How to Measure Spear Shaft Overhang

Treat overhang measurements as geometry references tied to clear physical points.

Shaft-body length (S)

Shaft-body length refers to the shaft itself, without automatically assuming tip or adapter contribution. This distinction avoids mixing body length with assembled spear length.

Muzzle/front reference and reference length (G)

Choose one front reference point and keep it consistent. Measure from rear shaft engagement at the trigger to that same front point whenever you compare shafts.

Shaft-body overhang (O)

Shaft-body overhang is calculated as O = S - G. It compares shaft body length with your selected reference length. This is separate from any detachable tip contribution.

Threaded or detachable tips

For threaded systems, use the installed tip or adapter contribution as its own input. Do not assume one universal tip length; use manufacturer values or direct measurements for your installed components.

Assembled spear length (A)

Assembled length is A = S + T, where T is the installed tip/adapter contribution. Manufacturer measurement conventions can differ, so compare like-for-like definitions before deciding whether setups match.

Use these measurements in the Spear Shaft Calculator.