Easton axis users..

[RedShaft]

Those of you who use the Easton axis, do you ever have trouble with them cracking or mushrooming at the ends?
Do you like the HIT?
Have you found them durable with out footing them?
 I shoot bag targets and I don’t mind footing some for hunting. But I’m not interested in fighting the footing getting caught in my bag target all the time while pulling arrows.

I will be using a 400 spine.
Also have you guys ever used the tool that is sold by another company that is used to install the inserts? I belive they are stainless steel. I would like to be able to use hot melt. But idk if that’s possible or not.
Thanks!

[1/4 away]

I’m shooting Easton Axis traditionals. I’m also not a fan of the hit inserts , instead I opted for the Ethics Archery inserts pictured. Never had a problem with the arrow mushrooming or pulling them out of my target.

[Ray Lyon]

I have used Easton axis for years. I do not foot them and I do not have any problems with fractured ends. I use the hot melt glue in the round cylinder that can be purchased from custom King archery or big Jim’s. I use the little green insert tool to install hot melted insert.  I have no problem getting a dozen inserts out of one tool.  I only put hot melt on the end going in first so that there’s not a lot of excess making it to the front end.  If any hot melt ends up on your green tool just pick it off with your fingernails before starting the next one.  I’ve never had any issues with inserts pulling out using hot melt.  Don’t overheat inserts before putting in and lay your shafts flat until they’ve cooled

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I've mushroomed a couple on Osage stumps that I thought were rotten, but most definitely were not... 

I've also had several shots like that were the arrow survived. Keep in mind this is out of a 61 lb recurve at my 32" draw. Lots of energy in the system.

[RedShaft]

Thanks guys. I was using gold tip. I just seen some in the shop and really liked the thick wall on them.
I did some reading and came across so threads of guys not liking the inserts and splitting and mushroom ends. But idk how good those guys build arrows. I am very meticulous in arrow building.

[M60gunner]

I footed mine just because I live/lived where rocks make up the better part of the landscaping. I bevel the back end of the foot to help removing from targets. I made a low shot on a 3D onetime that hit the rebar holding up the critter. The hit bent the field point over, cracked the footing, but did not hurt the shaft or brass insert. Took me 5 minutes to fix.
 I use the little green tool with no issues but I use golf shaft epoxy to glue in inserts. As for target faces, those bag targets seem to be made from the same material as a brand of target faces the range I shoot at uses. We hate them period, no matter what we do to smooth the ends of our shafts they are hard to pull out. Even if it’s just the insert from a regular carbon arrow. We liked the old burlap faces the best.

[Orion]

My experience is pretty much like Ray's and Trumpkin's.  I use hot melt as well.  I don't foot them and find the HIT insert easy to install and remove, and have never had them move or come loose.  Have mushroomed a few shafts, and even bent a few inserts, but that's on things like concrete walls, steel plates, rocks, etc.  Never a problem on game and lesser materials. 

[tzolk]

You guys who use hotmelt for those HIT inserts, I need to watch you do it. I've tried but the glue cooled too quick to get that insert shoved in. I have had issues with the ends splitting a little however they are older and may have been used for shooting stumps. Like 1/4 away above, but different, these Aeroserts are from Firenock. 55 grains and stainless. You can get this chamfering tool from them and it will add a reverse taper to the end of the shaft so that they mate to the reverse taper inside the end of the Aeroserts. Makes sure that the ends don't split, awesome design!
The beef I do have with Easton's is it seems the fake wood veneer on the trad is a lot more brittle than they use to be. I never had this much chipping before when grouping arrows together. Most of mine are like this now( see pic).

[ozy clint]

Tough as nails when I foot them. I use 2.5" of 2020 alloy on black 400 shafts.

Can't remember the last time I broke one.

[flntknp17]

Just my $0.02, I have been shooting the Axis arrow literally since they came out and have NEVER had any sort of issue of any kind with them.  Simply the toughest and most trouble free arrow I have ever used.  I have probably had at least 15 dozen of them over the years of various series and colors and spines for different bows.  Now trouble with any of them.  All used the original HIT inserts that come with the arrows.  The only change I make is to use my own glue to put the inserts in with rather than the Easton epoxy that comes with them since I am impatient that the Easton epoxy takes a full day to cure.  Excellent shafts.

Matt

[Wheels2]

These work well in the Easton 5mm shafts.
https://www.lancasterarchery.com/gold-tip-204-accu-tough-insert.html

[jonsimoneau]

I’ve been using axis shafts pretty much right after they came out. Never had an issue with them and haven’t found a reason to change shafts.

[flntknp17]

You guys who use hotmelt for those HIT inserts, I need to watch you do it. I've tried but the glue cooled too quick to get that insert shoved in.

I heat the glue, then apply a bit to the inside of the end of the shaft, then I use my torch to heat up the metal insert itself and then use the Easton tool to push the warm insert into the shaft.  The key is to warm up the insert so the glue doesn't solidify so quickly.  It is important to remember that you want the insert to me warm enough to melt/remelt the glue, but NOT so warm that it damages the resin holding the carbon fibers of the shaft together.  A few seconds in the torch flame is all it takes.  The big advantage is that you can then shoot the shafts immediately and you can easily remove a damaged insert without hurting the shaft.

Matt

[RedShaft]

Wanted to let you guys know that iron will makes a tool for the HITS, out of stainless steel.
Good luck.

[lt-m-grow]

Add me to the list of long time user and see no need to change.

I use the brass HIT inserts w/Big Jim's hot melt glue.  What I do (and something I saw a pro do many many years ago with all inserts) is place the smallest amount of the insert as possible into the shaft.  Heat the insert with a torch for - seconds- wipe the insert on the glue stick.  Insert with tool.  Done.


Love 'em

[Tomas Stieber]

Love the shaft hate the Hit insert. Hot glue does sound like it would solve one problem I have with the insert pulling out when I remove the insert tool. I just wish they would make a standard insert for it . But now I shoot Beman Centershots also a good arrow.

[Alexander Traditional]

I had the problem tzolk was having with the finish. Mine aren't axis though,I think they are Beaman. They have that type of insert though. I got these off the classifieds and although they are really easy to tune I wouldn't buy them brand new. I really don't know if the ease of tuning is anything to do with this type of insert or not?

[Pauljr77]

I’ve used them for years and love them, I foot them with 1” of aluminum shaft and use 75grain brass inserts. I’ve never had an issue, until Saturday morning, shot my practice arrow from the tree, I don’t know what I hit but the aluminum shaft and the carbon shaft were cracked the entire 1” of collar length. However, that’s the first time ever and I stump shoot a lot. I’ll stay with them.

[hawkeye n pa]

Not a fan of the HIT insert and agree footing makes arrows harder to pull out.  I went to Beman shafts because of this.  Like the after market insert idea and will try them.

[tzolk]

Here is that Firenock Aero Insert. Makes the Axis pretty darn tough considering the reverse taper fit that prevents the end from mushrooming.