crossbow fps calculator crossbow fps calculator

Using multiple chronographs positioned at varying distances and heights, we calculated the drop in projectile speed at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards. Every inch of draw length above 30 will add 10 feet per second to the IBO value. The most critical factor is the IBO speed entered as this is the starting point of the calculations. Power stroke is the length between the crossbow's string in its full-draw position and at rest point. Arrow Speed Formula: You can determine the speed of the arrow along with other crucial parameters by using the following arrow speed equation: v = IBO+ (L30)10W/3 + min (0, (A5D/3) where: v = Actual Arrow speed in feet per second (ft/s) IBO = Speed of the arrow according to the IBO specifications L = Draw length measured in inches With having said that lets sight these crossbows with a maximum point blank range drop of 3 inches and a mid-range rise of 3 inches. During my teens, I spent countless hours with my dad in our archery shop, buildingarrows, tuning bows, and then testing their performance right outside in our backyard. Now check the distance and estimate the speed below: If you are using a recurve bow, arrows can travel at up to 225 feet per second (fps) or 150mph, while arrows from a compound bow travel at up to 300 fps (200mph). As of 2021, crossbow speeds range between 300 FPS and 500 FPS. *Slugs can be converted to Pound-Seconds by multiplying the result from the above formula by 32.174. That's a tough question to answer. This calculator is based on average efficiency gains as arrow weight is increased from 5 grains per pound (IBO). The IBO method (detailed in the arrow speed calculator instructions above) sets up a bow and an arrow weighing 5 grains per lb. Calculate arrow fps speed How fast does my arrow travel. You are welcome to share it, as long as you mention www.bestcrossbowsource.com as the original source of the data / research. 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. Maximum Point Blank Range; Maximum point blank range when sighting in a crossbow is the height of the mid-range rise and the arrow drop beyond true zero, both are equal in measure. This calculator is based on average efficiency gains as arrow weight is increased from 5 grains per pound (IBO). Because most animals tend to "jump the string". The arrow speed calculator makes it easy to estimate the speed of an arrow! You can assume, roughly, that an arrows kinetic energy is reduced by around 3-4% for every 10 yards it travels. Arrow speed specification. Every bow gains efficiency a little differently. ), Any additional weight on your bowstring (nock loop, peep, etc.). Plan. 36 Yards - Maximum Point Blank Hunting Range. When you input your bow and arrows information in the calculator below, you can see right away what your arrows potential is. That is defined by an arrows weight, broadhead, and momentum. How far will it penetrate? As such we decided to use 400 grain arrows, as this was bound to yield results most closely resembling those that a new crossbow buyer will experience when shooting the arrows in their crossbow package. Lets find out. And your arrow would fly over it or hit a less desirable area, like the spine of the animal. 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. Even at 275 FPS you only get close to it at 10 yards out. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. Execute. 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. This does not affect or reflect on our recommendations or opinions. 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 )). Knowing how your arrow speed changes with the increase in arrow weight, you can now easily figure out the new kinetic energy: For instance, if you know your crossbow shoots your current 400 grain arrows with a speed of 400 FPS, our chart above tells you to expect 124.8 ft-lb of kinetic energy at 30 yards. Every bow gains efficiency a little differently. Thats a massive difference in a hunting scenario. 13.6 320. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. These will result in relatively small variations that you should not worry much about. FOC stands for Front of Center balance point. You will find that most modern bows are more than capable of killing most game animals. 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 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. When using the calculator above, input your values and then compare them to those values in the tables below. We sometimes earn a small commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Power stroke is the distance, in inches, that the string accelerates an arrow down a crossbow's flight rail. A lighter arrow produces more arrow speed, but an increase in arrow weight (incremented by 25 grains) can increase and eventually decrease arrow kinetic energy. Reduce the IBO speed until the calculator shows the verified speed of 315; in this case, the correct IBO value would be 346 fps. Arrow weight AAA If you guessed that the size and weight of an arrow influence its speed, you're correct. 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. *Our website is supported by our users. Let's consider the following example: you are analyzing the bow of IBO 300. . Decide on the draw weight and the arrow weight. 