comparison Trad Only vs. MFX

[Catskill Longbow]

I'm  planning to order some carbons.  I have a Traditional Only test kit and have found the 400's to shoot the best.  I would like to try the Beman MFX Classics, but don't want to buy another test kit.  I see that the TO 400's are 9.1 gpi, the Beman 500's are 9.7 gpi, and the Beman 400's are 10.4.  Does this mean the 500's would be more likely to shoot close to the Trad Only 400's?  Anyone have experience with both brands?

I am shooting 50# @ 28" and cut arrows at 30".  I am using 100 grain inserts and 175 grain Woodsmans out front.  My scale is broken but if I am doing the math right that means 548 grain total wt. (with the Trad Only).

[beachbowhunter]

I have noticed that the MFX shafts perform stiffer than their marked spine. I think it is because of the depth and length of the HIT inserts. I shoot 500s out of bows that shoot .389 spine Carbon Express shafts normally. At 50lbs I would try the 500s.

[Moon]

It's true that the mfx are a stiffer shaft, but I draw 50@29" on on 60" Palmer and the 400's shoot great for me.  I tried the 500's and they were too weak for my set up.  Btw, I shoot 3-under if that makes a difference and use 175 grain tips, 7.5" brace height and 5/8" n.s.

You may want to experiment with different brace heights until you hit the sweet spot with your particular bow & arrow set-up.

Good luck

[Catskill Longbow]

Moon-my set up is exactly the same as yours except for the 29" draw. What length are your shafts?

[Slasher]

I don't have a spine tester... But I think the mfx are accurate on spine... just that they are nearer to centerline of the bow due to their smaller diameter and act stiffer...

[olddogrib]

Slasher makes a valid point about the MFX smaller diameter making the arrow closer to centerline of the riser, but I would think this would require less paradox to clear and make a given spine act weaker.  At any rate, I'd try before I'd buy. Shot MFX for years and liked 'em alot.  Now shoot TO's(because I'm cheap)and like them too.  Be aware that there will be a difference in the throat diameter of the MFX nocks (Easton X,I think) and the TO, which is basically a Bohning Signature.  So much so that I had to re-serve(I'm also picky).  You can now get 100, 125, and 145 gr points in 9/32nds inch(Axis sized)for the skinny MFX.  I think if you stay with 175 gr. that 5/16ths (TO sized)is as small as you'll find and you'll build up those back muscles pulling them out of 3D targets on an MFX shaft.  Chucking them in a drill a tapering the back edge with a file will help a little.  Good luck with whatever you choose!

[JamesKerr]

I would stick with the traditional only shafts. The Bemans are great shafts I am just not wild about the HIT insert. I shoot a 55# Tomahawk bow with a 340 spine trad only with 100 grain brass inserts and 175 grain VPA terminators and they fly great and kill game just fine.

[Catskill Longbow]

I am thinking I might just stick with the T.O. 400's. I know what they will do.  I don't like the thought of spending big money on MFX and maybe not choosing the right spine for my setup. I don't want to spend $32 on another test kit, on top of the $145 for the arrows.

[atatarpm]

I shoot the 300 Trad Only and the 300 ICS Beman Hunter with 250 gr. Up front and both those shafts preform the same for me.

[SS Snuffer]

MFX are the best I've ever shot. The hit insert is great, if you foot them with alum. you can shoot them into concreat with no problems!

[WESTBROOK]

Check out Big Jim's prices for the MFX, about the same as Trad Only.

Eric

[Paul Shirek]

I have both in the 400 size. They fly about the same and are both great shafts. The Bemans are more durable by a margin in my experience.

[BigJim]

I love the look of the MFX and the strength and durability. Unfortunately they don't make a shaft stiff enough or I would shoot them also.

I have found an atribute or two in all the shafts that I cary or I wouldn't cary them. These are no exception.

thanks,bigjim

[Catskill Longbow]

I decided to save a few bucks and went with the TO's. Got them yesterday and set them up tonight. Cut to 30", 100 gn. brass insert, 175 gn. field tip.

Went downstairs and shot.  WOW! best groups I have shot with the new 59'er. I am still going to have Snag whip up a dozen of his surewoods spined to my bow, but at this point I'm VERY happy with my setup.  Sorry, was too tired to take the camera down and shoot and post pics.

[Friend]

Your set-up should weigh ~570 grains.

Glad you got them flying true.

[Catskill Longbow]

Friend, my scale is out getting repaired so I can't weigh these. I came up with 9.1 gpi x 30" = 273.... + 100 for insert + 175 field point = 548. What am I forgetting to add (fletching)?

[Friend]

Just utilize Stu's calc.

I am most always w/i a few grains and usually closer.

FOC manual calcs are usually w/i a tenth of Stu's calculated percentage.

[Catskill Longbow]

Friend, got my scale back today-579 gn. good call.