Arrow Spine Chart by Draw Weight
Which spine matches your bow? This chart shows the static spine class that commonly tunes cleanly at each draw weight, for compound and recurve. Point weight and draw length adjustments are included.
📊 Spine Chart — Compound Bows
Assumes a standard 29 in draw length and a 100–125 gr point. Adjust the point weight adjustment column below if your build uses a heavier or lighter point.
| Draw Weight | Recommended Spine | Arrow GPI Range | Common Shafts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30–35 lb | 600 spine | 5.5–7.5 gpi | Easton Inspire, Gold Tip Swift | Youth / light setup |
| 36–42 lb | 500 spine | 6.5–8.2 gpi | Gold Tip Hunter 500, Easton Axis 500 | Small-frame adult or youth hunting |
| 43–49 lb | 500 spine / 400 spine | 7–8.5 gpi | Gold Tip Velocity 500/400 | Transitional weight — test both |
| 50–55 lb | 400 spine | 7.5–9 gpi | Gold Tip Hunter 400, Victory VAP 400 | Common deer hunting weight |
| 56–62 lb | 400 spine / 340 spine | 8–9.5 gpi | Gold Tip Velocity XT 340 | Heavier hunting setups |
| 63–68 lb | 340 spine | 8.5–10 gpi | Gold Tip Hunter Pro 340, Easton FMJ 340 | Elk / large game |
| 69–75 lb | 340 spine / 300 spine | 9–10.5 gpi | Gold Tip Kinetic 300, Victory RIP 300 | Heavy hunting / high FOC builds |
| 76–85 lb | 300 spine | 9.5–11 gpi | Gold Tip Kinetic XT 300 | Heavy / dangerous game builds |
| 86 lb+ | 250 spine / 200 spine | 10–12 gpi | Gold Tip Kinetic XT 200 | Extreme weight / specialty |
⚖️ Point Weight Adjustment
Adding point weight has the same effect as going up in draw weight — it makes the shaft behave weaker. Adjust your spine selection by the following increments:
| Point Weight Change | Effective Spine Shift | Example |
|---|---|---|
| +25 gr (100 → 125 gr) | ~½ spine class weaker | 400 spine acts like ~380 |
| +50 gr (100 → 150 gr) | ~1 full spine class weaker | 400 spine acts like ~360 |
| +75 gr (100 → 175 gr) | ~1½ spine classes weaker | 400 spine acts like ~340 |
| +100 gr (100 → 200 gr) | ~2 spine classes weaker | 400 spine acts like ~320 |
| −25 gr (125 → 100 gr) | ~½ spine class stiffer | 400 spine acts like ~420 |
If your build shifts more than one spine class, consider moving up to a stiffer shaft rather than trying to tune around it. Run the numbers through our arrow spine calculator first.
📏 Draw Length Adjustment
The chart above assumes 29 in draw length. If your draw length is significantly longer or shorter, adjust as follows:
- 26 in draw length or shorter: go one spine class weaker (e.g., 400 → 500).
- 27–28 in draw length: go one half-class weaker if tuning is stiff.
- 29–30 in draw length: chart values apply directly.
- 31–32 in draw length: go one spine class stiffer (e.g., 400 → 340).
- 33 in draw length or longer: go two spine classes stiffer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What draw weight are 500 spine arrows for?
500 spine arrows typically tune best in a compound between 36–49 lb or a recurve between 29–42 lb at 28 in draw. Heavier point weights (150 gr+) can push the effective range lower.
What spine arrows do I need for a 70 lb bow?
Most 70 lb compound setups at 29 in draw tune best with 340 spine. If you run a heavy point (150 gr+) or long draw length (30+ in), step up to 300 spine. For light-point target setups, 340 is usually ideal.
Can I shoot 500 spine arrows from a 60 lb bow?
Usually not — 500 spine will likely tune weak (nock-right for a right-handed archer). 400 is the more common match at 60 lb compound. Only drop to 500 if your bow is under 45 lb effective.
What spine for 300 grain arrows?
If your total arrow weight is around 300 grains, you are likely in a light setup (target / 3D). For a 50–55 lb compound, 400 spine is typical. Confirm with our calculator.
Does bow brand affect spine selection?
Yes, indirectly. Cam design and let-off change the dynamic load placed on the shaft. Aggressive cams at the same draw weight may need a slightly stiffer spine than a smooth-draw bow.
How do I know if my arrow spine is wrong?
Classic signs: bare shafts consistently land left (weak) or right (stiff) of fletched shafts at 20 yards, broadheads group poorly compared to field points, or you see nock-left/nock-right paper tears that do not resolve with rest adjustment.