crossbow fps calculator crossbow fps calculator

Generally speaking, adding 20 grains of overall weight to the string will only deduct about 5 fps off the raw arrow speed. It's measured by applying an 880-gram weight to the arrow, suspended from the center of the shaft. Sighting-in your crossbow properly to compensate trajectory. Speed is good, but whether shooting carbon arrows such as Beman's ICS Crossbow Hunter or Easton's Bloodline, XX75 aluminum or its . 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. 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. And this is a bigger problem than you may think at the moment. Moisture and rain will slow the arrow's flight. Draw length LLL This is the distance that the string is pulled back. 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 This arrow speed calculator allows you to accurately determine the speed of an arrow. *All data are approximate. If you look at the above chart you will notice that from 250 F.P.S. 450 grain arrows will fly at ~95% of initial speed Light Blue: Range of efficient arrow weights. There are several factors that go into the arrow speed equation. Which results in easier aiming and thus, in improved precision. Arrow Speed 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. If this tool does not calculate, please refresh the page and try again. 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. 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. We shot 400 grain arrows from 9 different crossbows, achieving nine different initial speeds ranging from 200 to 400 FPS in 25 FPS increments. This tool should get you close to that. Every 3 grains of additional weight on the bow string will subtract 1 foot per second from the IBO value. Reduce the IBO speed until the calculator shows the verified speed of 315; in this case the correct IBO value would be 346 fps Let us see how to use this tool: Begin by indicating the IBO rating in fps in the Bow IBO rating field. To learn more about kinetic energy and momentum, visit our kinetic energy calculator and this impulse and momentum calculator. A properly balanced arrow measurements of 7 to 15%. In other words, how much force is required to stop an arrow? The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. 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. 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. Its only from 300 FPS and up that you get enough kinetic energy at all feasible hunting distances (up to 50 yards) to be able to comfortably hunt elk. Reduce the IBO speed until the calculator shows the verified speed of 315; in this case, the correct IBO value would be 346 fps. And remember, in bowhunting speed is good but it is far from everything. 44 Yards - Maximum Effective Hunting Range. So to what extent the arrow velocity affects the effectiveness of this type of weapon? Using everyday masking tape, you can easily calculate the power stroke of your bow. A 70#/29 bow that's rated at 350 fps is has been chronographed at 315 fps with a 400 grain 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. 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 )). Red: Highlights specific speeds in fps and MAX energy (KE and M). 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). What is important, is understanding how this impacts the arrow you choose to buy and use when hunting, along with the broadheads you use. Three main factors determine how fast a crossbow will shoot: power stroke, draw weight and arrow weight. This does not affect or reflect on our recommendations or opinions. 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. Then, the more draw weight you use to pull, the quicker an arrow will fly and the more kinetic energy it will have. 600 grain arrows will fly at ~82.5% of initial speed. Kinetic energy (KE) is a measure of an arrows ability to transfer energy upon impact, and a higher KE can result in greater penetration and stopping power. The general guideline for this factor is: For every extra inch of draw length increases approximately 10 fps the arrow speed; and. You can use the results obtained from this archery calculator in the projectile motion calculator to analyze the arrow's path. Use the Arrow Efficiency Calculator to find the optimal arrow for your bowhunting setup. Mike is an avid archery hunter and brings a military methodology to his hunting and life. 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 . 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. You can check this calculator to see how fast the arrows lose height at different flight speeds. 3. This is what we included: The IBO speed is used as a standardized speed rating for bows. 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. Check out 25 similar kinematics calculators how things move , Understanding bow speed IBO specification. 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). For example, a bow designated as IBO 330 could achieve greater speeds than a bow rated as IBO 300. For every 3 grains of additional weight on the bowstring, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. The trick is to balance speed (and range finding forgiveness) with arrow mass and penetration potential. 1 slug equals 32.174 ft-lbs. Power stroke is the length between the crossbow's string in its full-draw position and at rest point. Arrow speed is determined by your bows IBO speed (fps), your draw weight (in pounds lbs)), your draw length (in inches), the arrows total weight (in grains), and the weight of what is on the bowstring (in grains) as outlined above. For the most accurate results, it is best to use a known speed and known arrow weight under 6 grain per pound todetermine your "corrected" IBO value. We sometimes earn a small commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Bonus fps! 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. Finally, using our arrow ballistics calculator (which requires that both arrow speed and mass are known) we determined the values plotted in the chart below. As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. Total string accessory weights in grains (peep, tube, silencers, etc.). of draw weight your bow is reduced, raw arrow speed is reduced 15-20 fps. Muley Short Sleeve T-shirt | Solids, Coues On Short Sleeve T-shirt | Black/Gray, Western Whitetail Multicam Flexfit Mesh Cap, +/- 1 inch change in draw length ~ +/-10 FPS, +/- 10 pound change in draw weight ~+/- 18 FPS, +/- 3 grain change in arrow weight ~ +/- 1 FPS, +/- 3 grain change in string weight ~ +/- 1 FPS. 