GoldTip Hunter Series - Would I notice the difference? Also, couple novice questions.

[philcox]

Current setup: GT Hunter with 3 fletch 2" Blazers (but they seem more like 1.5", they look pretty short), and 29" length. Hunting is my only goal, not a league or anything else. I would like to be comfortable with a sub 100yd shot, but reality is prob 50-70, and want the equipment to enable that. I shoot a Hoyt PowerMax @ 70#, with a 27" draw.

I just have to ask: Will someone like me really see a difference with a .001, .003. or .006? I would consider myself an average shot. I can usually make the 1"/10 yards. Seems that my "pin float" is more of an issue with target placement than the arrow. I need to get another DZ arrows. I am trying to determine if spending the extra $ will make any real difference. I'd like to get some insight before I drop the cash.

So my First Q: Will an average hunter see an accuracy improvement by going with a tighter tolerance arrow? (I have also heard the getting the XT and cutting from both ends effectively gives you a Pro, not sure how accurate that is)

Second Q: Thinking of going to a 3" vane as well for a bit more stability at the distances? Would like thoughts on that.

Third Q: Thinking of 4 fletch vice 3 for stability also

I know lots of folks will say "it depends", and I get it, but I need to start somewhere. I like to "tinker" so will likely build my own arrows, hence trying to map it all out first.


Thanks,

 

[Planopurist]

I’d at least go with the XTs. Build the best 6-9 arrows you can mixing 2-3 per vane configuration. See how they group. (Re)build the full dozen like that.


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[87TT]

For average target practice, I have used the XT and they weren't too much different. Square them good. That said, they sometimes don't spin like the Pros and with broadheads, I have noticed a little difference. I could be just looking for something not there but if I have a flier, it's usually the XT.

 

[GregB]

I’d at least go with the XTs. Build the best 6-9 arrows you can mixing 2-3 per vane configuration. See how they group. (Re)build the full dozen like that.


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I would go this route. This year I am going to get a dozen .003 for practice, shooting grouse etc. And a dozen .001 for hunting, the ones that don't make the cut will go in the .003 pile. I also like to use arrow wraps, it makes it a lot easier to remove and re-fletch arrows. I don't know that .003 vs .001 will improve accuracy but a straight spinning arrow does improve efficiency in broadhead penetration.

 

[cnelk]

What’s your brace height?

I would go with the XTs with the longest fletching you can get away with.

That is if you truly want a good arrow with stability

Good luck.

 

[Topo_trekker]

If you spin test yourself and cut both ends or which ever side has wobble you could end up with a very straight arrow, especially with your shorter draw length, shouldn’t be a problem.



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[N2TRKYS]

I shoot the Hunters and the 2" Blazer 3 vanes. The only difference I noticed was the cost savings. I didn't see any performance difference.

I didn't fool with cutting the arrows on both ends either. That, also, didn't seem to matter.

Don't over think it. Build what you like and go kill stuff. That's what I've been doing.

 

[Planopurist]

I’d at least go with the XTs. Build the best 6-9 arrows you can mixing 2-3 per vane configuration. See how they group. (Re)build the full dozen like that.
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I should add that I went from XTs to Pros and would not go back.


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[87TT]

I should add that I went from XTs to Pros and would not go back.


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Same here. Thought I would go a little cheaper for practice but I found too many that were not as straight.

 

[philcox]

If you spin test yourself and cut both ends or which ever side has wobble you could end up with a very straight arrow, especially with your shorter draw length, shouldn’t be a problem.



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How does one do a "spin test"? What tool(s) do I need?

Phil

 

[Topo_trekker]

Pine ridge arrow inspector.

Watch this video.

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[philcox]

Pine ridge arrow inspector.

Watch this video.

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That was very informative! Thanks.

 

[ArcherStickland]

I usually get 003 or less if i can find them for a good price. 006 is too much error and 001 are overkill. I would stick with blazers for that distance, anything bigger will drag. Trial and error is key.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

Our Family shoots,.. XT Hunters, cut on both ends, squared, SPIN Tested, 12-15% FOC with Fact inserts installed, then, we Nock Index, shoot / adjust, ALL arrows ! We use Medium weight arrows of, 435-460 grains for the 50 to 65 pound Bows and 505 grains for sons 70 Pound Bow ( Elk Arrows) About ONE, out of every 2 Dozen, goes in the Trash if, spins poorly or, you can send them back for, exchange ! We use 3" Max Stealth, 3" V-Max and 2.88" Swift, vanes,.. 3 fletched, with an Ariz Mini Jig or, Ariz EZ fletch ( depending on, Arrow "SPEED" ) Our Broad Heads "fly", GREAT and they are "tough" re-useable, Arrows. My son put 2 XT Hunters, thru a Shiras Moose and was able to re-use both arrows, again ! You can learn about, "Nock Indexing" at, Ranch Fairy's site on, YouTube ! Good luck !

