It was mid-September and the line at my archery pro shop looked like Christmas Eve at Wal-Mart. Hordes of hunters were buying last minute archery supplies. The guys behind the counter were bouncing around like ping-pong balls, filling product requests, directing customers to peg hooks, and handing out advice as fast as they could while punching the keys on a cash register.

While waiting in line I couldn't help but overhear and be amazed by some of the conversations going on among the customers. One guy was complaining to his friend about the cost of aluminum arrows, saying that all arrows were essentially identical except for the finish. "You don't need those expensive shafts, get the cheaper ones," was the amateur advice offered.

Another gentleman commented that graphite arrows shouldn't be used for deer hunting because they could splinter inside the animal, leaving carbon fibers in the meat.

Both these statements are totally false, misleading, and potentially damaging to the hunter who's trying to tip the bow-hunting odds in his favor. I quickly came to the conclusion that when selecting hunting arrows and related accessories many hunters don't know where to begin.

Aluminum vs. Graphite Shafts

Before making an educated choice on arrow shafts, you need to know what the choices are. Aluminum arrows are produced using different grades of alloys that feature various degrees of strength, straightness, and, of course, cost. Unfortunately, to the naked eye all aluminum arrows appear to be perfectly straight, so how does a fellow know which ones to buy?

The least expensive arrow shaft produced by Easton (the leading manufacturer of aluminum arrows in the world) is the Eagle Hunter. Produced from the 6061 alloy, Eagle Hunter shafts offer a strength rating of 58,000 psi and a straightness factor of +/- .010 of an inch.

The next step up the ladder, Game Getter II arrows, are made from 7075 alloy (96,000 psi) and offer a straightness factor of +/- .003 of an inch. The popular XX75 shafts are also made from 7075 alloy and are straightened to +/- .002 of an inch for even better arrow flight and improved accuracy.

The new XX78 Super Slam is Easton's strongest, lightest, and straightest aluminum hunting shaft. Made from bend-resistant 7178 alloy (100,000 psi) these shafts feature an incredible straightness factor of +/- .0015 of an inch. These arrows also feature the Super Nock and Super Uni Bushing that allow the nock to be moved, making it easy to index arrows to any arrow rest in seconds.

So what does this mumbo jumbo about alloys and straightness factors mean? The straighter an arrow is made, the more accurately it can be shot from a bow. I recommend that hunters purchase the straightest arrows they can afford. Most archery hunters will find the aluminum XX75 or XX78 Super Slam series arrows offer the best performance and value for the money.

Camouflage XX75 shafts retail for around $40 a dozen (a few bucks more for feather fletching), and the XX78 Super Slam arrows average $50-$60 per dozen.

If you're afraid to try carbon/graphite arrows, don't be. A lot of false information about graphite arrows has been circulated leaving hunters confused. The fear of a graphite arrow shattering inside a deer is totally without merit. In fact, graphite arrows are among the most durable hunting shafts available.

I've intentionally shot graphite arrows into trees, 3/4 inch plywood, and rocky ground to see if the impact would damage them. As a result, I've come to the conclusion that graphite arrows are far more durable than comparable aluminum shafts. A trusted hunting buddy has shot three deer using the same Beman Hunter carbon shaft and this year he intends to kill his forth deer with the same arrow.

Obviously, graphite shafts have some specific advantages over aluminum arrows. The durability factor already outlined is an important consideration for the hunter or target archer who shoots frequently.

The smaller diameter of graphite arrows also allows them to fly somewhat faster and with a flatter trajectory than comparable aluminum shafts. At 10, 15, or 20 yards the speed and trajectory advantages of graphite arrows aren't noticeable as compared to aluminum shafts. However, at ranges from 25 to 40 yards graphite shafts provide the hunter or target shooter with a pronounced reduction in arrow trajectory and superior long-range accuracy.

Top-of-the-line graphite arrows like the Beman Hunter offer a straightness factor of +/- .0020 of an inch, making them comparable in straightness to the best aluminum shafts available.

Graphite arrows are more expensive than aluminum. Beman Hunter shafts average $65 a dozen with vanes and $70 for shafts with feather fletching. Like aluminum arrows, carbon shafts are available in various straightness factors and price ranges. Cabela's new SST carbon arrows run about $43 a dozen and feature a straightness factor similar to XX75 aluminum arrows. Cabela's Maverick, Easton's Pure Carbon, and Beman's Carbon Flash arrows offer a straightness factor similar to Game Getter II aluminum shafts.

