mobow

This is debated quite regularly both here and at the shop, but I thought we would revisit it.

I just received my newest volume of "Deer and Deer Hunting" and there is an article on this very thing. In fact, the article has the same title. I'm going to copy the reasons and a sentence from each. I'm curious as to what we all think here. Personally, I think some of it is right on, and some of it is hogwash.

1. Durability:
Modern carbon arrows are tougher than nails because they feature wrapped construction....they can take all the punishment you can give them and continue to perform as if they were brand new.
2. Consistent straightness:
Modern carbon shafts from the best companies are very comparable to aluminum arrows.
3. They can't bend...ever!
A carbon arrow can be flexed alot, but it cannot be permanently bent....
4. Quality components:
in the "old days," one of the problems with carbon arrows was that there was not the availability of quality components like tunable nocks and arrow-point inserts machined to 'such tight tolerances.'
5. Quicker recovery:
Carbon shafts are stiffer than comparable aluminum arrows, meaning they recover quicker from 'flexing at the release.'
6. Raw arrow speed:
Carbon shafts are lighter than aluminum arrows of similar spine.
7. Penetration:
...it is a fact that the smaller-diameter carbon shafts w/ smaller fletches penetrate deeper than comparable aluminum.....
8. Wind bucking ability:
Smaller diameter carbon shafts w/ 3 1/2" or 4" fletch and mechanical or low profile broadheads will definetly buck the wind better than a fatter aluminum arrows.....
9. It's easy to ""roll-your-own:"
'It's easier to build your own carbon arrows.....'
10.The price is right:
For years, the best carbon arrows cost much more than comparable aluminum shafts. Not so today.

While this article is geared to why you should consider them, in order to do that wouldn't you need to know some negatives about them as well? Spine was mentioned, but no mention of "shooting the spine out" of one, which we all know can be done. Like I mentioned, I agree w/ some, but not all. What are your thoughts?

Rob/PA Bowyer

Honestly, it can hardly be disputed BUT:

Number 9: I don't feel carbons are easier to "roll your own" compared to aluminum....in reverse, sometimes carbon takes slightly more care when perparing them. Epoxy vs hot glue on some inserts, cutting, splintering, sanding etc...aluminum is slightly easier to build your own in my opinion and I've done hundreds of each.


And to mention your own response, by the time you shoot the spine out of a carbon arrow, you've probably already bent or creased an aluminum of the same usage.

Paul L Mohr

I'll give you 4, 5 and 6, the rest is all crap and hype. And they don't mention anything about carbons being more dangerous to shoot. They are not indistructable and they are actually harder to tell when something is wrong. If you suspect you have damgaed one you should quit using it. I have used pretty messed up aluminums and had no trouble with them. They don't always shoot that well, but they won't explode and stick half an arrow through my hand either.

I will admit this is a pretty rare thing though.

Every time I have ruined an aluminum it would have did a carbon in as well. And the thicker aluminums are actually pretty tough. I shoot 2213's, if I shot something in a 16 series they would be more durable yet. The one advantage I have seen with carbons is if you glance them off something. Like if you miss and hit the side of the target. This will normally bend an aluminum but a carbon will be ok. Providing it doesn't glance off something hard. I can't tell you how many carbons I broke in half when I first started shooting and later playing at longer ranges.

And there is no freakin way carbons are easier to build. I can build and redo aluminums with a tubing cutter, gas range and a pair of pliers.

Paul

Rhody Hunter

I think most of it is pretty accurate

Cougar Mag

Best of both worlds............aluminum/carbon.

CoyoteHowler

I think it is close. I like them both and have shot both thought the years. I have watched as both types exited out the far side of deer and coyotes. I currently use Carbon. While I do not have data I feel I damage less arrows using carbon while I practice and shoot 3D. I worry less about someone else pulling my arrow using carbon. I feel more confident shooting them so ifthey were exactly the sameI would continue to shot what I felt most comfortable with.

A good warning I on one of the previous post, If you suspect a carbon arrow is cracked even a little stop using it. Sometimes you can twist the shaft slightly or tap on it and hear the crack but if you think it might be STOP and get another arrow.

Youngbuck41

It seems like they both have their pros and cons

trytan74

3. They can't bend...ever!
A carbon arrow can be flexed alot, but it cannot be permanently bent....


WRONG.. I will post a picture tomorrow of a Goldtip 5575 that is bent like a snake. I didn't do anything stupid with the arrow that I know of. I shot a turkey 3D low in the leg figured I hit the post/rod or whatever is inside there and I pulled the arrow out smoothly and at the next target I noticed it while drawing it back. I have taken it to 2 diffrent proshops that carry goldtips and both totally agree that the arrow is bent and doesn't have any cracks, splinters, and damage on the arrow besides being bent.


Trytan

JoshKeller

Gonna respectfully disagree with this one too. Ever laid a graphite (carbon) fishing rod against a wall for any legnth of time? they will set a bend. I left an arrow in my truck with the windows up a few days ago, and it was literally warped where the sun hit it. Granted, the temp inside the car was probably over 140 degrees, it can happen.

CoyoteHowler

I can see how heat might cause one to bend. I have a couple of old ones in the garage and it is hot here in Texas. Perhaps it is testing time.