Crossbow Kinetic Energy Chart, Calculations, Hunting Requirements, Compare expected FPS across over 120 crossbows, Arrow Ballistics Calculator Kinetic Energy, Drop, Speed, Momentum, Crossbow Arrow Drop Charted Test Results, Best Hunting Crossbow For The Money in 2020. For example, a bow designated as IBO 330 could achieve greater speeds than a bow rated as IBO 300. If you want to learn more about momentum and how to calculate it, we have a dedicated momentum calculator that you might enjoy! Enter speed and arrow weight data into the calculator. Which means that if you want to be able to reliably hit live targets at 40 yards, you better have a crossbow that is able to launch arrows at 400 FPS or more. This is a good rough rule to remember in case you need to do some quick on-the-spot kinetic energy calculations in the field. Mike is a Veteran who served 21 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Sergeant Major from the 5th Special Forces Group. The Doppler chronograph is fast and easy to use. An arrows momentum is defined by how much force is required to stop an object. Speed Vs. Energy: Which Is More Important In Crossbows? The values in the table below come from the following bow and its associated settings. A properly balanced arrow measurements of 7 to 15%. Arrow Speed Calculator | Measure Without a Chronograph | Wasp Archery A fast arrow has the flattest trajectory possible, and thats a good thing, for several reasons, the biggest being the leeway in aiming at a distant target at an unknown range. Arrow Efficiency Calculator: Optimize your bowhunting set up. This should set your correct arrow speed and make the ballistics calculator work for you. Let us see how to use this tool: Begin by indicating the IBO rating in fps in the Bow IBO rating field. Total string accessory weights in grains (peep, tube, silencers, etc.). ), Toughest Game (cape buffalo, grizzly, musk ox, etc. 36 Yards - Maximum Point Blank Hunting Range. Bows 5-10 years old will tend to gain efficiency faster than one that is brand new. True Zero; True zero when sighting in a crossbow is the second point at which the line of sight intersects with the arrows path in the arrows trajectory arc. 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. For a more detailed explanation, check the notes below the calculator. The calculator uses this data, along with AI models, to predict the performance . The arrow weight in grains (includes fletchings, wraps, inserts and also. So if we have 100 ft-lb initial energy (at 0 yards), at 10 yards you can expect roughly 97-97 ft-lbs. of KE. Kinetic Energy Vs Momentum for Hunting? This is as close as it gets to what your arrows will deliver in the field, though keep in mind that our tests were conducted at an indoor range to avoid wind and weather fluctuations which can impact arrow behavior, so actual kinetic energy values in the field can and probably will vary slightly from what we arrived at in our tests. 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. Some of you might be in the position of owning an older model and wondering if upgrading to a 400 FPS+ model would have a great impact on your hunting experience. The crossbow community has been obsessed with velocity ever since the resurgence of the crossbow as a viable weapon for hunting. A 10 ft-lbs difference in KE can potentially result in a noticeable difference in the arrows ability to effectively penetrate the animal and cause a humane kill. Do 100 FPS make such an impactful difference? 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. Decide on the draw weight and the arrow weight. 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. Copyright 2023 | DRCMedia LLC | All Rights Reserved, Scout. Thus these values of speed, momentum, and kinetic energy, are only valid within a specific distance range. Arrow Speed Calculator If your target is to find how fast an arrow travels, then you aim right because the arrow speed calculator will easily help you with that With this archery calculator, you'll also be able to identify the different factors and what values can help you improve your arrow's speed. By drawing your bow, you convert mechanical energy (ME) and store it as potential energy (PE) in the bow limbs. Try our arrow speed calculator below! Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. We are working to correct this issue. 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. For the least effort, draw your bow, aim at the top bullseye with your top pin, and check to see if from 50 yards your 50-yard pin, for example, coordinates with the bullseye covering your 50-yard group. Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. As you know, IBO speed is a standard measure of the speed of a bow, and by using it as a baseline for all calculations, our calculator can provide you with accurate and reliable results. These records provide information on the performance of different components in a computer system when running specific games or applications. This average will get most bowswithin a few percent of real-world speeds. To learn more about kinetic energy and momentum, visit our kinetic energy calculator and this impulse and momentum calculator. Heavy arrows, coupled with the right speed for your target animal, optimized by a high FOC, can accomplish a lot more than a light, fast arrow. