Live Wild with Remi Warren

Episode 211 | The Perfect Arrow and Getting Dialed for Your Next Hunt
Release Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Remi Warren
Guest: Brian Broderick (Founder, Day Six Arrows and Broadheads)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Live Wild, Remi Warren sits down with Brian Broderick, founder of Day Six Arrows and Broadheads, to break down the essentials of arrow and bow setup for hunters. They discuss the often-overlooked importance of proper tuning, arrow spine, and choosing the right equipment for your hunting style. Their goal is to provide clear, actionable advice so that your gear is as “dialed” as possible—emphasizing that now, in the off-season, is the best time to get your setup sorted for next hunting season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Critical Importance of Arrow Flight and Bow Tuning

• Getting the most out of your high-quality gear: It’s not enough to buy great arrows and broadheads; they must fly right to maximize effectiveness.
• Proper tune affects everything: Penetration, forgiveness, and accuracy all hinge on getting perfect arrow flight.
• “It defeats the purpose if you spend a lot of money on arrows and broadheads and your bow is not properly tuned. Arrow flight is everything.”
  — Remi Warren [03:05]

Practical Camp Example

• Hunters often show up with field points, then swap in broadheads at camp without ever having tested them.
• Broadheads, even those labeled “fly like field tips,” almost always hit differently unless the setup is tuned.
• “If your field tips and broadheads aren’t flying perfectly straight, the margin of error you have downrange when things are imperfect increases.”
  — Remi Warren [05:01]

2. Understanding Arrow Spine: The Backbone of Tuning

• What is arrow spine?
  Many confuse spine (flexibility) with weight; a lower number means a stiffer shaft.
• Dynamic vs Static Spine:
  • Static spine = Measured by standardized testing (how much an arrow flexes with a given weight).
  • Dynamic spine = How that flex changes based on arrow length and point weight.
• “It’s a little counterintuitive because the lower the number, the stiffer the arrow is.”
  — Brian Broderick [10:06]
• Matching arrow spine to your setup:
  Draw length, draw weight, and tip weight all impact what spine you should shoot. It's not a one-size-fits-all and must change if you change bows or significant components.

“The arrow is to match whatever your setup is right now, not what you were shooting 10 years ago.”
— Brian Broderick [09:09]

TIP: Most archers can find their starting point using draw length and draw weight charts from reputable arrow manufacturers.

3. Bow Setup: Beyond Paper Tuning

• Tuning steps:
  1. Start with correct spine and arrows.
  2. Ensure bow’s center shot and timing are set.
  3. Use bear shaft tuning and/or field point vs. broadhead grouping at distance.
  4. Adjust rest and/or cams as needed.
• Newer bows (like Mathews Lift or Phase4) make cam adjustments easier for home or field tuning.
• “I’m essentially tuning mine at 60 yards with broadheads. Once my broadheads and field points hit together, my arrows fly true.”
  — Remi Warren [18:16]
• Proper tune = forgiveness:
  When perfectly tuned, the bow is less sensitive to grip and release inconsistencies, reducing the "margin of miss" at distance.

4. When to Tune: The Right Time for Setup and Changes

• Winter/offseason is the best time: Shops have time, inventory is in stock, and you have months to get things fixed.

• “If you need help, now is the time when shops and companies like us can really help you. In August, you’re going to stand in line and only get the minimum.”
  — Brian Broderick [24:35]

• Get new arrows, try different setups, and dial everything in after the season, not just before.

• “It’s not that hard. If you want to stock up on arrows, the best time to do it is now, not a month before the season.”
  — Brian Broderick [26:53]

5. Arrow Setups: Balancing Heavy vs. Light

• HD vs. XD Arrows (Day Six examples):
  • HD: Micro diameter, thick-walled, heavy (for toughness and penetration). Slower, quieter, but more forgiving—favored by close-range hunters.
  • XD: Slightly larger diameter, lighter per inch, a faster option. Less drop, better for longer-range shots and flatter trajectory.
• No single best answer: Some world-class hunters do great with both philosophies.
• “You can have two very different arrow setups and both are right if they fit your style and approach.”
  — Brian Broderick [31:36]

Sample weights: Remi and Brian both shoot HD 300s at ~510–520 grains with 100 grain tips.

6. Day Six’s Unique Arrow Construction and Component System

• Component system: Each spine has perfectly matched components to ensure concentricity and eliminate wobble.
• No need for knock tuning: Secondary manufacturing process eliminates the weak/stiff side for truly consistent arrows.
• “You don’t have to knock tune ours. Every arrow in a dozen flies the same.”
  — Brian Broderick [43:06]
• Integrated, monolithic front ends: Inserts/outs are machined for each specific spine for rock-solid, bomb-proof durability.
• “Everything is milled exactly for the arrow you’re shooting, not just for ‘an’ arrow. That makes a big difference.”
  — Brian Broderick [39:58]

7. Field Forgiveness: What Matters Most for Hunting

• Every hunting shot is imperfect—your body is twisted, the animal moves, your grip changes.
• A perfectly forgiving setup shrinks “real-world” error in the moment of truth.
• “Every little ounce of forgiveness in your setup makes a difference... Arrow, bow, broadhead—it’s the sum of all parts.”
  — Remi Warren [45:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The most important thing people can do is take the time and get your setup properly tuned now. Don’t wait for two weeks before the season.”
  — Brian Broderick [23:54]

• “I want a setup that is heavier, slower, and more forgiving in the field. The lighter, faster argument is valid, but know yourself and your style.”
  — Remi Warren [35:34]

• “I’ve had guys show up for a hunt screwing their broadheads on at the truck, never having shot them. Prep now avoids that chaos in September.”
  — Remi Warren [28:12]

• “Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness—especially as it translates into the field.”
  — Brian Broderick [44:56]

Practical Tips Highlighted with Timestamps

• [03:58] Never assume broadheads = field points! Always test and tune with broadheads preseason for real-world impact.
• [10:06] Understand spine numbers and how to match them to current bow specs, not past setups.
• [15:05] Don’t be afraid to change arrows when you change bows—performance depends on synergy, not old habits.
• [18:16] Tune your bow at hunting distances with broadheads for ultimate field reliability.
• [26:53] Buy and dial arrows now to avoid supply issues and rushed, imperfect setups during peak season.
• [31:36] Select your arrow philosophy (heavy/slow/forgiving vs. light/fast/flat) based on your personal hunting style and confidence.
• [43:06] Choose components and arrows that guarantee as much field forgiveness as possible—test your arrows for consistent flight, not just one or two favorites per dozen.

Final Takeaways

• The heavy emphasis this episode: Get your setup dialed now—when you have resources, time, and support.
• Knowing your gear, understanding why spine and tuning matter, and choosing components that suit both you and your hunting approach will pay major dividends when that critical shot opportunity arises.
• Whether you’re an arrow and tuning geek or a hunter wanting to keep things simple, both Remi and Brian stress: Preparation and attention to detail during the offseason mean less stress and more success come hunting season.

Relevant Resources

• Day Six Tuning Guide: Find this on the Day Six website blog section.
• Further Questions/Customer Service: Day Six is available (and less busy) now.
• Social: @daySixgear on Instagram and YouTube for deep dives, Q&A, and educational content.

Next Steps

• Assess your current setup – use downtime now to experiment, tune, and prepare.
• If you want to try Day Six products or need advice, the team is most available in the offseason.
• Subscribe to Live Wild and Day Six platforms for future deep dives and podcast extras.
• Consider giving back—support wildlife conservation organizations like Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Missed the episode? This summary unpacks the full conversation so you can head into next season with confidence, clarity, and your bowhunting kit dialed to perfection.