Deadly is the ideal word to describe the latest generation of hunting arrows. Both aluminum and carbon arrows have enjoyed a wealth of technical and cosmetic improvements. Arrows are straighter, lighter, stronger, and more user friendly than ever before.
Bow hunters shopping for a dozen hunting shafts have good and bad news to consider. The good news is that arrows are getting lighter and stiffer. In technical terms that translates into faster arrow flight, less trajectory, and maximum penetration. In other words, big problems for whitetails.
The bad news is with so many excellent shafts to choose from, it's going to be tough to settle on just one.
Aluminum
For more years than I can remember, Easton's XX75 aluminum shaft has been the shaft of choice among serious bow hunters. In 1996 this classic has been improved two ways. First, the XX75 will now be available in the popular Advantage camouflage pattern. Second, Easton has added their Super UNI Bushing and Super Nock to the Advantage series.
The Super UNI Bushing accepts Easton's Super and 3-D Super nocks and Bohning's new Signature nock. Designed to provide consistent and straight nock alignment, this system also allows hunters to easily index the nock for vane clearance with any style rest by turning the nock.
Other XX75 shafts include the Camo Hunter, Autumn Orange, and Classic. These shafts are available in spine ratings ranging from 1813 to 2514.
Toted as the ultimate aluminum hunting shaft, Easton's XX78 Super Slam arrow is made from 7178-T9 aluminum alloy that claims a straightness factor of +/- .0015 inch. The strongest, lightest, and straightest aluminum hunting shaft available, the Super Slam series comes complete with the Super UNI Bushing and Super Nock system.
New for 1996 the Super Slam series has been expanded to include the XX78 Camo Extreme Predator. Available in 2213, 2314, 2413, 2514, and 2613 sizes, this shaft features the Predator camouflage pattern, Super UNI Bushing and Super Nock. Also, the Camo Extreme Predator series features the new 2613 shaft. The beefcake of aluminum shafts, this new size is ideal for hunters shooting heavy poundage bows.
Beman, long known as the leader in quality carbon arrows, has introduced an aluminum arrow for 1996. Known as the Ranger, this shaft is constructed of 5086 aluminum alloy that offers a straightness factor of +/-.005 inch and a PSI rating of 58,000. Designed to be a high-quality and inexpensive shaft, hunters have several sizes including 2016, 2018, 2117, 2216, and 2219 to choose from.
The finish on the Ranger shaft is anodized nonglare tan and black, ideal for bow hunting situations. For more information or a free catalog, write Beman at P.O.Box 22850, Salt Lake City, UT 84122.
Graphite
The big news in graphite arrows comes from a small company in Acme, Michigan. Carbon Impact recently introduced a full line of arrow shafts featuring an unique GUIP construction process. A multi-directional layering technique, according to Carbon Impact this technology allows the graphite fibers to be wrapped to provide maximum strength against cross stresses and allow a reduction of wall thickness. All other graphite arrows are produced using a process that aligns the fibers in a linear manner and glues them together with a resin.
Carbon Impact shafts are stiffer and lighter than other carbon arrows, making them faster and superior in penetration. Archery buffs have several shafts to choose from. The top of the line Carbon Impact shaft is called the Ultra H Gold and is primarily designed for target archers and demanding 3-D shooters. The Ultra H Green shafts are suitable for 3-D shooters and demanding bow hunters. Ultra H Orange shafts are suited for serious bow hunters and first season 3-D shooters. Ultra H Yellow shafts are an economical choice for hunters interested in trying carbon arrows. Each of these shafts are available with feathers or plastic vanes.
These arrows also feature a outsert-style nock attachment. Called a Rotocap, the company's Tecnock pressure fits over the Rotocap which comes installed on all shafts. The Tecnock can be easily turned to index arrows for vane clearance with all types of rests. Outsert point adapters must also be used with these shafts.
Competitive shooters have already given these shafts the thumbs up rating and hunters are sure to follow suit. Carbon Impact is a new company. Shafts may not be available at all pro shops. For more information and pricing contact Carbon Impact direct at 616-938-2079.
Game Tracker/AFC produces an extensive line of carbon arrows. All of their arrows may be used for hunting, but two shafts were made especially with hunters in mind.
The Advantage combines a high performance carbon arrow with the popular Advantage camouflage pattern. This shaft features a straightness factor of +/- .00075 inch and is available with feathers or vanes.
Similar in quality, the Realtree carbon arrow features a straightness factor of +/- .00175 inch and is available with vanes or feathers. Bare shafts are also available in both the Advantage and Realtree patterns for those who prefer to build their own custom arrows. These arrows feature a pressure-fit nock and glue-on outsert point adapter. Information on AFC carbon arrows is available by calling 810-733-6360.
Fans of Beman carbon arrows will appreciate Beman's new Nock Outsert designed to accept the popular Easton "G" series nock. Available to fit all Beman Hunter and Diva shafts, this outsert system provides target shooters and demanding bow hunters with a deeper throated nock that's streamlined for performance. For more information contact Beman at 801-539-1433.
Now's the time to get serious about shopping for arrows and stocking up on arrow-building supplies. Spend some time browsing at your local archery pro shop and as much time as possible on the practice range. If unique is what you seek, you'll have plenty to choose from with this season's line-up of hunting arrows.
Copyright (c) 1996 Mark Romanack. All rights reserved.
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