FAT OR THIN? THE DEFINITIVE ANSWER
For indoor shooting (e.g. WA 18) the use of thicker arrow shafts instead of thinner ones is discussed again and again. Do thicker arrows really bring a significant score point gain?
The advantage of thicker arrows for the short indoor distance of 18m can be explained pragmatically: thicker arrows on the small 40cm target face result in additional score points because they cover a larger area than the 'normal' arrows (thinner arrows) and thus more frequently touch the boundary line to the next higher ring.
Opinions differ as to how many additional points can be gained with the thicker arrow shafts. Often it is argued with personal experience. Some think they have seen a clear increase in points with thicker arrows, others can't tell the difference. Thus the general question still remains: how many more points do the thicker arrows bring in comparison to the normal thinner arrows on the indoor distance of 18m?
It is interesting to note how the increased score is achieved. Possible interactions with the modified tuning, material, etc. are not taken into account– this would be too complex a task. But it is surely helpful for the archer and his decision whether or not to use thicker arrows, if one knows the purely area-related effect of thicker arrow shafts on
