New arrow help: smaller diameter worth the hassle?

[FuddRucker]

Hey everyone,

I'm down to six good arrows after using the same dozen for a few years and thinking about getting a new dozen. Currently using VF TKO (standard diameter), but curious about moving to .204 because the RIP TKOs are highly touted.

My question is: do the benefits of smaller diameter shafts outweigh the fiddle factor of dealing with outserts that damage easily or HIT inserts which sound like a PITA to install? Or should I stick to standard? Ideally I'd like something where I can easily play around with insert weights to find out my preferred balance between arrow weight/trajectory.

Use is for both Western big game and whitetail. I had a self imposed max range of 60 on my mule deer hunt this year, but practicing to hopefully extend that by 10 in the future.

Thanks for your input.

 

[jmez]

In short, no.

 

[CMF]

I went from 5mm(red Sd's) to 4mm.
I went with Element Storm arrows with Nexxus outnserts. I think I'm around 460-465 with a 125grn head.
There are other threads in detail on this, and lots of opinions both ways.
In theory, the smaller the diameter, the less wind effect and better penetration.
I haven't had any real issues, but I don't do a lot of tinkering. I ordered them cut with outserts glued on and went shooting.
The only issue I've had with the outsert is that they are tough to pull out of bag targets.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Ideally I'd like something where I can easily play around with insert weights to find out my preferred balance between arrow weight/trajectory.

Threaded weights that screw in to the backside of the insert are the easiest way to tinker with front end weight. Weight screws are available for 4mm/.166” and 5mm/.204” arrows but require the use of half-outs (instead of HIT’s). With standard diameter arrows (6.5mm/.245”), you can use a flanged, fully-seated insert and also use weight screws. IMO the juice isn’t worth the squeeze with smaller-than-standard diameter arrows.

 

[Trumpkin The Dwarf]

5mm HIT inserts arw no trouble at all. Get Kimsha hot melt and they’re a breeze.