Arrow diameter discussuon

[snowplow]

I asked for recommendations on arrows in another thread without even considering that there are so many diameters. I'm familiar with old carbon 5/16 and then AD trade lites (big).

What do l need to know about the new skinny shafts and what are pro/cons?

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[GCook]

I just like quarter inch shafts.  All of my heads are fat shaft heads.  They pull easier from foam targets and damage the target less than fat points on skinny shafts.

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[snowplow]

Man there are so many options I'm a little overwhelmed. So big picture here, are there a million options from every manufacturer or does it break down into just a couple categories? So for instance I want to say my aerodynamics shaft is liking 11/32 head I think. Then there's the 5/16 shaft then below that goes the skinnies right? Are all the skin he's about the same? Just trying to get a basic handle on this.

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[bigbadjon]

I have been shooting axis for a spell at this point. I like every thing about them except one thing. Thsy are much more prone to breakage behind the point. I assume the skinnier the shaft the worse this issue becomes. I am sure if you want to cough up for Day Six or Valkyrie they are much better thought out. That said I am mulling over going back to standard diameter for the thicker and more durable components. You could also foot the skinny shafts but that does become tedious tracking down aluminums or tubing that has good fit, then it takes alot of prep work to make it look neat.

[Orion]

I dunno.  I've been shooting Axis shafts for more than a half-dozen years now and find them very tough and durable. 

Regardless, lots of good carbon shafts available.  I don't think it makes a heck of a lot of difference what you end up choosing.  Is a good idea to stay with one brand/size though to avoid ending up with a lot of mismatched components. 

[snowplow]

I dunno.  I've been shooting Axis shafts for more than a half-dozen years now and find them very tough and durable. 

Regardless, lots of good carbon shafts available.  I don't think it makes a heck of a lot of difference what you end up choosing.  Is a good idea to stay with one brand/size though to avoid ending up with a lot of mismatched components.

Thanks guys this is kind of where I and that as well. I have built some really cool complicated arrows in the past (I build all my own) and it did get a little tedious. That's actually what really turned me on to the trad lites, they were just freaking bombproof. The skinny shafts I'm assuming have compromises like durability. So if that's the case what's the upshot? Do they actually do a lot better then the thicker ones to justify the compromise?

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[1/4 away]

I've been shooting Easton Axis Traditionals for about a year now. I really like the smaller diameter shafts. I know some have had issues with them breaking behind the heads but I've found them to be virtually indestructible when using these Ethic Archery inserts.

[wayne rollinson]

my findings are the same as 1/4 away, we use a similar insert although its straight and not tapered but that type of insert makes eastern trads bomb proof, I really like these arrows an insert combination, I use an epoxy to glue them in and have zero issues,regards wayne

[Terry Green]

If I have to worry  about the diameter of arrows killing animals I'm going back to shooting guns.

[snowplow]

Hey man just asking. I didn't know if smaller dia opens up a whole can of worms or what? I still miss plenty so l want to keep it simple. Just looking for the best mix of good simple and tough.

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[bigbadjon]

I dunno.  I've been shooting Axis shafts for more than a half-dozen years now and find them very tough and durable. 

Regardless, lots of good carbon shafts available.  I don't think it makes a heck of a lot of difference what you end up choosing.  Is a good idea to stay with one brand/size though to avoid ending up with a lot of mismatched components.

They are tough and durable... just less so than standard diameter.

[the rifleman]

I shoot the old beman mfx, which i believe the axis replaced.  I have not found a more durable arrow than the beman ( and i shoot at stuff I shouldn't like hard stumps).

So if the axis are anything like the mfx then you'll have no worries in the durability department.

[snowplow]

Thanks, do the cool inserts bridge the gap and make them as tough or still not so much?

What actually is the noticable benefit of smaller dia. Is it just wind drift? Lighter? Is it noticable?

Sorry if lm being dense. What I'm getting at is I have heard people elude to downsides before this but never heard of real world upsides.

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[the rifleman]

hold a standard diameter arrow in your palm on a windy day and then hold a skinny arrow in your palm.  the standard diameter is much more affected by the wind (of course smaller feathers help too).

I have also found the small diameter arrows allow me to use a bit stiffer spine and get good results tuning---the smaller diameter places the center of the shaft closer to the riser.  I only draw 26" and shoot bows in the low 40s so this has been a positive thing for me.

I have yet to find a downside to them.

[snowplow]

hold a standard diameter arrow in your palm on a windy day and then hold a skinny arrow in your palm.  the standard diameter is much more affected by the wind (of course smaller feathers help too).

I have also found the small diameter arrows allow me to use a bit stiffer spine and get good results tuning---the smaller diameter places the center of the shaft closer to the riser.  I only draw 26" and shoot bows in the low 40s so this has been a positive thing for me.

I have yet to find a downside to them.

Very helpful thank you!

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[Wheels2]

I am back where I started with recurve arrows.  Easton Aftermaths.  Good gpi weight, cheap, durable, and straight beyond labelled.
They are a 6mm, so smallest diameter you can go without HIT inserts or GT outserts.
Can get standard aluminum inserts or brass in 50/75 grains.
Currently running a 291/2", .500,50 grain insert, 125 tip.  425 grains.  Matches my Snuffers
Also a .400, 75 grain insert, 145 tip.  500 grains.  Matches Bear Razorheads.
Both tuned for the same bow.

[snowplow]

Thank you

"They are a 6mm, so smallest diameter you can go without HIT inserts or GT outserts.
Can get standard aluminum inserts or brass in 50/75 grains."

This is super helpful!

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[Gooserbat]

Look at Blackeagle Deep Impact arrows.

[snowplow]

I can see how the HIT inserts would be prone to splitting the front of the shaft on a rock impact of whatnot. What goes wrong with the outserts?

Also the HIT inserts are still inside so a 5mm is still not an outserts correct?

Do the outserts go on 4mm?

I understand the need for an outsert because it won't fit inside. But what is the purpose of the HIT system?

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[sveltri]

I've been shooting axis 400's with GT trad components and day six 350's. I'll be transitioning everything to axis/gt combo. I've never gone this long without breaking an arrow. I do like the day six but the alum components do/will bend. Skinnier shafts also allow for greater penetration.