Points of Color

Arrow Kaleidoscope

Arrows are aluminum- or carbon-based. Eleven millimeters (0.4 inches) is the maximum diameter of the shaft. Olympians need a matching set in their quivers, complete with initials and uniform fletching, or feather, design. The fletching, along with the index feather, or vane, stabilize the arrow, making it spiral in flight. The piercing end is heavier and pointed to penetrate the target. The nocking point at the other end is an attached plastic cap with tabs that grip the string. It also can save an archer's inventory: The nocking can deflect later incoming arrows.