Gold Tip vs Gold Tip XT

[Al Dean]

There are Gold Tip Tradtional shafts, less than .006 straightness and for about $16 more per dozen there are Gold Tip Traditional XT shafts, less than .003 straightness.  Are these shafts of equal strength and quality other than the straightness issue?  Is there a marked benefit to spending $16 to get the XTs?

[Doc Nock]

When GT first hit the market, their sales REp showed at a shoot.

We discussed this. He told me that 90% of the "runout" (difference in straightness) was on the ends.

He said if one was dilgent, bought the cheaper ones, cut half of what you want taken off a shaft from EACH end, and you loose much of the difference in straightness between the two for a lot less money.

I've done that for years!

If you need arrows longer than 29.5", the effect might be mooted a bit, but I share that ditty for what it's worth!

[cacciatore]

Doc,this is interesting!!

[Al Dean]

I shoot a 31" arrow so it may be that the extra bucks are worth it.

[awbowman]

Exactly what I have been told and works for me.  I see no difference from my compound shooting XT Pros and XT Hunters

[BRONZ]

I shoot the standard GT Trads.  No deer on my wall new the difference, but my wallet did say "thank you".    

[A.S.]

Doc Nock, I had a local pro shot owner tell me the same thing. Even if you cut one inch off the nock end, you are removing a good bit of the lack of straightness.

[bulldog18]

The GT traditionals are also heavier in grains per inch due to woodgrain finish.