? for those who use skinny (Axis/MFX) shafts...

[beachbowhunter]

I just set up a new bow (made by TGer Blue Monday) that is about 5 lbs lighter than my usual hunting rig  and it really likes the Axis shafts that I had hanging around.  With 250 grains up front they total about 535 or so (10.5 gr/lb).

Here's my specific question. I've always used "regular' diameter shafts (CarbonExpress) and have had great results. For those who've used both on game, do the skinny shafts do anything to increase/facilitate penetration? Guess I'm a little cautious in dropping weight (got a hog hunt coming up).

Thanks
Norbert

[Bowwild]

I have never had a set-up, narrow shaft, fat shaft, carbon, aluminum, various draw weights, broadhead types, etc. where penetration was an issue. Well-tuned arrow, efficient flight, proper shot placement, and sharp broadhead. The hard part was getting the shot.

Sorry I'm not much help to you.

[wildgame]

yes and no! if ive hit bone then yes the small dia arrow i think done a little better, but if no bone was hit then no ive seen no difference! me ,myself,and i would shoot either but i do shoot beman mfx because i like the 9.7gpi!

[awbowman]

I have no doubt a small diameter shaft at the same weight and stiffness will out penetrate a bigger shift.

Not saying you will not achieve enough penetration with a fatter arrow, just saying it will be better with the small shaft.

Having said that, I still shoot regular traditional shafts.

[ishoot4thrills]

I shoot Beman MFX Classics. I've killed whitetails with these arrows and the specs are below in my signature. I will never use any arrows other than Beman MFX Classics. On one whitetail I had a complete pass through on a broadside shot through both lungs. On another deer I had the arrow penetrate, from above, just beside the deer's spine about a foot from his rear and the arrow went in all the way to his heart and was sticking out of his chest a few inches.

Bowwild said it right about having a well-tuned setup with a sharp broadhead being the most important aspect. But I firmly believe that, with all else being equal, a small diameter shaft will penetrate an animal a tad bit better than a larger shaft because of the small shaft having less surface area to create more friction, even though it may be ever so slight of a difference. Not enough to warrant gettin' rid of your current arrows but I think enough to sway your decision if buying new arrows.

I have also killed whitetails using 2314 aluminum arrows and a higher poundage recurve with less than satisfactory results on more than one deer. Not scientifically conclusive results but still enough to sway me towards small diameter arrows.

This is just my opinion, with some experience thrown in.

[Jeff Mundy]

Physics says the smaller diameter will penetrate better. You can read the Ashby reports if you want get an idea on measurable difference in penetration between the different shaft diameters...

[Friend]

The MFX shafts finish chips far too much for my fancy. Some of my MFX shafts are continuously chipped ~4"s from BOP.

If a shaft is at least 5% smaller than the BH ferrule dia then you are good to go for shaft dia size.

[Slinging 24/7]

Have been shooting both Vapor Carbonwoods and Easton Full Metal Jackets and am still playing with tip weight but really like the Jackets. They are more expensive but have a bunch left over from my compound so am giving them a whirl.

[beachbowhunter]

I just picked up some FMJs in a good deal. I think those might be my elk arrows in the fall out of a heavier bow.

It would be interesting to hear from someone who has used both sizes out of the same bow(or similar set ups)to hear any firsthand differences.

[tradtusker]

Iv shot a few different arrows and have 3 arrows set up for my longbow
Beman MFX
Carbon Express Heritage
Gold tip Trads
 the latter two have a bigger diameter

i shot plenty of game with all 3 but my go to Arrow is the MFX, i just prefer the thinner diameter, i find them more durable have more confidence in them, and find they shoot nicer with heavy heads 250-300grs,  but in relation to whether they penetrate more or not i really dont think i can tell, there are to many varying factors.

As said above, a well tuned set-up, perfect arrow flight, good broadhead, shot placement etc are the important factors and will outweigh any small difference the thinner diameter may offer, however there is certainly no disadvantage to the thinner shaft and therefore if all of the above it good then why not shoot the thinner arrow.

Your set-up will be great for hogs.

[DeerSpotter]

I have been using Axis 500's And 400's And I find that the penetration is superior,You won't find a better arrow for penetration , But it will give you troubles for trying to put weight up front if you're trying to find inserts for them .I think three Rivers has some ,But your best option is to put 175 to 200 up front . The reason I have to do that is because I'm shooting lower poundage bows .

Been using them for about eight years

Pass through no problem,


Carl

[EL Mejor]

I SECOND WHAT BOW WILD SAID...

[beachbowhunter]

Thanks guys, it gives me more confidence in a lighter set up. I've never had any penetration problems from hogs to elk, but I've always hunted a heavier bow and arrow set up.

It is weird though, I've had several bows that just didnt like the skinny shafts for some reason. This one does, which is great.

[AKCrazyhorse]

Don't know what your particular specs are but my axis 500 with 4" feathers, a wrap, 100 grain insert and 300 grain heads weigh in right around 650 grains of narrow shafted, UEFOC, penetrating perfection.

[PV]

You've got plenty of juice to get the job done with any arrow diameter. Was using Axis shafts on a hog hunt a few weeks ago. 53# bow with 250gr grizzly up front. Weren't even slowing down on the way through.Last year I was shooting 47# with ICS's with the same results. Go get one of Rob's bows bloody (somebody should)    Good luck

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I shoot the axis shafts out of my Shrew.....awesome penetration.

That said, I get awesome penetration with any properly tuned arrow. I can't claim it's the shaft.

[CRS]

Nothing scientific about my observations, but since I started using Beman MFX's in my 60# and my son's 40# recurves.  We have had complete pass through on 8 deer.  My track record is not near as good with cane, woodies, or aluminums.  

So I believe the skinny shafts do offer a significant increase in penetration potential.

I prefer 10gr/lb arrow weight.

[SS Snuffer]

Shot thru my last 4 deer with this set-up.