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. For example, it takes approximately 40 ft/lbs(+or-) of kinetic energy to kill a whitetail deer. World's Fastest Crossbow: TenPoint Nitro 505 Archery Hunting 101: Bow Hunting for Beginners. You can calculate your arrow's KE and express it in foot-pounds. This does not affect or reflect on our recommendations or opinions. We shot 400 grain arrows from 9 different crossbows, achieving nine different initial speeds ranging from 200 to 400 FPS in 25 FPS increments. The rule of thumb was that for every added inch of draw length, you increase raw arrow speed by approximately 10-15 fps. Most professional bows use the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) specification. As such we recommend that elk hunters stick to 300 FPS or more. Crossbow Arrow Drop Calculator - Crossbow Country Kinetic Energy & Momentum Calculator [Ranch Fairy] | N1 Outdoors 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). As the arrow moves through space, the kinetic energy drops. Check out 25 similar kinematics calculators how things move , Understanding bow speed IBO specification. Arrow Speed Calculator | Archery Calculator - CalcTool Now, enter the Draw length of the bow. Thus, when a manufacturer touts its bow as having a speed of, say, 350 fps, the truth is that a hunting weight arrow of 400-450 grains from that same bow will initially leave the bow much slower especially if the draw weight and draw length are significantly reduced. These will result in relatively small variations that you should not worry much about. Because most animals tend to "jump the string". In short, you need as much FPS as possible without sacrificing the other parameters of a crossbow to values that make such trade-off unworthy. 13.6 320. Because there is a huge difference between shooting a deer with a 300 FPS crossbow and a 400 FPS (or faster) model. And second, faster arrows leave less time for the animal to react to the shot sound. You can measure arrow speed using optical chronographs, Doppler chronographs, or laptop-based audio applications. When using the calculator above, input your values and then compare them to those values in the tables below. You can check this calculator to see how fast the arrows lose height at different flight speeds. Modern crossbows typically generate speeds anywhere from 280-350 feet per second, with some models topping 400 fps. While it is based on the bow speed IBO specification, you can input the individual settings of your bow. 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. The speed of your arrow will determine how flat of a trajectory your arrow has at short and long distances and how much arc is needed to travel large distances. FPS calculators (Frame per Second) work by using large databases of FPS records for various processors and graphic cards. This is very misleading as to what a true high performance crossbow will do when sighted in properly for deer hunting. But let's get a bit more precise (pun unintended): Aside from your aiming skills, animals jumping the string is the most common reason for disappointing results on hunting trips with a crossbow. The momentum of an arrow is linked to arrow penetration. 525 grain arrows will fly at ~87.8% of initial speed Bonus fps! 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). Ballistic calculator help | ATN Owners A 70#/29 bow thats rated at 350 fps is has been chronographed at 315 fps with a 400 grain arrow. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. Sighting-in your crossbow properly to compensate trajectory. - 400 F.P.S. That is defined by an arrows weight, broadhead, and momentum. Bowhunting of any kind is a short range affair and is best kept under 35 Yards. 3. 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 are welcome to share it, as long as you mention www.bestcrossbowsource.com as the original source of the data / research. In closing, using an arrow speed calculator will provide a solid estimate; however, you have to shoot your hunting weight arrow through a chronograph to know exactly how fast it is flying. 1 slug equals 32.174 ft-lbs. They see a bows IBO speed rating listed, and assume they will get that raw arrow speed, or maybe a little better if they buy that bow. The arrow speed calculator above provides a quick estimation. For example, a 500 spine arrow bends .5 inches when the weight is applied. What is important, is understanding how this impacts the arrow you choose to buy and use when hunting, along with the broadheads you use. