Bareshaft/Blankshaft Test

The bare shaft test – also called the blank shaft test – is a method used to check arrow tuning (spine) and overall setup. A bare (un-fletched) arrow is shot alongside fletched arrows at the same distance.

Evaluation:

• Bare shaft lands close to the fletched arrows → setup is correct
• Bare shaft lands to the side → check the spine
• Bare shaft lands higher or lower → check nocking point height

Since the bare shaft lacks the stabilizing effect of the fletching, it clearly shows whether the arrow is leaving the bow cleanly.