I’m looking at building my own arrows this year. I have everything bought but I can’t decide on a shaft to buy. I don’t want to spend a fortune any suggestions?
Many shaft models are offered in multiple straightness tolerances (usually ±.001", ±.003" and ±.006"), and price goes up as straightness improves. Straighter is no doubt better, but many archers (I include myself in this category) can't shoot well enough to notice a difference. Spinning the full length shafts and trimming off the end that wobbles more (or just cutting equal amounts from both ends) can help improve the straightness of the finished arrow.
Price also generally increases as diameter decreases. I prefer standard diameter (.244-.246") because they tend to be less expensive and have the widest variety of compatible components.
Black Eagle Outlaws and Gold Tip Hunters would be my top choices on the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
I had a friend build me a dozen RIP TKO’s with 100gr front weight added (30.25” 250 spine) for 515gr weight with a 100gr head and 15% FOC. They’re shooting perfect and I’m expecting great things at the 286fps speed I’m getting. I got a deal on the shafts, otherwise probably would have went with a more economical choice though.
I love my Goldtip Pierce Kinetic. I didn't even get the platinum and they shoot great. I'm running 50gr IW insert w/ 10gr IW collar and 125gr IW wide series. I tried some of the black eagle shafts and liked the deep impacts and even the outlaws were great but after I bought some ximpacts and two of them shattered at the tip on the very first shot and they didn't even respond to my email, I looked elsewhere. To many good arrows out there to deal with a company that won't stand behind the product. I'm not sure what the budget is but I've definitely shot some .006 arrows that seemed pretty dead on and like I said I now shoot the .003's just to save a few $'s and I'm not sure what the added benefit is for going to .001 unless your shooting tournaments.
Cabela's has a sale going on right now. I bought some Carbon Express D Stroyer MX Hunter arrows. $70 for six arrows. 8.9gpi. They're fletched with 2 inch veins.
I haven't used them yet. I bought them to do my first arrow build so I don't have any other input on them.
I was shooting axis', but in a 300 spine they're heavy. Bought 11 airstrikes used, and they were okay, but the inserts weren't installed correctly All shot okay, but upsets my OCD. Just bought a dozen RIP TKO V3's(.003 straightness) in a 300 spine. They're supposed to be extremely durable which is why I went with them, that and they're a light shaft at 8.8 GPI. I got the shafts for 140 out the door, and the shop owner even bought the inserts as I said I'll be using iron will inserts. So itll be iron will 50 gr stainless HITs, iron will titanium impact collars, QAD Exodus heads and firenocks. I'm unsure what I'll do for vanes yet.
I've built and used a lot of shafts. I am set on the Gold Tip Hunter Pros.
I refuse to work with extended outserts and collars bending and having various degrees of fitting. I have ZERO regrets going back to the larger shaft from shooting smaller/micro shafts for the last 12ish years.