Home > Arrows and Arrow Making > Richard Head Spine Tester

Although this item no longer appears to be available you still may find one on the second hand market, it will be worth it if you do as there few real budget models of spine tester on the market ( the soon to be launched spineXL reviewed elsewhere on this site is eagerly anticipated).

A simple device made from basic materials the tester has a scale which is accurate when tested again other meters and using known shafts. Despite the rudimentary design and the use of "make do" parts this meter is easy to use, quick to set up and accurate. The adjustment to either raise or lower the shaft in order to set the scale to zero is a little bit fiddly and performed by the use of a rest held in place by a wing nut, you must get the rest slid in to place and then tighten the wing nut, not so bad if testing a few shafts but wearisome if batch testing.

The one weak point was that the scale itself was mounted on thin board, without proper support it is easily bent and bends even under it's own weight. This was easily remedied but the addition of a piece of wood screwed to the scale itself.

An essential part of any arrow makers kit even the hobby fletcher can ill afford to be without a tool which measures spine, if you see one of these going on the second hand market make an offer and grab it.

Rating
Features & Design
The makers of this were obviously looking to produce a good cheap spine meter, it's basic but functional, but no awards for style and design.
Performance
Despite the lack of styl, the scale is accurate, in fact as long as any spine meter is consistent with itself it will pform the job of gauging one shaft against another, without a spine tester I would be lost.
Value for Money
Worth £50 of anyones' money if you can find one.
Overall
If you can't find one cheap wait for the SpineXL tester.

 

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Steve Nicholson and Andy Gilfrin, are real archers interested in the best archery suppliers have to offer. In our search for the very best bow, arrows and equipment we have shot, used and worn pretty much everything on offer.

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Essential Details
What : Richard Head Spine Tester Price : no longer available

Richard Head Spine Tester measures the deflection of an arrow.

2# weight bends the arrow and allows the "spine" to be measured.

Once the scale has been stabilised and stiffened with some extra supposrt the gauge worked well enough..

 

 

Magazine

July 2010 The Mary Rose story comes to life this month, when Steve and Andy went to visit archaeologist Alex Hildred and got our hands on 500 year old long bows (literally). We look at the battle of Vernuiel, Andy visits France on a peace mission and we talk to Sid at Border.


June 2010 Bumper edition this month, a pig in armour, Geoff towers direct from Homildon Hill and a look at the Mary Rose. There is also news of the UK Atlatl championships and all the usual regular items.


May 2010 This month sees the release of yet another Robin Hood film, to celebrate this months magazine is a Robin Hood special. We look at the man behind the legend with a couple of articles about the man and the period that gave rise to him. We also have an article on Little John, not Robin Hoods side kick but John Cately of Little John Arrow, he talks to us about his life in archery and the way he likes to make his arrows. 

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