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. 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 heavier the arrow is, the faster gravity will pull it toward the ground, but arrows or bolts do not have an even weight throughout. Values below should be considered very close estimates of what you will experience in the field (a 2% margin of error should be assumed). fps. Point Weight (Grains) Practice has proved that shooting with a faster crossbow reduces or entirely eliminates the probability of this. (That lowers the reticle in the scope, meaning you have to raise the crossbow back to POA) If it hits high, increase your FPS in your profile settings until the arrow drops into the slot. Remember, the speed of your arrow is at the point of the shot. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. My bow stayed the same: 60-pounds at 27.5-inches of draw. I remember when I first started bowhunting; it was right around the time I became a teenager. Three main factors determine how fast a crossbow will shoot: power stroke, draw weight and arrow weight. As the arrow moves through space, the kinetic energy drops. To make the change inarrow, I went back to ourArrow Efficiency Calculator. The gravitational constant (g) is the acceleration due to gravity, which is 32.174 feet per second per second at sea level. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. By simply indicating the particular values of some parameters, this tool will help you calculate an arrow fps speed. For more information on understanding arrow weight and FOC click here. You can also see how increasing your arrow weight will increase kinetic energy and momentum, but then decrease kinetic energy when the speed of your arrow decreases to the point where it can no longer provide the force necessary to increase your arrows lethality. 2022 Bear Alaskan Right-Handed 55-70 lb Model, Arrow Weight 423 grains (Easton Axis 5mm Arrows) , Additional Weight on Bowstring 20 grains. 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. Whitetail deer is particularly proficient at doing that. 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. Bow Manufacturer IBO Speed (ft/sec) Draw Weight (lbs) Draw Length (inches) Arrow Weight (grains) Weight Added to String (grains) (20gr = peep only, 45gr = peep and tube) Arrow Speed 0 ft/sec 0 mph Arrow Kinetic Energy 0 ft-lbs. 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. If youre 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). To correctly 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). Now, there are a few bows rated at 350+ fps based on the International Bowhunting Organizations (IBO) standard. If you try to do all of these calculations by hand, keep in mind what units you actually use! The overall weight of the weapon, its balance, arrow weight, ease of cocking, and precision are also important. And remember, in bowhunting speed is good but it is far from everything. 44 Yards - Maximum Effective Hunting Range. We are working to correct this issue. 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. SHORT STROKES. Every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, will subtract 1 foot per second from the IBO value. *The number 225,218 is derived from converting grains to pounds and then . You can go to heavy with an arrow, but the answer is not as simple as that. The arrow speed calculator makes it easy to estimate the speed of an arrow! While there are other factors to consider when setting up a compound bow for hunting, all bowhunters want to shoot as fast an arrow as they can with their bow setup. These records provide information on the performance of different components in a computer system when running specific games or applications. Which leaves us with the only valid option for increasing the FPS of a crossbow: buying a faster model in the first place! 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. Sight compensation of trajectory. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. 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. Calculations are largely based on the Exterior Ballistics of Bows and Arrows paper. 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 At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. The new speed, s2 = sqrt (350/450)*300 = 264.5 fps. Do 100 FPS make such an impactful difference? 3. Given enough time, deer would duck in preparation for a big jump. IBO Speed (feet per second) Keep reading to learn how to use our calculator and how to optimize your arrow for your hunting needs. TenPoint today unveiled its new-for-2022 Nitro 505, the fastest crossbow in company history and one that sets a new industry standard with an advertised speed of 505 feet per second with 400-grain bolts. 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. 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. And of course, most of us operate within a more or less fixed budget and don't enjoy the idea of spending $3k-$4k on one of the latest and greatest models. For example, a bow designated as IBO 330 could achieve greater speeds than a bow rated as IBO 300. It will give you a rough idea of how fast an arrow travels after changing the bow from the recommended specifications. Here is an example to demonstrate the use of the values above: Example: lets say you know your 400 grain arrow will fly at 350 FPS. Your arrows kinetic energy will depend on its speed. 