How to Spin-Test Your Arrows for a Perfect Flight Path
Oct 26, 2025
Why Arrow Flight Matters Most in Hunting Season
When that big whitetail finally steps into range, confidence is everything. Even a perfectly tuned bow won’t compensate for an arrow that’s not built correctly. Most alignment issues happen invisibly — and that’s where spin-testing comes in. Arrows take a beating from practice, travel, and field use. Taking five minutes now can make the difference between a clean pass-through and a missed opportunity.
Step 1: Checking Straightness Before the Hunt
A proper spin test checks your arrow’s true alignment — from insert to nock.
Center the arrow on your modsaw’s bearings. Gently spin it and watch the tip for wobble using the wobble indicator.
Any wobble = something is out of true: maybe the broadhead or field point, insert, or the shaft itself.
Step 2: Identify the Problem
If you notice wobble:
First, check that the broadhead is seated correctly — sometimes debris or gunk can prevent proper seating.
If wobble is still present and you hot-glued the insert in, heat and remove the insert. Clean the insert and arrow shaft with a Q-tip and some acetone. Before gluing in the insert and with a broadhead/field point mounted, seat the insert into the shaft and begin quarter-turning until wobble lessens.
Still wobbling? Use the squaring post on your modsaw to resquare the end. Then, once again, check every quarter turn for optimal positioning.
Pro Tip: Follow these same steps for the nock-end of your arrow!
Step 3: Re-Test Until It’s Perfect
Spin-test every arrow after:
- A missed shot
- Heavy target sessions
- Broadhead changes
- Travel to/from camp
Premium shafts and broadheads also take wear. Catching minor errors early prevents inconsistent grouping or broadhead flight issues.
Step 4: Check Straightness On the Go
Before you head out on your hunt, check your arrows with the broadheads that you’ll be using to ensure they still spin true. Using your modsaw or SpinEX, spin the arrow. Is it still tuned? You’re ready to put it in your quiver and head out. If not, work your way back through step 2 until the arrow spins perfectly.
Pro Tip: For tuning on the go, use the SpinEX Precision Arrow Spinner — engineered for micro-level accuracy and compact enough for gear bags and truck beds.
Step 5: Make Spin-Testing Routine
Arrow care isn’t just preseason—it’s part of next-level hunting.
Before every major hunt or after any hard shot, take a minute and confirm your arrows are true.
Recommended Gear:
SpinEX Precision Spinner – portable, shop-grade accuracy anywhere.
Modsaw Deluxe Kit – clean cuts, perfect rebuilds, consistent performance.
Together, they ensure every arrow flies as straight and true as the day you built it.
Need more help tuning your arrows? View the video below for more in-depth tips on how to tune your arrows.
Include these tips in your pre-hunt routine, and you’ll catch subtle misalignments before they show up in the field.
Confidence Comes from Consistency
You can’t control the wind or a deer’s next step—but you can control your gear. This season, don’t guess. Spin-test. Rebuild. Hunt with confidence.
Check your setup today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spin Testing Your Arrows
Q: What is spin-testing?
A: Spin-testing is a method of checking whether an arrow is perfectly straight and aligned from tip to nock by gently spinning it and observing for wobble. If the arrow spins true without wobble, it’s likely to fly more consistently.
Q: Why does arrow spin matter for flight?
A: A true, wobble-free spin indicates that the broadhead, insert, and shaft are aligned—helping prevent erratic flight, inconsistent groupings, or accuracy issues in the field.
Q: How do I check my arrow’s straightness?
A: Center your arrow on a spin tester (like the modsaw bearings or SpinEX), turn it gently, and watch the tip—any wobble means something is out of alignment.
Q: What should I do if my arrow wobbles?
A: First check that the broadhead or field point is properly seated. If wobble persists, remove and clean the insert, then reposition and re-glue it, checking alignment quarter-turn by quarter-turn.
