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Archers paradox - phenomenon

 

The Archers paradox is the effect produced by the impulsed arrow, flexing around the bow as it leaves. 

 

This is why arrows need to have the correct stiffness (measured in spine) for the certain bow, so that it flexes just enough in order to leave the bow straight out to the target. The flexing of the arrow is also affected by the string, as this one will not travel straight as many believe. This is caused by the string "rolling" over the archers fingers as he releases the string. This just shows how important it is to have a clean and consistent release.

 

Its important to notice that the archers paradox does NOT have to do something with the dynamic spine. It rather describes the "strange" condition that an arrow flies straight, even though when fully drawn, its pointing to the side (therefore being a paradox). Modern recurves that use a center shot will not experience the archers paradox phenomenon, but it will experience dynamic bending as it travels through the air. 

 

 

Friendly notes:

 

- When an arrow clears a bow, it should do it without touching it as it travels. Especially archers having to deal with the archers paradox phenomenon have therefore to make sure to have a very good stance, release and most importantly, keep still as they shoot, as this will increase the gurantee of a good shot. 

 

- Having well calibrated arrows with their proper spine is extremly useful and important. (The arrow will perform as you shoot, and all "mistakes" cannot be the cause of the arrow anymore.) A professional archery shop will provide you with the service of getting proper arrows for the bow upon request. They will usually make use of the Easton-archery arrow chart, which provides all necessary numbers to size the right arrow for the right bow and archer. 

Useful sources:

 

Metasynthesis on explaining the archers paradox: http://www.meta-synthesis.com/archery/archery.html

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