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All About Archer Paradox
If you are a bow hunter, then you might hear the term archer’s paradox. The archer’s paradox is quite difficult to explain because it has so much relation to science and physics. But for mass bow hunters, we will try to cover the meaning and concept of archer’s paradox easily.
What is the archer’s paradox?
Archers paradox is working with a long recurve bow. If you want to hit the bull’s eye, then you may think that the bowstring and limbs should line in a straight line of the center of the target. But you can’t hit the center of the target this way because the arrow is pointed to the side of the center and beat off the mark. When you fully draw the bow, the arrow will come into a better place with the riser, and it pointed to the center of the target. But still, you can’t hit the target straightly.
So, where the archers paradox takes hold in drawing the bow? Well, archer’s paradox does its job by changing the angle between the limb and arrow spine, and still, many archers have confusion about that term.
To hit the center of the target, at what angle will be perfect; scientists have gone out with this question. They also analyze every single factor like bow weight, draw weight, draw length, and arrow weight, which plays an important role.
To understand the archer’s paradox, you don’t need to research this kind of term. You need to know the reason why an arrow goes straight to the target. The arrow goes straight to the target is when the arrow is released in a full draw; it bends and flexes in flight. When an arrow is released, turning generated energy and storing it helps the arrow be flexible and continue to go to the following path of the bowstring.
Another important thing, the arrow cannot fly in a straight line because of wobbling, which you cannot see in the naked eye. But if you use a slow-motion camera to determine the factor, it will become more evident that wobbling is also an important factor.
To hit the arrow straight to the center of the target, you have to concentrate on the wobbling and compensate for your aim, which is done by most archers.
How does archer’s paradox affect in bow hunting?
How archer’s paradox affect in bow hunting is entirely depends on what type of hunting equipment you use. If you use a classical longbow, then the archer’s paradox plays a much more significant role. But if you use modern equipment like a compound or crossbow, it has less effect due to its design.
Arrow flexibility is a critical factor for consistency. Because research shows that if you want consistency in bow hunting, you must use the same amount of flex in arrow. If the arrow has different flexibility, the flight will also be different. So, it will be difficult for bow hunting, and you lose your consistency. Even an inch can change the game in bow hunting.
Suppose, you are going to hunt a deer with an old fashioned longbow. If you don’t consider the factor that comes with bow hunting like tree stand, the sharpness of the broadhead, angle, and distance, the arrow will react differently. That means if you want to hit the deer’s heart, you may hit the deer to their shoulder. You may make enough blood trails of the deer; instead, the prey goes away. I will be disappointed. So, for an ethical kill, make sure that your arrow spine has the same weight and the same sharpness of broadhead.
You have to make sure that your arrow has not too much flexibility. Because it makes too much noise and the arrow may not be accurate as you want. Even the top bow and broadhead won’t help you if the prey jumps overdue to arrow setup noisier. You get your dirt under the stand or blind, not any desire able result.
If you hunt with a longbow, you have to spend much time understanding the archer’s paradox. Moreover, how much your arrow should be stiff so that you can get the best result is also essential. When you can set up the bow at zeroed in, you will get more accuracy and consistency in bow hunting.
Modern equipment that reduces the problem
If you want to prevent this problem, you should use advance equipment like a compound bow, crossbow, or latest recurve bow as it has an entirely different design from the old longbow. Most of the time, the riser is setup slightly offset from the bow limbs in a modern bow with a cut-out. This cut-out allows the arrow and bowstring straight with the center and in a dead centerline. So, the arrows fly straight to the target and reduce the paradox problem.
But still, you may notice there are wobble and flex in the modern equipment. You can’t prevent the wobble completely. But nowadays, some arrows are inventes, which is thinner and much stiffer than flex less. These types of arrow give a more accurate result and can reduce wobble too.
You have to keep in mind that modern bow hunting equipment is more reliable than a longbow. So, too much flex of the arrow can be a break in the bow setup. Calculate the arrow flexibility that will match with your bow.
Yet, if you face problem in the bow like recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow, examine the equipment. Most importantly, take a close look that the riser and arrow are not in contact.
Also, look around the fletching because it will stabilize the arrow and correct the flex in the flight.
Tips for avoiding archer’s paradox
1. Choose the right spine of the arrow for your equipment.
2. Practice sometimes with the arrow. You will have an idea about what angles should take.
3. The most natural solution to prevent this is, using a modern compound bow or recurve bow. This type of bow will eliminate the archer’s paradox problem easily due to its modern design.
Conclusion
So, we discuss the archer’s paradox, why it is a creative problem, and how to eliminate it. The best way to prevent this problem is by using modern equipment. The more you used to shot with it, and the less this problem will be creating. When you become experienced, you can easily avoid this paradox.