 

[Planopurist]

Our Family shoots,.. XT Hunters, cut on both ends, squared, SPIN Tested, 12-15% FOC with Fact inserts installed, then, we Nock Index, shoot / adjust, ALL arrows !

This is a very good process. I weigh and order components the way Gillingham does in the video. I also square my inserts after they’re installed as well.


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[dkime]

So my First Q: Will an average hunter see an accuracy improvement by going with a tighter tolerance arrow? (I have also heard the getting the XT and cutting from both ends effectively gives you a Pro, not sure how accurate that is)

Second Q: Thinking of going to a 3" vane as well for a bit more stability at the distances? Would like thoughts on that.

Third Q: Thinking of 4 fletch vice 3 for stability also I know lots of folks will say "it depends", and I get it, but I need to start somewhere. I like to "tinker" so will likely build my own arrows, hence trying to map it all out first.

Thanks,

1: Nope, it'll only lighten your wallet.

2: Increasing vane sizes will only increase stability at short distances. Once the arrow has recovered from paradox, it won't have much of an effect.

3: Glue as many vanes on as you like and test it out. Only one way you are going to learn what works for you. I have yet to see a scenario where a hunting arrow benefits significantly from fletching combinations.

4. Listen to what others have said, look up Tim G's process and attempt it. It's humbling because it requires a high degree of shooting ability, which in my mind beats the perfect arrow setup every time.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

To the OP,
Since the "Blazer" Vane, is quite noisy and I personally, have had trouble, getting them past the Riser without "Hitting" it, on my PSE DNA, SP Bow,.. I now, use the longer/ lower profile, 3" Vanes that, I noted above. I have spent quite a bit of time learning to make, the "Holy Grail" arrow for, MY Bow and it's paid off, for me. I'm just an average shooter that, doesn't like,.. low Penetration, a "Rainbow Arc" trajectory, "Flyers" that are, OUT of, my Group and funny flying/ fishtailing Broadhead arrows ! SO,.. the experimentation and TIME, to do all of, this, was worth it,.. for ME ! Like someone said above, once you find "IT" make them, all the same ! 4 fletching, the 2.5 inch, V Max, Vanes, 90* x 90* also "Fly" B-H's great, if they "clear", your riser, cables and Rest ! I would also, "work on" Paper and Bare Shaft "tuning" the Arrow REST with, the Arrow WEIGHT that, you end up using after, FOC is added, squaring, spin testing, etc. Then add Vanes and Nock Index them,.. Good luck !

 

[Planopurist]

Current setup: GT Hunter with 3 fletch 2" Blazers (but they seem more like 1.5", they look pretty short), and 29" length. Hunting is my only goal, not a league or anything else. I would like to be comfortable with a sub 100yd shot, but reality is prob 50-70, and want the equipment to enable that. I shoot a Hoyt PowerMax @ 70#, with a 27" draw.

I just have to ask: Will someone like me really see a difference with a .001, .003. or .006? I would consider myself an average shot. I can usually make the 1"/10 yards. Seems that my "pin float" is more of an issue with target placement than the arrow. I need to get another DZ arrows. I am trying to determine if spending the extra $ will make any real difference. I'd like to get some insight before I drop the cash.

So my First Q: Will an average hunter see an accuracy improvement by going with a tighter tolerance arrow? (I have also heard the getting the XT and cutting from both ends effectively gives you a Pro, not sure how accurate that is)

Second Q: Thinking of going to a 3" vane as well for a bit more stability at the distances? Would like thoughts on that.

Third Q: Thinking of 4 fletch vice 3 for stability also

I know lots of folks will say "it depends", and I get it, but I need to start somewhere. I like to "tinker" so will likely build my own arrows, hence trying to map it all out first.

Thanks,

I probably consider myself “average” as well.

1. What I saw in going from XT to Pro was that I had more arrows per dozen that flew as I desired. Before the switch, I would cull about 5-6 arrows. I’m not sure if the empirical improvements came from straightness, weight consistency, spine consistency, or my better build process.

2. More vane surface area creates more drag and more weight weakens spine (slightly). My thoughts are that you see most of the difference in fixed broadhead flight as they are the styles that tend to plane arrows off course.

3. See item 2. Also, 4-fletch gives you one more nock index point than 3 fletch. This helps you more consistently align the dynamic spine location.

 

[Felix40]

I think a lot of people make it too hard. Just make sure your inserts are square and spin test the arrows. If your bow is tuned you will be fine.

 

[JohnnyB]

I stick with the .003s. When I miss it is much easier to blame inferior equipment. It also occurs to me that random flight inconsistencies are as likely as not to offset poor technique.