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). In general, all three methods can be used with equal success as there is little difference in measured speed. This is because the large draw weight imparts more energy to the arrow. The results suggested a weight between 400- and 428-grains. 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. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. High Velocity Crossbows. 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. 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. . Now, enter the Draw length of the bow. 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. Lets find out. Not too long after that came the advent of the speed bow, and soon, almost every bow on the market was capable of hurling anarrowat 300 fps. 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. 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. . We strongly advise that you stick with the recommended values to maintain lots of room for error, particularly if youre new to hunting. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. 2. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. Keep in mind that most IBO ratings are not real-world numbers. 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. Even at 275 FPS you only get close to it at 10 yards out. By drawing your bow, you convert mechanical energy (ME) and store it as potential energy (PE) in the bow limbs. Four terms to know when properly sighting in a Crossbow. So let's focus on that. 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. Let's consider the following example: you are analyzing the bow of IBO 300. The table below provides us with a general idea of how much momentum is needed for different types of wild game and it also shows us the arrows penetration capability when coupled with KE. , because of the higher momentum at the moment of impact. 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. 15.5 300. This is very misleading as to what a true high performance crossbow will do when sighted in properly for deer hunting. SHORT STROKES. 13.6 320. For every inch of draw length above 30, add 10 ft/s to the IBO value. The IBO method (detailed in the arrow speed calculator instructions above) sets up a bow and an arrow weighing 5 grains per lb. 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! FOC stands for Front of Center balance point. #3:Notall crossbows are suitable for hunting. A feather traveling at 20 mph might sting, or might not even be felt, depending upon how it strikes. IBO Speed (feet per second) 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 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. 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. At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. What is the maximum range for a crossbow? Thus these values of speed, momentum, and kinetic energy, are only valid within a specific distance range. But a bowling ball moving at the same speed is a whole different matter. The gravitational constant (g) is the acceleration due to gravity, which is 32.174 feet per second per second at sea level. Hopefully you find the above charts and information useful in determining what crossbow to buy and how kinetic energy changes based on arrow weight and speed. Please keep in mind that the values below assume the crossbow configuration is not altered, and that the only change is in arrow weight. The speed decreases exponentially as the arrow travels. If the exact speed is not available, use the Bow/Arrow Speed Calculator to estimate the arrow speed. Welcome to our Arrow Speed, Kinetic Energy, and Momentum Calculator, where you can easily calculate your arrows speed, kinetic energy, and momentum based on the IBO speed of your compound bow, your draw weight, draw length, and arrow weight. Calculations are largely based on the Exterior Ballistics of Bows and Arrows paper. You can measure arrow speed using optical chronographs, Doppler chronographs, or laptop-based audio applications. You should be able to successfully harvest Arrow drop test results FPS calculators (Frame per Second) work by using large databases of FPS records for various processors and graphic cards. 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. Most professional bows use the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) specification. 4. The most critical factor is the IBO speed entered as this is the starting point of the calculations. But because these are rarely the conditions under which every archer will be using their bow, then comes the question: what the actual speed of my arrow is? 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. The Doppler chronograph is fast and easy to use. Momentum is often considered more important for hunting because it can help the arrow maintain its penetration potential. 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. Decide on the draw weight and the arrow weight. *Slugs can be converted to Pound-Seconds by multiplying the result from the above formula by 32.174. View Results* Dark Blue: Optimal arrow weight. As a general rule, with every 10 pound increase in draw weight, arrow speed rises by around 20 fps. Kinetic Energy: 5.55 foot-pounds. 550 grain arrows will fly at ~85.5% of initial speed 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. Two main ways in which speed affects precision: First, faster arrows have flatter trajectory, meaning they drop less as they fly toward their target. ArcheryHunting.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. To exaggerate to make a point, a one-pound arrow would plummet to the ground the minute it left your barrel. Remember, the speed of your arrow is at the point of the shot. Simply put, many of the best crossbows available on the market nowadays (2015) receive their speed ratings based on arrows weighing roughly 400 grain. - 400 F.P.S. Meaning that we can increase the speed by simply using a lighter shaft or broadhead, but that would actually reduce the penetration potential of the arrow because momentum is mostly affected by the weight of the projectile. Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. Every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, will subtract 1 foot per second from the IBO value. So if we have 100 ft-lb initial energy (at 0 yards), at 10 yards you can expect roughly 97-97 ft-lbs. The optical chronograph is insensitive to shooting distance, but shooting errors can destroy the chronograph. Created by the International Bowhunter's Organization, the IBO speed is given as a speed value in feet per second (fps or ft/s), and the higher this number is, the higher the speed that could be achieved with that particular bow. 