Archery questions

[Ebony Mafika]

I'm wondering if there are any limitations when it comes to what bows/arrows can be made of and if so what are the limitations?

[Kyrax]

Most arrows are commercially purchased as bare shafts (with fletchings) and then the specialized arrowhead is built of foam and so on (see elsewhere for instructions and details).

Most people also buy bows, but you can make your own. As for materials, um, how about plastic, fiberglass, or wood. The only thing to avoid is a modern compound bow - because of their mechanics compound bows cannot be half-drawn as readily as standard bows.

Any real archers want to jump in to clarify anything?

[Kyrian]

Kyrax covered the gist of things. But here are the specifics from the Belegarth Book of War:

1.4.8. Archery Restrictions:
1.4.8.1. No compound bows or compound-crossbows.
1.4.8.2. The maximum poundage allowed on a bow is 35 lbs pull at 28 inches of draw.
1.4.8.3. The maximum poundage allowed on a crossbow is 15 lbs at its loaded draw.
1.4.8.4. A draw stop is required to prevent an arrow from being drawn more than 28 inches.
1.4.8.5. Arrow striking surfaces may not easily pass more than 0.5 inches through a 2.5 inch diameter hole. No part of the arrow?s striking surface may be less than 2.5 inches in any direction.
1.4.8.6. All arrows must contain a perpendicular penny secured at the end of the shaft.
1.4.8.7. The arrow?s striking surface must be constructed of open-cell foam.
1.4.8.8. All arrows must have at least two full fletching.
1.4.8.9. The striking surface of an arrow must be tape free.
1.4.8.10. The arrowhead should not have excess axial or lateral movement.

Here are pictorial instructions on a method for constructing arrows:

http://www.edhellen.com/arrow_construction.htm

Hope these help,

Kyrian