ASTM F1544-11(2017)

Standard Specification for Determining the Rating Velocities of a Compound Archery Bow

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the testing technique to determine the rating velocities of an archery bow. Among the test methods are: force draw data, and the shooting test. The test arrow description and the test data correction are also detailed. This specification is not intended to provide any engineering or structural evaluation of the bow that would determine its fitness for the use intended, safe function, or any other attribute except as mentioned.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This specification will be used to determine a velocity under standard test conditions for rating an archery bow.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the testing technique to determine the rating velocities of a compound bow.  
1.2 This specification will provide only a certification of performance, that is, the velocities at which a given bow will launch arrows of specified weights under standard conditions.  
1.3 This specification is not intended to provide any engineering or structural evaluation of the bow that would determine its fitness for the use intended, safe function, or any other attribute except as stated.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 4, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2017
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.16 - Archery Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1544-11 - Standard Specification for Determining the Rating Velocities of a Compound Archery Bow
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2017

Overview

ASTM F1544-11(2017) is the established standard specification for determining the rating velocities of a compound archery bow. Developed and maintained by ASTM International, this document provides a standardized testing technique to certify the performance of compound bows under controlled conditions. The specification details methods for measuring the velocity at which a bow launches arrows of specific weights, utilizing test arrows, force draw data, and a shooting machine. The results are intended solely to provide a certification of velocity and are not designed to address engineering, structural evaluation, or safety aspects of the bow beyond those explicitly mentioned.

Key Topics

• Rating Velocity Determination: The standard explains how to test and record the initial speed (velocity) of arrows launched by a compound bow using standard test arrows and consistent procedures.
• Force Draw Data: Provides methodology for gathering force-draw curve data, capturing the energy storage characteristics of the bow as it is drawn from brace height to full draw.
• Test Arrows: Specifies the requirements for test arrows, including appropriate shaft material, length, and weight (typically 5 grains per pound of peak draw force).
• Shooting Machine and Chronograph Use: Describes using a shooting machine with mechanical release for highly repeatable shooting and a chronograph to accurately measure arrow velocities.
• Standard Test Conditions: Ensures all measurements are conducted with repeatable settings, fixed draw lengths, and specified arrow weights for consistent and comparable results.
• Terminology: Defines key terms such as ATA draw length, draw length pressure point (DLPP), force-draw curve, rating velocities, and stored energy.

Applications

ASTM F1544-11(2017) is widely used in the archery industry for the following practical purposes:

• Product Comparison and Certification: Provides manufacturers, retailers, and consumers with an industry-standard method to compare compound bow performance based on measured arrow velocities.
• Quality Control: Enables manufacturers to verify and document that their compound bows meet declared specifications for performance.
• Procurement and Specification: Assists buyers, such as sports organizations or retailers, in selecting bows based on standardized performance ratings.
• Research and Product Development: Offers a consistent testing foundation for evaluating design changes in bow energy storage characteristics or performance implications of new materials.
• Market Transparency: Standardized results promote confidence and transparency across the compound archery bow market.

Related Standards

Several other standards and test methods may be of interest to organizations and professionals involved in archery equipment manufacturing, testing, or certification:

• ASTM F1436: Standard Practice for Labeling and Information for Archery Products
• ASTM F1724: Standard Test Methods for Measuring the Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Arrows Used in Archery
• ATA/AMO Standards: Archery Trade Association standards on bow and string measurement practices
• ISO Archery Equipment Standards: Other international standardization efforts for sports equipment and safety

Summary

ASTM F1544-11(2017) establishes a reliable, repeatable method for determining the rating velocities of compound archery bows under standardized conditions. This specification is an essential reference for bow manufacturers, quality assurance professionals, archery product retailers, and competitive organizations, ensuring that performance claims are substantiated through universally accepted protocols. By adhering to this standard, stakeholders help maintain credibility and consistency in the archery industry. For further details and latest revisions, consult the official ASTM International documentation.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F1544 −11 (Reapproved 2017) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Determining the Rating Velocities of a Compound Archery
Bow
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1544; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.2 draw length pressure point (DLPP) draw length,
n—the distance at the archer’s full draw from the string at the
1.1 This specification covers the testing technique to deter-
nocking point to a vertical line through the distal or pivot point
mine the rating velocities of a compound bow.
of the bow grip.
1.2 This specification will provide only a certification of
2.1.3 force-draw curve—the graph curve generated by re-
performance, that is, the velocities at which a given bow will
cording the draw force readings of an archery bow at 1.0-in.
launch arrows of specified weights under standard conditions.
(25.4-mm) intervals or less, from brace height through set
1.3 This specification is not intended to provide any engi-
weight and to the center of the valley (if present), in order to
neering or structural evaluation of the bow that would deter-
reveal the energy storage characteristics of the bow.
mine its fitness for the use intended, safe function, or any other
2.1.4 rating velocities, n—the initial velocity of an arrow
attribute except as stated.
weighing 5 grains per pound (0.073 g/N) of the bow’s Peak
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Draw Force (60.5 grains (60.03 g) on total arrow weight)
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
(0.03 g) from a bow set at no more than 70 6 ⁄2 lb (311.4 N)
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Peak Draw Force and 30 in. (762 mm)ATAactual draw length.
and are not considered standard.
Example: a 70-lb Peak Draw Force bow requires the use of a
350 grain (22.7 g) arrow (60.5 grains (60.03 g) on total arrow
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
weight) (0.03 g 6 0.4 N).Aminimum of (5) shots for each test
test methods portion, Section 4, of this specification: This
must be performed. Test shot velocities will then be averaged
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
to determine the ATA Compound Bow Rating Velocity.
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
2.1.5 shooting machine—a device, equipped with a me-
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
chanical release, that secures a bow and releases an arrow to
regulatory limitations prior to use.
obtain highly repeatable shooting results for various testing
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
purposes.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.1.6 stored energy—the energy required to draw a bow
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
from brace height to full draw, usually expressed in foot-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
pounds (joules).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This specification will be used to determine a velocity
2. Terminology
under standard test conditions for rating an archery bow.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4. Test Methods
2.1.1 archery trade association (ATA) draw length, n—the
distance at the archer’s full draw from the string at the nocking
4.1 Force Draw Data:
point to a vertica
...