Need a little direction

[Charlie Lamb]

Ok guys as many of you know I've been at this for a while. I've shot a forest of wooden arrows of several different flavors and I know what to pick when it comes to aluminum. Now that I've come to an age that I have dropped bow weight I want maximize penetration potential. Frankly I don't know where to start.

I've done internet searches and looked through the resources here on Trad Gang and have come up empty on ideas. Somebody please  point me toward a carbon arrow how to.
 

[Orion]

It's not as difficult as you may think, Charlie.  Though most of us have our favorites, most carbon shafting and components are quite well made nowadays.  To reduce confusion, just pick one brand and stick with it to learn it.  I've settled on Easton Axis shafts. I like the skinnier diameter, and they can be fitted with 50-75 and 100 grain inserts.  Likewise, they'll take broadhead adaptors ranging from 20 to 125 grains.  Add to that the plethora of broadhead weights and you can construct an arrow of just about any weight.  Of course, inserts and adaptors are available in similar weights for almost all carbon arrows brands.   

For mid-weight bows, say 45-50#, regardless of brand, I think a 500 spine shaft would work well for you, particularly given your somewhat long draw length (around 29 inches or more if I remember). Left full length, or an inch longer than your draw length, with about 200 grains up front in combination of insert, adaptor and point, and they should shoot well for you. This will give you an arrow in the 500 grain range, give or take a little.

Just have to jump in and get your feet wet.  If you have anyone nearby who shoots about the same weight equipment at the same draw length as you, try some of their shafts.  If they work, you can put together similar components for yourself. 

Good luck. 

[ed lash]

Agree with above. I’ve used Gold Tip since the 90s. I still favor them, particularly the “Traditional “ ones. The weights are nice IMO too. They are very durable. Usually get mine through Black Widow or 3RIVERS. I also believe they are harder to tune PERFECTLY compared to aluminum, but it’s not bad. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[M60gunner]

IMO opinion small diameter shafts and penetration go hand in hand. The Easton Axis has been my choice as well. Some guys don’t like the way the inserts go into the shaft but it’s really no big deal. I am not a switchy changey guy so inserts are epoxied in.
  A word of caution, there seems to be no standard between shaft manufacturers so a 500 spine shaft that is 35-55# may be say #30#-50# from someone else. Been there, done that.

[katman]

Recommend start with a full length 500 spine shaft. Using OL's tuning method of bare shaft planning pick your desired point weight and shorten shaft a little at a time until fletched and bare shaft hit together. Choosing a shaft with the right gpi will let you make your desired weight easier.
I agree with Orion also. Here is ol's tuning.

https://www.fenderarchery.com/blogs/archery-info/basic-tuning

[Matt Fowler]

I have been tossin this around also. How long are full length carbons?

[Orion]

Raw shaft length varies between manufacturers and even within a particular manufacturer's offerings depending on spine.  Most fall into 30 1/2 to 32 inch lengths. 

[Trenton G.]

I shoot the Goldtip Traditionals and really like them. I would suggest buying a test kit from somewhere like 3 rivers. They'll send you a couple different spines. Then get a test kit of different field point weights as well for tuning. Then you're pretty much set to go. It also helps of you're able to cut your own shafts as well for fine tuning.

[MnFn]

First off, I feel a little sheepish offering any advice to Charlie Lamb, but I have shot carbons (but Carbon Express, and I don’t know if they are still available.  Mostly used 150s with a couple hundred grains up front- 100 grain insert and 150 or so grain heads) out of +- 50 lb bows.

Mostly I’ve shot wood arrows lately, but a couple of weeks ago I shot an aluminum 1916 and frankly was very impressed how it shot and the penetration I got out of my 49# Tall Tines Stickflinger.  I am thinking hard about ordering 2016 just because I need more length than the 28” arrow I tried.

I know two really experienced trad hunters who were not satisfied with the flight of carbons and stayed with aluminum. I know a lot of guys love carbons, but there you go.

[mec lineman]

Charlie, a 500 spine easton axis with brass inserts are what I been shooting.  Gold tip also has a 9/32 shaft available.  I really like the gold tip outserts.  They ate stainless. Those shafts are very heavy gpi. The axis I think are 8.9 gpi.

[Terry Green]

C'mom Charlie,.... give us the draw length, poundage, and arrow length you prefer   
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[Charlie Lamb]

T... 49#@28, 29" draw ,  29 1/2 arrow length

[Orion]

 Thanks.  What i said above.   

[the rifleman]

PM sent.