Category Archery

Aug 31 2025

Episode 127 – Shoot Report – Lyme Valley

Several weeks ago, we ventured to the Lyme Valley club for the first time in what seems like years. Only now have I’ve finally got round to writing this shoot report. Sorry guys for the delay.

This would be a 36 mixed target course with some cracking shots and some JVD faces (I really don’t like the old JVD faces. The course is situated in a valley, hence the name, not far from Stoke on Trent. Being in a valley the course offers a variety of gradient based slots, both up and down hill, something few clubs can offer.

One great shot was the grizzly and fish from the top of the hill to the screen below. This was a double shot where you would shoot both the Grizzly 3D and fish 3D from the red, then if needs be you would take shots from the white. Etc

Another shot worth mentioning was the 3D polar bear, where they had positioned white sheets and duvets, making it look like the bear was exiting a cave.

Check out the podcast for a full breakdown of my thoughts on the course and shots.

I’m afraid I can’t embed Amazon music on this page but can provide a link https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/c649e917-695a-4c30-aa50-d99742ccd824/episodes/c314e454-dad9-41a1-9812-ecf3b66655e4/off-the-arrow-shelf-episode-127-%E2%80%93-shoot-report-%E2%80%93-lyme-valley

I much preferred the shoot through for lunch, with catering being central in the woods than the old situation where you would stop at 12.30 for 30-40 minutes.

Overall it was a good shoot with some interesting shots.

Thanks for reading.

Aug 18 2025

Episode 126 – Shoot report for Briar Rose with special guest Rich Archery Geek Outdoors 

The latest episode is now live and I have a very special guest Rich from @archery.geek.outdoors
As is often the case when we get together we end up talking for hours and this time is no different.
We chat about archery in general, 3D targets, NFAS faces and give an honest review of the Briar Rose shoot.
I hope you enjoy it. It is mostly about archery honest.

Have a listen and let us know what you think. If you like the format we might do a few more.

As always the above link is for Spotify but you can also find the podcast on Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/c649e917-695a-4c30-aa50-d99742ccd824/off-the-arrow-shelf)

Thanks for listening.

Aug 13 2025

Equipment review – Cartel fletching tool

For the past 13 years I have been using the Cartel fletching tool as my primary fletching jig, so I thought it would be a good time to write a review of my thoughts.

I’ve just bought a third one to set up permanently for 4 fletching. This way I don’t have to worry about changing the setup from 3 to 4 fletchings.

The jig cost £17.99 from Merlin archery. For this price you get the main jig, clamp, and  2 Allen keys for adjustments of the jig

I’ve found the tool to be a sturdy metal construction. It comes with a couple of holes in the base so you can mount it with screws onto a board or worktable. I have chosen not to do this as I keep the different jigs in one large box so I use a G clamp to hold it steady on the tabletop.

As the video shows, the jig can be set up for either 3 or 4 fletching via the adjustable screws at the base. I’ve marked mine 3 and 4.

close up on selector screws

There are 2 screws for alignment adjustment of the clamp so you can ensure your fletching is straight on the arrow shaft. I don’t have a helical clamp, just a simple straight one

Clamp itself has an adjuster screw that ensures you don’t crush the fletching, very useful if you are using feather fletchings.

The magnets that hold the clamp are surprisingly strong and caught me off guard when I first started using the clamp. So be warned when getting the alignment of the fletching to the arrow. If you are using glue you will have time to slide the clamps down, but if like me you are using fletching tape you need to be a little more careful when aligning the fletching.

As I said I already have 2 of these that I’ve had over 13 years now, pretty much since I first starting making arrows.

I’d like to offer a couple of tips based on those years of use.

Tip number one is I’ve marked the point of the index feather, just to make life easier.

Line showing index feather alignment

The allen keys that come with the tool are easy to lose, yes I have lost or rather misplaced one over the years, so I have added a couple of zip ties to the base of the clamp where I can slip them in.

Since I make mostly wooden arrows, I’ve added a little bit of tape at the top of the jig where the arrow sets to ensure it doesn’t scratch the wood of the arrows.

I’m a fan of these clamps as I’ve found them both robust and easy to use. I also like it’s all metal construction, which makes them durable and easy to clean when I’ve got glue on them in the past.

As always thanks for reading and listening.