Technological innovations over the past three years have produced huge increases in arrow speed, and it's now common to find bows that produce IBO speeds greater than 330 -- or even 350 -- feet per second.

When using fixed-blade heads, you will have a harder time controlling a fast arrow than a person using mechanical heads. However, compact fixed-blade heads plane less than larger ones.

While I don't question these bows' ability to handle the vibration and deliver a straight flying arrow, I do question the ability of most bowhunters to harness the newfound speed in a constructive way. From a pure accuracy standpoint, there is definitely a threshold when fast becomes too fast, and that's something to consider before buying a new bullet bow.

The Benefits Of Arrow Speed
Shot placement is a game of inches. An inch too low and you hit the brisket instead of the heart. A friend did that last year while I was filming his hunt. We lost the buck. An inch too high and you're in "no man's land" instead of hitting the top of the lungs. In either case, instead of a short drag back to the truck, you're in for a long and likely disappointing tracking session.

Anything that will improve accuracy in the field even slightly is worth pursuing, and shooting a faster arrow can certainly do this. You may not think a few extra yards of wiggle room is a big deal, but it's these small things that add up to make a big difference.

Put yourself in this position: A buck steps out of the brush at a spot you didn't expect. In a moment, he'll be through a narrow shooting lane and gone. You haven't pre-scouted the distance but quickly estimate it at 30 yards. You draw your bow, hold your 30-yard pin right on the middle of his chest and make what you believe to be a perfect shot.

Assuming you generate average arrow speed (something around 260 fps), you'll hit the buck in the vitals if he's actually standing anywhere between 23.3 and 34.5 yards away (a window that is 11.2 yards wide).

Now, suppose you shoot an arrow that travels at 320 fps. Your window increases to include all actual distances from zero to 36.5 yards (a window that's 36.5 yards wide). An arrow speed increase of 60 fps increases your margin for error on 30-yard shots by more than 300 percent. Clearly, that extra speed can make a huge difference in the outcome of the hunt.

And that added velocity becomes even more precious as you stretch the distance out to 40 yards. Considering that, it is hard to make any kind of argument against more arrow speed -- at least on the surface. But there is more to consider.

Too Much Of A Good Thing
Now that I've made the case for a fast arrow, let's consider the downside. There is definitely a speed limit, and if you go over it, you'll no longer enjoy the benefits increased arrow speed is supposed to offer. Arrow speed is only beneficial if it doesn't make you less accurate at known distances. In other words, if you are standing on the range at 40 yards and can't shoot a fast bow and light arrow as accurately as you can a slower bow and heavier arrow -- especially when equipped with broadheads -- that speed is a liability; not an asset.

Your personal speed limit depends on the type of equipment you use, starting with broadheads. Fixed-blade heads will wind plane to varying degrees and steer an arrow off course if you shoot them from a poorly tuned bow, into a crosswind or if you make a rough release.

And the faster the arrow, the more pronounced this planing becomes. Even with today's small profile, fixed-blade heads, most experts recommend a maximum arrow speed of 260-270 fps. Beyond that, broadhead planing becomes problematic for all but the very best archers.