model is their most prominent feature. ArcheryCalc - Backcountry Bowhunting Most professional bows use the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) specification. The crossbow community has been obsessed with velocity ever since the resurgence of the crossbow as a viable weapon for hunting. So let's focus on that. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. Before we see how to calculate bow speed, let's go through the main factors that influence the arrow speed to better understand how the actual speed is determined: Draw weight DDD This is the force required to pull a bow, expressed in pounds. The arrow speed calculator above provides a quick estimation. The arrow ballistics calculator below will help you determine your arrow's vertical drop, speed, kinetic energy and momentum, for up to 70 yards out in 10 yard increments. The Archery & Crossbow Ballistic Calculator is an easy-to-use tool for calculating the flight path, the velocity and the energy of crossbow and bow arrows. If you change the values on your draw weight, draw length, and arrow weight; you will see how these changes impact your arrow speed, kinetic energy, and momentum. 12.8 330. Bow/Arrow Speed Calculator (Estimate from IBO/ATA) This calculator will estimate the speed of the bow/arrow based on the speed rating of the manufacturer and individual setup of the bow. Here are the results of a research that compared the effect of a deer jumping the string when shot using bows with different speeds at different distances: For instance, we can see that at 30 yards, a shot deer would drop about 6 inches before an arrow reaches it, if said arrow travels at 258 FPS. When shooting a compound bow, all things being equal, they are: Many bowhunters dont quite understand the complexity behind bow speeds. Speed is needed to make the arrow arrive at its target quickly, but arrow speed is not what kills the animals you shoot with your bow. The second conclusion is that this drawback of shooting slow weapons can be remedied to a good extent by simply reducing the distance we attempt shots at. Arrow Velocity Arrow Mass Your kinetic energy is 0 foot pounds, and your momentum is 0 slug FPS. If you look at the above chart you will notice that from 250 F.P.S. The overall weight of the weapon, its balance, arrow weight, ease of cocking, and precision are also important. To properly calculate arrow speed, use the following formula: IBO Speed(in fps) + (Draw Length 30) x 10 Additional Weight on Bowstring (in grains) / 3 + MIN(0, (Arrow Weight(in grains) 5 x Draw Weight in Pounds) / 3 )). The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Kinetic Energy: Calculations, Hunting Requirements, and Charts - Hunt Hacks All Rights Reserved. The new speed, s2 = sqrt (350/450)*300 = 264.5 fps. So when you see a certain crossbow rated at 350 FPS, for example, this was most likely calculated using a 400, maybe 425 grain arrow. Do you really need a multi range sight for trajectory compensation. Hopefully you find the above charts and information useful in determining what crossbow to buy and how kinetic energy changes based on arrow weight and speed. With the disadvantage of my short draw length of 27.5-inches and my draw weight of 60-pounds because of a bad shoulder, I decided to go with the fastest arrow within that range, something right around 400-grains. Generally speaking, adding 20 grains of overall weight to the string will only deduct about 5 fps off the raw arrow speed. These will result in relatively small variations that you should not worry much about. Mine hits dead nuts from 30 out to 135 yards. These records provide information on the performance of different components in a computer system when running specific games or applications. Reduce the IBO speed until the calculator shows the verified speed of 315; in this case, the correct IBO value would be 346 fps. About the time I reached my fathers then age, technology changed drastically, making it possible for bow companies to achieve 300 fps with a hunting bow. Ever wonder exactly how much kinetic energy is released by an arrow, based on its initial speed and distance traveled? Point Blank Range; Point blank range when sighting in a crossbow is the first point at which the line of sight intersects with the arrows path in the arrows trajectory arc. With that said, the average efficiency curve utilized for the calculator is based on various bows from APA, Elite, Bowtech, Hoyt, and PSE ranging from 40lbs up to 85lbs. You should adjust the arrow speed given by the IBO specification according to the following rules: All of these rules can be put in one common equation: You can also use the arrow speed calculator to find the momentum and the kinetic energy of the arrow. Why Understanding Power Stroke on Your Crossbow Is Vital Arrow Speed Calculator | Measure Without a Chronograph | Wasp Archery As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. The trick is to balance speed (and range finding forgiveness) with arrow mass and penetration potential. In the calculator below, we measure this in slugs. The most critical factor is the IBO speed entered as this is the starting point of the calculations. But that rarely happens, and heres why. 1. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Arrow Speed Calculator: Calculate or estimate arrow speed. Archery Hunting 101: Bow Hunting for Beginners. IBO Speed (feet per second) This does not affect or reflect on our recommendations or opinions. If you were to shoot a 500 grain arrow from the exact same crossbow, its initial speed would be roughly 90% of 350, or around 315 FPS. Generally bows will put slightly more energy into heavier arrows, so the actual speed you get with a heavier arrow will probably be a little higher than this formula calculates. Compare expected FPS across over 120 crossbows and decide which one to buy. Let's say you keep the regular. Copyright 2023 The Everyday Bow Hunter. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. 575 grain arrows will fly at ~84% of initial speed This is where this bow speed calculator comes in handy; it allows you to examine how the arrow will behave under a different bow setting. An arrows momentum is defined by how much force is required to stop an object. We appreciate your help. Please keep in mind that this approach will only give you close estimates, and that it becomes a less accurate the further out we go (I wouldnt suggest using it for anything beyond 70 yards, which is far beyond what youll be hunting from anyway). The factors that impact the overall speed of your arrow are: In addition, it is important to understand that sometimes even minor changes to your draw length, draw weight, and arrow weight can seriously affect the speed, kinetic energy, and momentum of your arrows when they are shot from your bow. Every bow gains efficiency a little differently. A properly balanced arrow measurements of 7 to 15%. For example, a bow designated as IBO 330 could achieve greater speeds than a bow rated as IBO 300. there is very little difference in trajectory when you sight in at the recommended distance that is supplied with most crossbows. Draw length LLL This is the distance that the string is pulled back. We are working to correct this issue. Notice that our recommendation for elk hunting is 65 ft-lbs of kinetic energy (this is a conservative value, you can get away with less). For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. 3. *All data are approximate. The size of the heart/lung area is around 8 inches on a average size deer weighing 120 pounds. Crossbow speeds are usually measured in feet-per-second (FPS). Notice that at 250 FPS this value cannot be achieved. In arrow flight, trajectory refers to the exact arcing path the arrow travels from the crossbow to the target downrange, as soon as the arrow leaves the power of the bowstring it is subjected to atmosheric drag (slowing it down) and gravity (pulling the arrow down to earth). But it cannot. For whitetail deer this requirement is lower any crossbow 250 FPS and up will be a safe pick. Archery & Crossbow Ballistics Calculator Crossbows / Power / Range / High Velocity. Bowhunting: Know Your Arrow's Flight Path - An Official Journal Of Arrow Ballistics Calculator - Kinetic Energy, Drop, Momentum Let's consider the following example: you are analyzing the bow of IBO 300. For example, if you increase the draw weight by 5 pounds the speed of your arrows can increase by 10 fps. Here are a few rules of thumb to remember: The Kinetic Energy and Momentum Calculators here use the gravitational constant to give you the best results for kinetic energy and momentum. To properly calculate kinetic energy, use the following formula: 1/2 Mass (Arrow Weight in grains divided by 2) x Velocity squared (Arrow Speed x Arrow Speed (in fps from the above formula)) / 225218 - The result of this formula is calculated in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Reduce the IBO speed until the calculator shows the verified speed of 315; in this case, the correct IBO value would be 346 fps. , because of the higher momentum at the moment of impact. So to what extent the arrow velocity affects the effectiveness of this type of weapon? For every inch you reduce, the draw length reduces around 10 fps of your bow speed. Consider More Than Speed When Buying a Crossbow - TenPoint Red: Highlights specific speeds in fps and MAX energy (KE and M). A heavy arrow will produce a great deal of arrow momentum even at the price of arrow speed, but will eventually go down as arrow speed decreases.