New arrow build for 2026 - Muley & Whitetail

[180splitg3]

The collars are sleeves that go over the end of the arrow between the head and carbon. You could glue them on but I never have. I have a couple different weights that I like to switch between so I just snug a FT against them.

Ahh - now I see! I was thinking they had to be glued to the shaft. This might be a good option. I didn't really want to spend the money for the inserts but I like the 25 grain weight...

 

[180splitg3]

Damn! $50 for a dozen 25 grain inserts and $70 for the collars! This is going to get expensive! Might just buy 6 more arrows

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Ahh - now I see! I was thinking they had to be glued to the shaft. This might be a good option. I didn't really want to spend the money for the inserts but I like the 25 grain weight...

Podium Archer sells all of the above for quite a bit less than Iron Will. I just got a bunch of 15 grain titanium HIT inserts from him. Weight consistency was amazing. He also sells collars in a bunch of weights.

Plus over $99 is shipped free and use the code TIMC and get 10% off.

Edit- I see it was podium you were referencing. It is pricey but the system is bombproof.

Another option is to go Easton 5.0 and you get collars included with the elite series.

 

[TheColorCamo]

I'm sure it's a good arrow but I think I want to stick with the rip tko for the higher gpi. I think I can do about a 445 grain setup with a 300 spine and 50 grain stainless hit insert...

Ive been shooting RIP TKOs for a few years now, and been pretty impressed with durability. My arrow build is fairly spendy but they really dont break. I went with the RIP TKO because im a long draw length shooting heavy poundage... which makes it hard to find arrows that are not ridiculously heavy. I shoot the Iron will inserts/collars on a 200 spine... after shooting steel framing in 3d targets and plenty of dirt i have been surprised with how unbreakable they are, especially considering that im shooting 640 grn TAW at 282 FPS. Its maybe comparing apples to oranges here due to the differences in our spines and overall setups, but I think the weave does make a difference for strength, so looking for a lighter GPI may not be a bad idea with the HLR... i just dont have experience with them since the weight difference isnt significant at a 200 spine for me.

When i first built the arrow and shot it for the first time, i shot a bag target in the garage leaned up against the bow press and had the arrow blow through the bag and hit the square steel tube of the press on the other side... made a hole in the pipe and the arrow was perfectly fine. didnt bend the insert, or damage carbon. Just barely rounded the point on the field tip (easton 125 grn ballistic tip). Long story short, I dont think you could go wrong with a RIP TKO, they are pretty much the best strength to weight ratio that Ive seen. Im always looking to shave weight off of GPI, so that I can use a heavier insert up front for FOC and still maintain my arrow speed (while still being correctly spined)

Theres my 2 cents haha

 

[180splitg3]

Ive been shooting RIP TKOs for a few years now, and been pretty impressed with durability. My arrow build is fairly spendy but they really dont break. I went with the RIP TKO because im a long draw length shooting heavy poundage... which makes it hard to find arrows that are not ridiculously heavy. I shoot the Iron will inserts/collars on a 200 spine... after shooting steel framing in 3d targets and plenty of dirt i have been surprised with how unbreakable they are, especially considering that im shooting 640 grn TAW at 282 FPS. Its maybe comparing apples to oranges here due to the differences in our spines and overall setups, but I think the weave does make a difference for strength, so looking for a lighter GPI may not be a bad idea with the HLR... i just dont have experience with them since the weight difference isnt significant at a 200 spine for me.

When i first built the arrow and shot it for the first time, i shot a bag target in the garage leaned up against the bow press and had the arrow blow through the bag and hit the square steel tube of the press on the other side... made a hole in the pipe and the arrow was perfectly fine. didnt bend the insert, or damage carbon. Just barely rounded the point on the field tip (easton 125 grn ballistic tip). Long story short, I dont think you could go wrong with a RIP TKO, they are pretty much the best strength to weight ratio that Ive seen. Im always looking to shave weight off of GPI, so that I can use a heavier insert up front for FOC and still maintain my arrow speed (while still being correctly spined)

Theres my 2 cents haha

Thanks! You've got a hammer of a set up to be shooting that TAW at those speeds! I did order the rip tko arrows a few days ago. Trying to decide on the inserts and collars now (if any)...

 

[TheColorCamo]

Thanks! You've got a hammer of a set up to be shooting that TAW at those speeds! I did order the rip tko arrows a few days ago. Trying to decide on the inserts and collars now (if any)...

Perks of having a long draw length, and shooting a pretty aggressive bow with an overdraw. What overall arrow weight/FOC are you looking for?

 

[06 SB]

I have a couple of arrows in that range and like the arrows for whitetails too. The Victory HLR and Easton 5.0 (made in USA!) are light GPI, high quality arrows that are great. The HLRs have 50gr half-outs with options for heavier half-outs. Easton has HIT inserts plus the match grade collars to get good weight up front and options for heavier. In both cases, you can get a 450ish grain arrow with a good FOC. RIP TKOs are a great option too but I think the HLRs and 5.0s are better. I also think you should stay with a 300 spine arrow.