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[1] BUY QUALITY SHAFTS

Do a little prepurchase research and you’ll find that premium shafts typically have tighter tolerances than economy-grade models. A good benchmark is a straightness tolerance of .003 inch or less and weight variance of 3 grains or less. If you can find such figures at a low price, great. But if not, it’s worth spending a little more, because tighter tolerances usually mean straighter flight.

[2] SPIN YOUR ARROWS

Before the hunting season, put broadheads on each arrow and check them all on an arrow spinner, such as the Arrow Inspector from Pine Ridge Archery (pineridgearchery.com). This device quickly reveals whether (a) your inserts are square to the shafts and (b) your broadhead tips and ferrules are true. If the spinning head doesn’t wobble, there’s no problem. If it does, take both head and shaft to your local pro shop.

[3] FINE-TUNE THE FLIGHT

Number the fletching of each arrow and shoot a group of six. Take any fliers that land outside the main group and twist the nock a quarter turn. This changes the shaft’s alignment with the string, which alters flight and point of impact. Reshoot, keep track of these arrows by their numbers, and keep twisting their nocks until they all fall in line. Now you’ve got straight-shooting arrows that are ready for the field.