Graphite arrows must also be used in connection with special nocks, point adapters, and arrow rests. Also, it's important to note that carbon arrows stabilize and fly best with low-profile broadheads ranging in size from 80 to 100 grains.

Those hunters who wish to experiment with graphite shafts will also need to invest in some Bohning Bond Tite adhesive. This inexpensive adhesive is the best I've found for attaching nocks, point adapters, and feathers or vanes to graphite shafts. This versatile product can also be used to build or make repairs to aluminum arrows.

Choosing between aluminum or graphite arrows is a personal choice that every archer must wrestle with. The majority of hunters settle on the traditional aluminum shaft, but a growing number of hunters are discovering that graphite arrows have a lot to offer. You be the judge.

Inserts and Nocks

All this talk of graphite versus aluminum shafts may leave some hunters scratching their heads. With so many arrow shafts to choose from, it's easy to see how some hunters could get confused.

When selecting inserts there are only two choices. As with arrow shafts, inserts are available in both graphite and aluminum versions. Both versions accomplish the same task of providing a means of screwing in field tips and or broadheads.

The big difference is weight. Graphite inserts are much lighter than the same size aluminum inserts. Depending on the arrow shaft size, a graphite insert may be 20 or 30 grains lighter than a comparable aluminum model.

Are the aluminum inserts stronger? Nope. Are aluminum inserts easier to use? Nope. Are aluminum inserts more readily available? Nope.

So why do aluminum inserts end up in the vast majority of hunting arrows? The answer to that question can be summed up in one word. Tradition. Most archery shops use aluminum inserts because they are comfortable working with them. If you don't ask for graphite inserts, chances are you won't get them.

Bow hunters who use aluminum inserts can pick up five to 10 feet per second of arrow speed by doing nothing more than switching over to lighter graphite inserts. Adding just 10 fps to arrow speed can flatten arrow trajectory and may dramatically improve shooting accuracy at longer ranges.

Graphite inserts are especially useful for hunters who shoot bows from 40- to 60-pound peak weights. Hunters shooting these peak weights can use all the speed they can get. Graphite inserts are an easy way to pump up the volume without adding a penny of extra cost.

Graphite inserts are installed by dipping them in a five-minute epoxy adhesive and sliding them into place in the arrow shaft. Be sure to wipe away excess epoxy before it dries.

If a graphite insert must to be removed for any reason, simply use a propane torch and heat up the end of the arrow before removing the graphite insert with a pair of pliers.

Aluminum inserts are normally installed using a heat stick adhesive. Grab the insert with a pair of pliers and heat it up using a torch. Next, touch the hot insert to the heat stick and then quickly push the adhesive coated insert into place in a heated arrow shaft. Finish the job by wiping off any excess adhesive before it cools.

At the other end of the shaft a plastic nock holds the arrow in place on the bow string. The Bohning Company of in Lake City, Michigan, produces most of the nocks that end up on commercial and custom-made arrows.

Available in several sizes, three different versions, and more colors than the rainbow, Bohning makes nocks for graphite and aluminum arrows. The Legend II Henderson-style nock is designed for those who shoot aluminum arrows and compound bows with a mechanical release. Engineered to hold the string slightly tighter than other nocks, the Legend II is an excellent all-purpose nock.

Bohning's classic-style nock is designed for those who shoot using finger tabs. This nock snaps onto the bow string without a sound and is ideal for the traditional archery buff.

Graphite shaft shooters should choose the APEX-CA nock. Designed for the fastest compound bows and overdraw systems, this nock is available in all the common carbon arrow shaft sizes.

Regardless of the style of nock used, the nock must be installed correctly to guarantee trouble-free arrow flight. For aluminum arrows, nocks are glued in place using a couple drops of Fletch Tite adhesive. Put a couple drops on the tapered end of the arrow shaft and install the nock by pressing it in place and spinning it a couple times to ensure an uniform adhesive coverage.

Index the nock by snapping the arrow in place on the bow string and positioning the nock so the vanes or feathers have full clearance when leaving the arrow rest. If one of the vanes touches the arrow rest or bow riser when shot, arrow flight problems are sure to result.

The same process holds true for graphite arrows except the nocks should be attached using a good graphite adhesive like Bond Tite.

Vanes or Feathers

Which are better, plastic vanes or turkey feather fletching? The answer to that question depends largely on shooting style. Hunters who shoot using finger tabs or gloves are best serviced with natural turkey feather fletchings. The natural texture and softness of turkey feathers allows them to grab the air and quickly stabilize an arrow as it speeds towards it target. Feather fletching compensates for minor flaws in the arrow release, allowing for consistent shooting accuracy despite human error.

