What is FOC?

Arrow FOC (or Forward of Center) is the percentage of total arrow weight (TAW) that is forward of the arrow's balance point.  A well-balanced FOC percentage can ensure solid arrow flight and improve penetration when harvesting an animal.  The average FOC for hunting arrows is between 11 and 15 percent.  A high FOC is considered to be an arrow with over 20 percent FOC.

Learn how to calculate your arrow's FOC here.

FOC, or "front of center," is a measurement of an arrow's weight distribution that helps to determine its balance and stability in flight. It is the percentage of an arrow's total weight that is located forward of its center of gravity. The center of gravity (CG) is the point at which the arrow balances (Point of Balance) horizontally when it is suspended.

The higher the FOC percentage, the more weight is located in the front of the arrow. This can help to improve the arrow's penetration and accuracy by reducing the "wobble" of the arrow as it flies through the air.

When archery hunting, it's important to have the right FOC in order to have the best penetration, accuracy, and to have the arrow stabilize correctly. For hunting, a higher FOC is generally preferred, generally ranging between 10-15%. Target arrows have a lower FOC percentage as they prioritize stability over penetration.  Some hunters prefer ranges over 15% and up to even 30% in some cases when using extremely heavy arrows.

However, as FOC increases, the arrow becomes more sensitive to changes in the arrow rest, bow-tuning, and shooting form. So it's important to experiment with different FOC percentages and find the one that works best for you. Some archers prefer to have a lower FOC to have the arrow more forgiving and stable.