Today's high-tech arrows are designed to be stronger and more accurate than ever before.

Whether you're chasing big-boned moose or sharp-eyed pronghorn, there's an arrow specifically designed just for that hunt. There are a few important attributes to consider when choosing your arrows; spine and spine consistency, grains per inch (gpi), straightness and weight tolerances.

Spine is probably the most important. An arrow must soak up as much energy as possible for efficient delivery to your target, and when an arrow is underspined, it's not only unsafe but a waste of that energy. Always refer to an arrow selection chart when deciding what size of shaft/spine of arrow to shoot.

Also, at a minimum, be sure your arrows have at least an overall mass weight (point included) of 5 grains per pound of draw weight. For example, for a 65-pound bow, you need an arrow weighing at least 325 grains. And for bowhunting, there's no such thing as too heavy!

Sure, we can gain more speed with a lighter shaft, but when shooting fixed-blade broadheads, tuning becomes more critical -- and heavier arrows tune more easily.

For 2009, Petersen's BOWHUNTING is pleased to offer this arrow shaft selection guide.

From lightweight shafts providing sizzling speed to heavy hitters intended to tackle the largest of game, bowhunters have options. Our goal is to highlight the newest, latest and greatest hunting arrows. Please refer to the graph on pages 62 and 64 for an extensive list of hunting arrows.

Beman
Whether you're looking for a high-end hunting arrow or your kid's first carbon shaft, Beman (www.beman.com; 801-539-1400) has just what you need. One of Beman's most popular series of shafts is the MFX Carbon arrows, which includes the Hidden Insert Technology (HIT) equipped MFX Team Realtree and MFX Classic.

These micro-diameter carbon arrows are said to increase penetration and minimize wind drift thanks to slim diameters and HIT insert system, which provides better shaft and arrow matching because the broadhead's shank is aligned directly against the inside diameter of the shaft.

The Classic is finished in rustic, Photofusion wood-grain finish, while the MFX Team Realtree sports a camo-crested Team Realtree logo. New for '09, the Classic includes brass HIT Break-Off Inserts that allow you to reduce total arrow weight by 25 grains.

Beman's ICS Hunter, Hunter Elite and Hunter Camo shafts are popular among bowhunters. The Elite comes with both ViBrake Inserts and Nocks and has a straightness of +/-.001 inches. The Hunter and Hunter Camo have straightness values of +/-.003 inches and come with ViBrake Inserts and standard nocks.

ViBrake Inserts and Nocks utilize LimbSaver NAVCOM IV material and work to dampen vibration and improve broadhead flight. They can be purchased separately and fit most standard-diameter carbon arrows. For hunters pulling less poundage, Beman's ICS Hunter Junior is offered.

Compatible with bows set up to 40 pounds, the one-size-fits-all arrow comes with 3-inch fletching. Yet another offering is the ICS Bowhunter, an affordable arrow at just $59 a dozen.