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. 12.8 330. For every inch of draw length above 30, add 10 fps to the IBO value. You can check this calculator to see how fast the arrows lose height at different flight speeds. Reduce the IBO speed until the calculator shows the verified speed of 315; in this case, the correct IBO value would be 346 fps. 575 grain arrows will fly at ~84% of initial speed So to what extent the arrow velocity affects the effectiveness of this type of weapon? Chasing 300 fps? As such we recommend that elk hunters stick to 300 FPS or more. 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. Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. Confirm the zero by shooting a . As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. We strongly recommend reading our detailed kinetic energy tests and guide for more information. *This Calculator Was Developed With The Help of The Ashby Bow Foundation*. This arrow speed calculator allows you to accurately determine the speed of an arrow. 525 grain arrows will fly at ~87.8% of initial speed 2. Bowstring weight: Adding weight to a bowstring (peep sight, string silencers, string loop) will affect raw speed, but not by much. 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. We have not done very precise tests to figure this out (we will update this post when we do), however a very close estimate would be to assume the following. The chart below, and the research conducted is copyrighted material and is the property of BestCrossbowSource. 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. Similar in design, the 35 3/4-inch-long Horton Storm RDX attains 370 fps from a 16 1/2-inch power stroke and 165-pound draw weight. Be careful with increasing string weight, as it is equally important to string the bow comfortably. This arrow speed calculator allows you to accurately determine the speed of an arrow. You can use the results obtained from this archery calculator in the projectile motion calculator to analyze the arrow's path. of KE. Also, make sure to check out our best crossbow rankings for a scoop on the top equipment on the market. Once you have this figure, you can calculate the kinetic energy produced by your bow. 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). All Rights Reserved. Kinetic Energy: 5.55 foot-pounds. We operate independently and do not provide Sponsored content. 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. The calculator uses this data, along with AI models, to predict the performance . This should set your correct arrow speed and make the ballistics calculator work for you. 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. The standard method of estimating and selling the raw arrow speed of a compound bow is complex and specific. 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. You decide to use 400 grain arrows, and using our FPS guide you calculate the point-blank speed of your arrow to be 240 FPS. And second, faster arrows leave less time for the animal to react to the shot sound. When you look at this and compare it to the table above, you can calculate what the right arrow can accomplish after you shoot it. Finally, enter the Additional weight on the string if this is known. 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). Granted, this is not as accurate as a chronograph, but it'll give you an idea. The only way to find the exact speed of your specific arrow is with an arrow chronograph. 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. Actual ballistics data will vary slightly based on weather conditions and how high above sea level you are. Two main ways in which speed affects precision: First, faster arrows have flatter trajectory, meaning they drop less as they fly toward their target. The values in the table below come from the following bow and its associated settings. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. For example, a 500 spine arrow bends .5 inches when the weight is applied. 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 . there is very little difference in trajectory when you sight in at the recommended distance that is supplied with most crossbows. We strongly advise that you stick with the recommended values to maintain lots of room for error, particularly if youre new to hunting. However, here you'll find a bit of a contradiction because heavier arrows result in slower speeds, meaning compromising speed might be necessary to avoid losing momentum and kinetic energy so rapidly. To achieve this the arrow will actually intersect with the line of sight twice, giving you a dead center hold on the target for many yards without hold-over or hold-under. Bows 5-10 years old will tend to gain efficiency faster than one that is brand new. 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. 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. What is important, is understanding how this impacts the arrow you choose to buy and use when hunting, along with the broadheads you use. Use the Arrow Efficiency Calculator to find the optimal arrow for your bowhunting setup. The calculator assumes average air density and air viscosity. Arrow Speed Calculator. Knowing the rough speed at which your arrow will fly, you can now use our kinetic energy calculator to quickly figure out your arrows initial kinetic energy. 