GT Traditional Classic XT shafts

[ToxophilitePastor]

I have a Thunderstick MOAB, 60", 55lb @ 27”, My draw = 28”

I am interested in the GT Traditional Classic XT shafts with the ballistic collars. I have heard these need to cut a little differently than normal shaft length because of the half-out stainless steel inserts. Is this true?

Also, does the stainless steel insert with the ballistic collar really change the spine because of the extra weight up from. DO I need to go with a stiffer then normal arrow?

Which arrow spine and length would you recommend?

Thank you

[4 point]

From my experience with them you need a stiffer spine. I shoot 55#s at 31"s, I cut some 400s as short as I could and dropped to a 100 grain point and couldn't get them stiff enough. The insert adds around a half inch or so.

[ToxophilitePastor]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know what the stainless insert and the ballistic collar weigh?

[kstout]

The inserts are 75 grains. Collars are 10 grains.  I'm shooting 500's cut at 30 inches out of my BW PLAX, 47# @ 28".  Gives me 29 1/2 inches in back of the collar.  With 5" feather, and 145 grain points, total arrow weight is 560 grains.

[ToxophilitePastor]

Thanks! So, the insert sticks out 1/2" past the end of the arrow, then the collar goes over the insert and covers approx. 1/2" of the arrow shaft. That means the insert is approx. 1" long. Am I understanding this correctly?

[ToxophilitePastor]

Thinking this through then means...

- My arrows will have to be cut 1/2" longer than normal carbons because the collar comes back over the tip of the shaft 1/2". If shafts aren't longer, the collar may hit my hand or the bow shelf when I am at full draw. Am I seeing this right?

- Also, since I have to lengthen my shafts 1/2" because of the collar, and because the insert sticks out an additional 1/2", I would have to do spine calculations on a shaft that is actually 1" longer than my normal shafts. Right?

- Then, since the insert and the collar weigh 85 grains, quite a bit more than a normal insert, my longer shafts would even be weaker spine wise. Right.

- All this leads to I will probably have to move to a stiffer arrow shaft to begin with. Right?

Thanks in advance to those who really try to follow all that.

[chase perry]

Your last post is a very good summary of what will be going on with these.  They are very nice arrows that I think you will be pleased with.  The additional weight also makes for a much quieter shooting experience than the regular gold tip trads, for example.  I have these in 340-500 spines, and think that with your draw length you should go with the 340s.  I can get away with the 400s and 53@26", but a shorter draw, and thus shorter arrow, gives me that flexibility.  Hope this helps.    

Best regards, Chase

[M60gunner]

IMO you’re better off getting a test kit of three different spines. A test kit of points as well. I don’t see any mention about string material or how deep shelf is cut either. Even sting strand count can be a small factor. Then there can be form issues. Just a few reasons I suggest the test kits.

[ToxophilitePastor]

Thanks for the advice. I have quite a few carbon shafts already with various points. The Classic XTs seem to be a little different because of the extended insert, the ballistic collar, added length, and the added weight up front before you even add a point or a broadhead. I'm pretty sure I need to go with a stiffer shaft but I wanted some insight from some guys who had already used them.

Other insights would be greatly appreciated.

[kstout]

I think the inserts are 1 1/2 inches long. I don't have any loose ones to measure. They do have 1/2 inch past the end of the arrow shaft. The collar covers the 1/2 inch of insert, and 1/2 inch of the arrow shaft. The inserts are tapered from the shaft diameter to 5/16" so they are the same diameter as the point. They are tough, at the MBH rendezvous I hit a steel target with one, and the only damage was the nock popped out, and the tip was flattened out.

[HartHeart]

Has anyone mentioned how tough they are? Externally foot these with a piece of the correct sized aluminum arrow, and they are pretty near indestructible...love these shafts. Just a bit heavy for me...