The accepted archery standard for measuring deflection is to measure the amount of deflection of the shaft at the midpoint of a 26" span when placed under a 2 pound load. The more deflection, the less stiff the shaft.

The function of this test equipment was to support the shaft on two points that were 26" apart, place a 2 pound load at the midpoint and measure the deflection as accurately as possible.

Test is accurate to .001"

To measure the deflection, I used a machinists dial indicator. It does have a return spring, which due to the sensitivity of the test, did affect the readings, by lessening the weight slightly. For the purpose of these tests, I placed the weight on the suspended shaft, pulled the rod on the dial indicator down until any tension was removed. This allowed the shaft to settle completely. The indicator was then released until just making contact with the shaft without applying any pressure in the opposite direction. Readings were taken from this point and logged.

Test were done on a minimum of 12 shafts to be considered complete. If I didn't have access to enough shafts, the numbers were shown but, were considered incomplete and will be shown as such.