I suppose the pro is they're skinnier. Maybe a bit more consistent in spine and straightness. Some suggest that the hidden insert system isn't as strong as the type of insert that has a lip on the end. I dunno. I do not foot them. They're plenty strong as is for my use. Yeah, I might mushroom the end on one now and again on a dead on impact on a rock, but have never had trouble with them in game. I rather like the older black version. They're a little lighter than the traditional, enabling me to put a little more of the total arrow weight up front. All-in-all, a very good shaft. It's the only carbon I use.