Easton 5.0 vs Victory HLR (Results)

[JPeters218]

So I finally got to compare my 5.0’s to the HLR’s. So this isn’t quite an apples to apples comparison as my 5.0’s were .003, and my HLR’s are .001. But here it is

The 5.0’s if I recall correctly had some wobble while spinning them on 5/12 arrows. 4 of which were in the tail. We got a bareshaft shooting well, fletched them up and shooting bullet holes. To my eyes inside at 20yd, they never flew very well. And for some reason they just didn’t feel as forgiving as my Rip XV’s. Which just seemed like they always ended up in the right spot.

Now today we got my HLR’s made up, to within 1 gr of my 5.0’s. First, all 12/12 HLR’s spun beautifully. After we got them fletched identically to my 5.0’s, I shot them side by side. The HLR’s flew like darts. I even had my tech come out and watch too and he agreed that the HLR’s were drastically better.

Being that it’s winter in MN I haven’t gotten to compare them outdoors at longer range yet. Once I do, I will update this.

FWIW total arrow weight is 449 grains on them, 4” wraps and DCA Mini sabers with a 2.5 deg left offset. 300 spine, 29” and 70lb at 287 fps

 

[Bump79]

It's always seemed to me that Victory was straighter than advertised and Easton was a little worse. I've personally never noticed the difference though, I spin and cut the wobble out as best as I can. I just can't tell to be honest.

 

[tchandler]

That’s good to hear! I have loved my RIP TKOs for several seasons but I’m really looking forward to trying the HLRs this year!

 

[Shooter Mike]

I think there's something to be said about the 1.5k carbon weave. Couple the quicker recovery with a single bevel broadhead, and it should be a great match for a hunting arrow.

 

[CowboyD]

You're right, no apples to apples comparison. Should compare to Easton 5.0 match grade.

 

[JPeters218]

You're right, no apples to apples comparison. Should compare to Easton 5.0 match grade.

I agree. Still a bit disappointed in what I saw from the 5.0’s. My .003 rip XV’s were much better than the 5.0’s both in straightness and arrow flight

 

[S.Clancy]

It could be the dynamic spine as well. At least with my bow, Easton arrows are always a little weaker than a chart or calculator would indicate.

 

[LFC911]

@JPeters218 did you use the HIT inserts in the 5.0's or the standard inserts that came with the shafts?

 

[fatbacks]

I’ve got a dozen 5.0’s in 340 spine for my Lift shooting 61 lbs. Also have a dozen HLRs in 250 spine for my RX7 Ultra pulling 74 lbs. Both shoot phenomenal.

Out of the box, a few HLRs wobbled on the field point end before cutting them down. All spin great after being cut to 28.5”. Arrow flight is great so far.

All the 5.0s spun great out of the box and shoot great. These will be some of the lightest arrows I’ve shot with the total arrow weight coming in at about 410 grains. I’m still getting 284 fps only pulling 61 lbs. Should be a good combo.

Hope to put one of these setups to use hunting axis deer next month. Seem to shoot my RX7 a lot better than my Lift, so will likely be able to report back on the HLR in the field.


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[JPeters218]

@JPeters218 did you use the HIT inserts in the 5.0's or the standard inserts that came with the shafts?

Standard 50g steel half outs.

 

[Shooter Mike]

Seems like almost daily now, there’s a new video of someone showing their busted up 5.0’s. Watching a guy now showing broken arrows from shooting in a hay bale.


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[3forks]

Speed, durability, or weight… pick any two.

I have been shooting the 5.0 match grades and HLRs in a 250 spine since they became available.

Neither the 5.0 or HLR shafts are as durable as an Axis or Rip TKO.

If you need a lighter GPI shaft because you have a short draw length or pull less draw weight, the 5.0s or HLRs are something worth considering. However, the lighter GPI comes at the cost of durability, and you should expect to break more shafts if shooting either.

I personally have broken several shafts that I don’t think would have broken if they were Axis or RIPs. Also, HIT inserts are better than the half outs on the Victories and I broke more HLR shafts using the half outs than I have using HIT inserts on the Eastons. For many years I shot the Victory steel 50 grain half outs that are longer than the short half outs that ship with HLRs. I rarely broke a shaft on a bad shot, and would usually just bend the half out. The HLRs I have broken have all broken right at the end of the half out on the shaft and I think they’re just too short to offer much protection (which is why Victory came out with the longer half outs).

I personally wouldn’t use the 5.0s or HLRs for hunting. Again, if you need the lighter GPI, both shafts are very straight and fly well (no discernible change in point of impact from either shaft out to 110 yards or so). But, I get the same great flight with both Axis and TKOs without the durability issue and will use the heavier shafts in the future.