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. For the most accurate results, it is best to use a known speed and known arrow weight under 6 grain per pound to determine your corrected IBO value. Notice that at 250 FPS this value cannot be achieved. Given enough time, deer would duck in preparation for a big jump. 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. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. While KE is an important factor in penetration, momentum is also critical because it determines the arrows ability to push through the target. Use the Arrow Efficiency Calculator to find the optimal arrow for your bowhunting setup. Bow And Arrow Speed Calculator | FAST results! - N1 Outdoors This specification determines the arrow speed, provided that you keep the following parameters: If you deviate from these parameters, the arrow speed will not equal the one given by the specification. If you try to do all of these calculations by hand, keep in mind what units you actually use! These are calculated as follows: Our arrow speed calculator converts the units automatically. For every 3 grains of additional weight on the bowstring, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. The arrow ballistics calculator below will help you determine your arrows vertical drop, speed, kinetic energy and momentum, for up to 70 yards out in 10 yard increments. Determining Maximum Range for a Crossbow - Petersen's Bowhunting In the calculator below, we measure this in slugs. If you're planning on using 450 grain arrows, the information above suggests that your arrow will leave the crossbow at a speed of around 380 FPS (95% of 400). Kinetic Energy & Momentum Calculator Find out the kinetic energy of your arrow or bolt using the following simple calculator. Why Understanding Power Stroke on Your Crossbow Is Vital Front of Center and Kinetic Energy Calculators - Gold Tip I remember when I first started bowhunting; it was right around the time I became a teenager. Then, the more draw weight you use to pull, the quicker an arrow will fly and the more kinetic energy it will have. Keep in mind that most IBO ratings are not real-world numbers. The only way to find the exact speed of your specific arrow is with an arrow chronograph. 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. If you know your arrow's weight (in grains) and your arrow's speed (Feet Per Second), then you can use our Kinetic Energy and Momentum calculator above to find out each! Now, there are a few bows rated at 350+ fps based on the International Bowhunting Organizations (IBO) standard. Power stroke is the distance, in inches, that the string accelerates an arrow down a crossbow's flight rail. As the arrow travels downrange it is constantly slowing down and dropping toward the ground, the further it travels, the faster it falls to the ground. Let's consider the following example: you are analyzing the bow of IBO 300. In the majority of cases once a peep is added the speed will only be a few fps off but the ratings of some bows are significantly off. Models at the high end of this spectrum tend to cost a lot so we should be pretty confident the top velocities bring equally impressive results before spending the cash. And remember, in bowhunting speed is good but it is far from everything. Every bow gains efficiency a little differently. 12.8 330. Confirm the zero by shooting a . Note that the above is valid if speed is NOT increased at the expense of reduced arrow weight. *Initial speed = our base speed determined using a 400 grain arrow: 425 grain arrows will fly at ~97.5 of initial speed The combined speed, kinetic energy, and momentum calculator below will help you estimate the potential each arrow has based on its weight and your personal bow setup and settings. Arrow speed depends on several factors, including bow string weight, string length, string material, arrow weight, and weather conditions. At the time lets call it the Round Cam Epoch the chase was for 200 fps. Two main ways in which speed affects precision: First, faster arrows have flatter trajectory, meaning they drop less as they fly toward their target. Simply put, many of the best crossbows available on the market nowadays (2015) receive their speed ratings based on arrows weighing roughly 400 grain. Arrow Speed (FPS): Arrow Weight (grains): Advanced Shaft Length (inches): Shaft Diameter (inches): Fletching Length (inches): Fletching Height (inches): Calculate Reset to defaults Distance (yards) Drop (inches) Arrow Speed (FPS) Kinetic Energy (ft/lbs) Momentum (lb/sec) 0 10 20 The standard method of estimating and selling the raw arrow speed of a compound bow is complex and specific. As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. The general guideline for this factor is: For every extra inch of draw length increases approximately 10 fps the arrow speed; and. Compare expected FPS across over 120 crossbows and decide which one to buy. The heavier your arrow, the slower its initial speed will be, and the lower its speed will be when it hits the target, resulting in lower kinetic energy. When a crossbow is said to shoot at 300 FPS, that means that, when the arrow leaves the flight rail, it would travel 300 feet in the span of one second if it could constantly maintain its momentum and trajectory. Using the calculator above, you can see how changing even the smallest things can affect the lethality of your hunting arrows. As of 2021, crossbow speeds range between 300 FPS and 500 FPS. The same team that conducted the above research suggested a way to calculate the effective range for each bow/crossbow model: Divide the crossbow velocity (in FPS) by 10. The most critical factor is the IBO speed entered as this is the starting point of the calculations. 