3. Let us see how to use this tool: Begin by indicating the IBO rating in fps in the Bow IBO rating field. If this tool does not calculate, please refresh the page and try again. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. . Notice that at 250 FPS this value cannot be achieved. Let's say you keep the regular. If you were to shoot a 600 grain arrow instead, your initial speed would be roughly 82.5% of 350, or around 290 FPS. The arrow weight in grains (includes fletchings, wraps, inserts and also. 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 optical chronograph is insensitive to shooting distance, but shooting errors can destroy the chronograph. 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). Most professional bows use the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) specification. #2: Even a 50 FPS speed difference alters kinetic energy significantly. As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. You should be able to successfully harvest 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. In other words, how much force is required to stop an arrow? Bonus fps! Contact Us for More Information. For every inch you reduce, the draw length reduces around 10 fps of your bow speed. This is because the large draw weight imparts more energy to the arrow. By drawing your bow, you convert mechanical energy (ME) and store it as potential energy (PE) in the bow limbs. 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. To find the distance that your arrow will travel, you can use the projectile motion calculator. Copyright 2023 | DRCMedia LLC | All Rights Reserved, Scout. A longer draw length results in a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy that then is transferred to the arrow. Mine hits dead nuts from 30 out to 135 yards. Bows 5-10 years old will tend to gain efficiency faster than one that is brand new. 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. 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. Do you really need a multi range sight for trajectory compensation. Which results in easier aiming and thus, in improved precision. You can calculate your arrow's KE and express it in foot-pounds. What is the maximum range for a crossbow? Compare expected FPS across over 120 crossbows and decide which one to buy. Keep in mind that most IBO ratings are not real-world numbers. At the time lets call it the Round Cam Epoch the chase was for 200 fps. For example, if you increase the draw weight by 5 pounds the speed of your arrows can increase by 10 fps. This is what we included: The IBO speed is used as a standardized speed rating for bows. 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. 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. To exaggerate to make a point, a one-pound arrow would plummet to the ground the minute it left your barrel. 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. Red: Highlights specific speeds in fps and MAX energy (KE and M). *NOTE: The calculator below will provide you with an estimate based on your inputs. Crossbow speeds are usually measured in feet-per-second (FPS). Try our arrow speed calculator below! Archery Hunting 101: Bow Hunting for Beginners. For every 3 grains of additional weight on the bowstring, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. In the table below, you will see some base values there already, they are there to show you an example of a real-world situation with real values and what they look like when compared to a mid-range bow and mid-range set of arrows. Copyright 2023 The Everyday Bow Hunter. Arrow speed depends on several factors, including bow string weight, string length, string material, arrow weight, and weather conditions. *All data are approximate. It's also worth noting that these variables are affected not just by the arrow's speed vvv but also by its mass AAA. As a general rule, with every 10 pound increase in draw weight, arrow speed rises by around 20 fps. For whitetail deer this requirement is lower any crossbow 250 FPS and up will be a safe pick. The rule of thumb is that for every 10 lbs. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. 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. You can measure arrow speed using optical chronographs, Doppler chronographs, or laptop-based audio applications. The Doppler chronograph is fast and easy to use. 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). The sights on a crossbow compensate for arrow drop by their installed height and not all sights are installed at the same height so not all crossbows shoot the exact same trajectory in appearance. This is because the IBO speeds are determined under a set of particular conditions: Then, for comparing bow speeds, you'll need tomaintain these factors constant. 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. 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). Kinetic Energy & Momentum Calculator Find out the kinetic energy of your arrow or bolt using the following simple calculator. Anderson, SC, 2023 N1 Outdoors. 2. 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.