Natural turkey fletching is sold in left- or right-wing versions. A subtle right- or left-hand twist is used when gluing turkey feather fletching onto the arrow shaft. This slight twist in the feathers helps stabilize the arrow and gives better accuracy especially when shooting broadheads.

Natural feather fletching isn't without its problems. A lack of durability is a common complaint of some archers. Feather fletching is easily matted in wet weather and can be quickly damaged if the feathers come in contact with the target or other arrows while practicing.

Plastic vanes are more durable that turkey fletching and they provide excellent arrow flight when used properly. Those hunters who use compound bows and mechanical release aids will find plastic vanes deliver consistent accuracy in all hunting conditions.

Plastic vanes may be attached to the arrow shaft in a straight, left-wing, or right-wing pattern. The most common configuration is a slight right-wing twist. A slight twist in the vane helps the arrow stabilize broadheads quickly resulting in better hunting accuracy.

Plastic vanes are also available in different styles and sizes. Style normally relates to the vane height and size to overall length. For hunting a four- or five-inch vane is recommended. Either low profile or high profile style vanes can be used effectively when hunting.

Three fletch (two hen feathers and one cock feather) arrows are the most common with hunters and target archery buffs. Arrows can also be fletched with four feathers or plastic vanes if desired. Some hunters feel the extra vane or feather fletch delivers better broadhead flight.

Broadheads

If you want an argument, just start bragging about a favorite broadhead at your local archery pro shop. There are almost as many opinions about broadheads as the hunters who use them.

Archery hunters have three different styles of broadheads available to them: the traditional two-blade resharpenable heads, three- or four-blade replaceable-blade heads, and the new open-on-impact broadheads. All three will effectively dispatch deer or other big game.

The traditional two-blade versions like those produced by Patriot Broadheads, Bear Super Razorheads, Swickey Eskimo, and Delta Rothhaar are durable broadheads that can be used over and over again. Designed to be resharped, many archers use the same head for practicing then simply sharpen it before heading to the field.

The economy of two-blade resharpenable broadheads provide is tough to beat. So is the bulletlike arrow flight characteristic of this style broadhead.

Unfortunately, two-blade broadheads usually pass through the animal leaving two small slitlike wounds that do not produce a strong blood trail. Even with a perfect double lung hit, two-blade broadheads aren't likely to leave much blood. On the other hand, the deer isn't likely to go far either.

Three- or four-blade broadheads with replaceable blades deliver a larger wound channel and a blood trail that's easier to follow. If it weren't for the fact that three- and four-blade broadheads sometimes cause arrow flight problems, there would be no reason to look any further. Adding an extra blade or two to a broadhead leads to a problem known as arrow planing. Air catching on the blades of the broadhead causes the arrow to fly erratically.

The problem of broadhead flight and arrow planing has become more apparent since the onslaught of the super-fast graphite limb compound bows and bows equipped with overdraw systems. It seems the faster an arrow flies, the more susceptible it is to planing problems.

A hunter who chooses to use three- or four-replaceable blade style broadheads must sight in his bow using the exact heads he plans to hunt with. The point of impact differences between field tips and the same weight broadhead can be six to 12 inches or more!

Some of the most respected replaceable blade broadheads include the Rocky Mountain, Muzzy, Thunderhead, Savora, AHT Tri-Loc, and Satellite brands.

A relatively new style of broadhead known as open-on-impact heads are becoming increasing popular with hunters who want field-tip accuracy and a wound channel that guarantees a strong blood trail. Among those I've tested with success and can recommend are the Rocket Mini-Blaster, Game Tracker Stiletto, and Vortex Expanding Broadhead.

All three brands operate on the same basic principle. Two, three, or four blades fold up neatly against the head of the broadhead, where they provide little wind drag and remain until the arrow strikes an animal. A small rubber band or "O" ring holds the blades in place until the broadhead starts to penetrate.

On impact the rubber band or "O" ring slides backward allowing the blades to instantly snap open. Cutting begins immediately and continues as the broadhead penetrates deeply into the animal.

The end result is bulletlike arrow flight and a wound channel that guarantees a quick, clean kill.

The components of a hunting arrow (shafts, nocks, vanes or feathers, inserts, and broadheads) must be balanced and work together to provide accurate arrow flight and a quick kill. There are no shortcuts to developing dependable arrow flight. This year make sure your hunting arrows are in tune from nock to point.