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. ), Toughest Game (cape buffalo, grizzly, musk ox, etc. 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. 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. This average will get most bows within a few percent of real-world speeds. Kinetic Energy Vs Momentum for Hunting? 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). As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. While it is based on the bow speed IBO specification, you can input the individual settings of your bow. 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. The chart below, and the research conducted is copyrighted material and is the property of BestCrossbowSource. If you open any online store that is selling them, you'd see that the speed of the arrows (measured in FPS or feet per second) that are launched by each listed model is their most prominent feature. We appreciate your help. For example, if you increase the draw weight by 5 pounds the speed of your arrows can increase by 10 fps. Granted, this is not as accurate as a chronograph, but it'll give you an idea. If you were to shoot a 600 grain arrow instead, your initial speed would be roughly 82.5% of 350, or around 290 FPS. Crossbow speeds are usually measured in feet-per-second (FPS). Finally, enter the Additional weight on the string if this is known. The arrow speed calculator makes it easy to estimate the speed of an arrow! You can obtain this value with this formula: An arrow's kinetic energy is determined as: Keep in mind that the arrow loses speed as it travels. Archery Hunting 101: Bow Hunting for Beginners. By simply indicating the particular values of some parameters, this tool will help you calculate an arrow fps speed. If you try to do all of these calculations by hand, keep in mind what units you actually use! About the time I reached my fathers then age, technology changed drastically, making it possible for bow companies to achieve 300 fps with a hunting bow. By simply indicating the particular values of some parameters, this tool will help you calculate an arrow fps speed. The chart below demonstrates the minimum, as well as recommended, kinetic energy, for hunting different-sized game. Because there is a huge difference between shooting a deer with a 300 FPS crossbow and a 400 FPS (or faster) model. These are calculated as follows: Our arrow speed calculator converts the units automatically. Every inch of draw length above 30 will add 10 feet per second to the IBO value. Draw weight: The more draw weight you pull, the faster the arrow will fly. Now, there are a few bows rated at 350+ fps based on the International Bowhunting Organizations (IBO) standard. 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. You can calculate your arrow's KE and express it in foot-pounds. While KE is an important factor in penetration, momentum is also critical because it determines the arrows ability to push through the target. 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. But it cannot. High Velocity; 325 - 375 feet per second arrow speed crossbows. That is defined by an arrows weight, broadhead, and momentum. Calculate arrow fps speed How fast does my arrow travel. 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. Draw length: A longer draw length creates a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy. While it is based on the bow speed IBO specification, you can input the individual settings of your bow. Bows 5-10 years old will tend to gain efficiency faster than one that is brand new. As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. Factoring in the gravitational constant in both of those formulas for hunting arrows is necessary to account for the effect of gravity on the arrows motion. 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). 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. Arrow weight: Again, the rule of thumb is that for every 5 grains of added arrow weight, you will drop raw speed by 1-2 fps. To find the distance that your arrow will travel, you can use the projectile motion calculator. Balanced Bowhunting 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. 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. Notice that at 250 FPS this value cannot be achieved. Compare expected FPS across over 120 crossbows and decide which one to buy. Arrow speed specification. 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. Bowhunting of any kind is a short range affair and is best kept under 35 Yards. How to determine the optimal shooting range for my crossbow? When it comes to how much an arrow's weight affects its speed, the consensus is that every additional 5 grains of arrow weight reduces arrow speed by an average of 2 fps. The most critical factor is the IBO speed entered as this is the starting point of the calculations. 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. The overall weight of the weapon, its balance, arrow weight, ease of cocking, and precision are also important. 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. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Modern crossbows typically generate speeds anywhere from 280-350 feet per second, with some models topping 400 fps. 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. Your arrows kinetic energy will depend on its speed. Bowstring weight WWW Adding accessories to a bowstring impacts its speed; for every 3 grains of extra weight on the bowstring, deduct 1 fps from the IBO number. 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. We strongly recommend reading our detailed kinetic energy tests and guide for more information. 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). 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. When an arrow is shot from your bow, its impact, and ability to penetrate and make the kill is based not just on the speed of your bow. At the time lets call it the Round Cam Epoch the chase was for 200 fps. The rule of thumb was that for every added inch of draw length, you increase raw arrow speed by approximately 10-15 fps. 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). of KE. This calculator is based on average efficiency gains as arrow weight is increased from 5 grains per pound (IBO). Use this tool to optimize your arrows now. ), Any additional weight on your bowstring (nock loop, peep, etc.). For example, a 500 spine arrow bends .5 inches when the weight is applied. When you pull the trigger most of that PE is transferred to the arrow and converted to kinetic energy (KE), which propels it downrange.