575 grain arrows will fly at ~84% of initial speed Corrected IBO Example - A 70#/29" bow that's rated at 350 fps is has been chronographed at 315 fps with a 400 grain arrow. And we purposefully say "speed that could be achieved" because these marked speeds are not usually the ones that an archer can attain while using his bow with his specific setup. *This Calculator Was Developed With The Help of The Ashby Bow Foundation*. One thing to remember is that while kinetic energy provides the impact of your arrow on your intended target, what it doesnt necessarily provide is information on your arrows ability to penetrate and travel through your target. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. If you were to shoot a 600 grain arrow instead, your initial speed would be roughly 82.5% of 350, or around 290 FPS. arrow weight can seriously affect the speed, Arrow Speed, Kinetic Energy, and Momentum (Penetration) Calculator, Draw Length Calculator: Get Accurate Results Fast, Arrow FOC Calculator: Measure & Calculate FOC Fast, How to Buy Arrows for a Compound Bow (The Right Way), Arrow Weight Calculator: Optimize Your Arrows for Hunting, Understanding Arrow Spine and Spine Deflection for Hunting, Large Game (elk, black bear, wild boar, etc. Sight compensation of trajectory. 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. Scope sights have an advantage as they can easily be raised higher above the flight rail by simply installing higher rings, when this is done the crossbow will sight-in differently and appear to have a flatter trajectory, which is a good thing. The greater the draw weight, the greater the speed of the arrow shot from the bow. For more information on Kinetic Energy and Momentum, please see Kinetic Energy, Momentum and Arrows Enter the arrow weight (grains) Enter the arrow speed (fps) Momentum = Kinetic Energy = Archery Report Sites Archery Report Archery Calculator As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. Arrow speed specification. Arrow speed Value must be between 100 and 500 Feet Per Second. Privacy Policy, N1 Outdoors N-Tune Nock Tuning Reflective Arrow Wraps (various designs), N1 Outdoors Bowhunt Oh Yeah Bowhunting Tee, N1 Outdoors Just PassN Through Bowhunting Tee (Heather Royal), N1 Outdoors N-Tune Nock Tuning Reflective Arrow Tracers (24-pack), Just PassN Through Tee (featuring Magnus Black Hornet Ser-Razor Broadhead), Just PassN Through Tee (featuring Iron Will). Arrow Speed Calculator | Sirius Archery Products In general, all three methods can be used with equal success as there is little difference in measured speed. 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. It's also worth noting that these variables are affected not just by the arrow's speed vvv but also by its mass AAA. Bows 5-10 years old will tend to gain efficiency faster than one that is brand new. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. Please keep in mind that the values below assume the crossbow configuration is not altered, and that the only change is in arrow weight. 44 Yards - Maximum Effective Hunting Range. The optical chronograph is insensitive to shooting distance, but shooting errors can destroy the chronograph. We sometimes earn a small commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Let us see how to use this tool: Begin by indicating the IBO rating in fps in the Bow IBO rating field. Now we have what we need to calculate KE: Arrow speed: 240 FPS Arrow weight: 400 grain The formula for calculating Kinetic Energy is: (Arrow weight) x (Arrow speed) x (Arrow speed) / 450,240 So to what extent the arrow velocity affects the effectiveness of this type of weapon? Arrow weight AAA If you guessed that the size and weight of an arrow influence its speed, you're correct. Spine is measured by the number of inches a shaft deflects (bends) X 1000. Considering that the vital area (heart and lungs) of a whitetail deer is 6" to 8", we can see how easy it is to miss the target when using a slower bow or a crossbow. Example - A 70#/29" bow that's rated at 350 fps is has been chronographed at 315 fps with a 400 grain arrow. Archery & Crossbow Ballistics Calculator: Initial velocity: fps m/s Arrow mass: gr g Angle of departure MOA Shaft length: in cm Shaft diameter: in mm Vane length: in cm Vane height . But a bowling ball moving at the same speed is a whole different matter. 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.