Toughest skinny and reg carbons

[TexasStick81]

Need some advice.  I'm torn between what type of carbon to go with.  I like the skinny carbons (i.e., axis or mfx) for penetration but I have also heard the tapered design provides a more efficient use of engergy thus increasing penetration so the "regular" carbons are appealing as well (AD trads or Griz Stik Alaskans).  I hunt a lot of hogs so I want the toughest arrow I can find as well.  I'd appreciate opinions on the toughness and penetration of axis, mfx, AD trads, Griz stik alaskans, CX heritage, or others not included.

[L82HUNT]

I tried Grizzly Stik, CX heritage, goldtips, and axis.  I personaly think the Axis is the best shaft.  I use the .340 with the brass insert and a 2016 to foot.  Very tough arrow, only one I have broken was when I buried one to the fletch on a big sow and she rolled on it.

[hunt it]

I have both the MFX and the new Axis nano fused shafts. The axis is the strongest of the two by far. When it comes to tough then you won't beat the grizzly sticks. I have 2 doz Alaskans and they are one tough shaft. Looking for cheaper arrow then the GT Traditionals are unbeatable for the $$.

[vermonster13]

I have started footing my Axis also and haven't broken one since. I use the brass inserts too. The new Grizzly Stiks have been rather inconsistent in spine for me. I have 4 dozen that I am sorting through to get matched arrows, they are seriously tough though.

[wihill]

Footed MFX's or Axis arrows are an incredible strong combination.  I've got a set of these for deer/big things wandering the woods.

But to be completely fair, most carbons that are footed are rediculously strong.  

For a non footed carbon, the CX Rebel series has a place in my heart, nearly the weight of the CX Heritage, and cost less.  I've got a bunch of them also...

I'm pretty much sold on carbons now.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I have tried every arrow you mentioned (as well as some not mentioned) in the past couple of months. I have used footings from aluminum arrows, i have made collars for the nock end since so many arrows seam to crack there from hard hits. I beat them, shot rocks, trees, steel plate... though the Grizzly sticks are nice too, I'm going with the AD Hammerheads. Nothing is indestructible, but they sure come close.

[TexasStick81]

Thanks for all the feedback.  If footing is the way to go then I'm going to have to do some research.  How much do you feel that the collars improve the durability?  Any thoughts on the relative gain or loss of penetration based on the skinny versus regular?

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

I've been shooting Beman ICS shafts for years and never had the need to foot them.

[L82HUNT]

Originally posted by Texasrecurve81:
 How much do you feel that the collars improve the durability?  Any thoughts on the relative gain or loss of penetration based on the skinny versus regular?

1.  Chances are shooting deer you wont break a carbon, unless you dont get a pass thru and stays in them.  I change my mind once you get to big game and bone.  Where a footing or collar may make a difference.


2. I doubt on muscle hits with a larger dia. carbon like a CX it will matter to much, had way to many pass thrus with 2117 and 2219    .  But hey you never know.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Sorry, I didn't specify. Hammerheads need no footing. Actually none of them do. Most how ever need a collar of some kind on the nock end to prevent cracks on hard hits.

[TexasStick81]

L82hunt, I'm really not that concerned with the deer but rather the hogs that I get to hunt year round.  I have found that when I'm worried about bone hits I shy away from the front shoulder area, and as you know you have to go low and forward or you may never find them.  I shot a huge boar this past year at 12 yards and just didn't get good penetration, didn't clear the other side of him so no blood trail at all and lost him.  I was using heavy lam birch arrows but with a huge diameter and I don't think my grizzlys were sharp enough.  Ever since I've been obsessed with the most efficient arrow I can find.

[Bowhuntah]

The St. Epic with a few inches of 2117 footing seems to be a great flying hard hitting tough as nails arrow.

[Ironman43]

Easton Axis Full Metal Jacket.Very tough arrow,great penetration.

[COOCH]

I second the Full Metal Jacket.They just seem to blow thru critters and keep on going.I also put an internal footing in them.They are downright devastating on heavy bone.(yes I sometimes pull a shot   )