elk hunting arrows?

txhunter58 · Jan 14, 2005

What do you recommend for elk hunting as far as arrows? Carbon, arrows, weight, spine, etc? I will probably be shooting a 70# Hoyt or Matthews. Was set on Hoyt, but I shot a switchback today, and man was it sweet! Unbelievable how smooth, quiet, fast that bow is! Practically no vibration.

Thanks!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

gilamonster55 · Jan 14, 2005

I can't tell you too much about weight. You didn't mention if your shooting with a release or not, it does make a difference. But I shoot Gold Tip 5575. I would recommend Gold Tip either 5575 or 7595. The 7595 is stiffer, but a stiffer arrow is always better, especially if your shooting with a release.

AxisBuck · Jan 15, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Jan-15-05 AT 08:08PM (MST)[p]The Gold Tips are a good shaft. I have been shooting them (55/75)for several years and have harvested four bulls w/ them.

For about the same money you can also shoot the new Easton Axis shafts. I just started shooting them and like them also. Either the 400 series(9 grains per inch) or the 340 series(9.5 grains per inch) will work for your set-up. I found that the 340 arrow is 20 grains heavier than my Gold Tip, but shoots the same speed. This means a little more kinetic energy, which is good. I have a short draw length 26.5" and shoot a 26.5" arrow w/ an 85 grain broadhead. Total arrow weight is around 380 grains.

I have been told that the Axis shafts don't have a tendency to split at the nock after hitting a solid object and the inserts stay in alot better also.

Hope this helps.

txhunter58 · Jan 15, 2005

Thanks guys. I will be using a release. I may try either Gold tips or Axis arrows, at least at first. My try the carbon/metal arrows too. Heard good things about them, but they are expensive (start at about $120/doz.)

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

roadkill_44 · Jan 16, 2005

I was shooting Goldtip arrows, and decided to try Easton carbon arrows which are about 10-20 dollars cheaper. From what i have noticed they do not break as easy, and there weight is only 1/10 gram off from the gold tip 7595, which is i believe 8.9gpi,and the easton is 8.8gpi. Good huntin.

BlackTimber · Jan 16, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Jan-16-05 AT 08:36PM (MST)[p]Just about any arrow will work. If you are going to shoot at 70# go with a 75/95 or 340 arrow. Of course I would shoot a little heavier head too. I like 125's but that is just me.

The aluminum/carbon wrap arrows do shoot extremlely well but for hunting? No, I wouldn't. You will only get one shot per arrow. Since they have metal in them they will bend and if they do you will never get them back to straight.

I have shot both the Axis and Goltip. I like the axis because it is just a little bit heavier and a little skinnier, but to tell you the truth I don't think the elk that I shot this year really could tell the difference...or cared. Point is they will both do the job, just pick one and go with it.

AxisBuck, I'm not trying to start an argument but it is impossible to have ab arrow that weighs 20 grains heavier than any given arrow and shoot the same speed out of the same bow. It just can't be done. There had to be another factor.

AxisBuck · Jan 16, 2005

There may be, I haven't shot through a chrono., yet. My pin gap hasn't change so assuming(yeah I know) close to same speed. I did have to retune my bow for the Axis shafts w/ Blazer vanes.
Could be the thinner diameter shafts and/or the smaller Blazer vanes?? The Axis is definitely more tip heavy than the Gold Tips w/ 4" Flex Fletch. I want to chrono. to have the proof either way.

No argument from me, I hope it doesn't sound like I am.

bowhuntnnut · Feb 3, 2005

I would suggest an arrow on the heavy side. The Axis or the Beman spin-offs with hit technology would be a good choice. The new Bemans with the camo are quite heavy. I would recommend a cut on contact head for elk if you're looking to change heads too. My .02

bowhuntinnut · Feb 3, 2005

Hey nice handle there bowhuntnnut did ya think of that all by yourself?

Hey there blacktimber,
It is possible to have an arrow that is heavier, fly faster, if the diameter is smaller on the heavier arrow it can fly faster. Take the old AFC's for example they were some of the heaviest arrow's around when they were popular and they flew much faster than alot of other carbons. That is part of the design of the new Axis arrows heavier walls for more grains per inch but a smaller diameter for better speed.

BlackTimber · Feb 5, 2005

Don't mean to be a skeptic but, I would have to see it to believe it.

txhunter58 · Feb 5, 2005

Well, put my money down on a switchback yesterday. They were having a sale on Gold tips too. Picked up a dozen 7595's for $60. From what I have heard, seems like a good deal. Will let you know how they turn out. Can't wait to set up my bow and shoot!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Boskee · Feb 5, 2005

txhunter 58, Good luck with the new Mathews you should enjoy it! The Gold tips are a good arrow as well. It appears you went for one of the prom queen nominees! Enjoy!!

fin little · Feb 5, 2005

txhunter58, just bought a Mathews Ovation off Ebay. Very slightly used. Still waiting on shipment. I went with the Goldtip 7595 , got them for 50bucks a doz. Im new to carbon arrows but they seem like quality. Ive got 10 bonus points for Az elk and I'm getting ready starting now.Unit 9 archery elk is in my future!

txhunter58 · Feb 6, 2005

Fin little: Which goldtips did you get? The place I bought from had the expedition hunters for $50 (0.006 straightness) and the XT hunters for $60 (0.003 straightness). I went with the straighter arrows. If you got XT's for $50, you did get a good deal. I bought them local, so didn't have to pay shipping.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

hornaddiction · Feb 6, 2005

David,
I shoot the XT hunter 7595's and they work great for me! I think you will be pleased!

Horn
www.trophiesonthewall.com

fin little · Feb 6, 2005

Txhunter, I bought the black XT's online from Archery Experts . They cut , fletch and installed the inserts. I did have to pay the shipping but no taxes. If I was 100% sure thier what I'll end up shooting I'd grab another doz, but I'm not sure. Enjoy your new Mathews.

fin little · Feb 6, 2005

Tx I just checked my invoice. I paid 65 bucks. I got to get glasses. Sorry bout that.

txhunter58 · Feb 6, 2005

Still a good deal!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

AxisBuck · Mar 13, 2005

BlackTimber,

Okay I chronographed both arrows. These are the results: 26.5", Easton Axis 340 w/ 2" Blazer vanes and 85gr field point=280fps. 26.5", Gold Tip 55/75 w/ 4" Flex Fletch and 85gr. field tip=288fps. The Gold Tip is 20gr. lighter than the Axis, which shows in the fps., but kintetic energy is basically the same, 66.17(Axis) to 66.32(Gold Tips). Like I said before my pin gap hasn't changed out to 60 yds., so I am going to use the heavier Axis shafts for more down range energy.

You were right that the GT's are faster, but the Axis carries the same trajectory for a 20gr. heavier arrow.

Do not want to cause any arguments, just satisfying my own curiosity.

Hope someone will find this info. helpful.

AB