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.

 

[NXTZ]

Agree with Trumpkin, I was gonna say if you decide to go with 5mm, use hits and hot melt. Screw your point into the insert and glue the whole thing in as one unit. Stupid easy, always gets the insert to the right depth, and ready to shoot in minutes. Also lets you change stuff with just hot water.

 

[DeepMauka]

I went from 5mm Easton axis to 4mm black eagle x impacts. I got the podium archer titanium half outs. Can still use all my old broadheads, etc. Tolerance specs are very tight with those half outs. I highly recommend them.

My new arrows are much lighter and preform way better in the wind (what I was going for). If you’re wanting to mess around with weights, like mentioned before, just use hotmelt for the inserts. Easy to remove them and start over. Just stick in some hot water or use indirect heat. Flame or heat gun directly to the carbon can jeopardize or compromise the structural integrity of the composite/epoxy layup.

Fletching the arrows was a little more difficult, but not a deal breaker. I also went to 5 fletch and was out of my normal glue, so that was culprit of half the frustration.

I don’t see myself going back to 5mm for quite some time.

 

[FuddRucker]

I think that may be enough to convince me to stick with standard diameter, though I didn't think of the screwing the point into the hit insert before installing. Makes sense. I'm leaning towards sticking with standard, but maybe I'll just get some with stricter straightness tolerances.

Follow up question for guys using standard diameter: I've only really used victory arrows. I really like the VF TKO, but the Gold Tip Hunter Pro looks solid and maybe a little easier to get to a mid-rane weight (currently about 412grains and wouldn't mind being closer to 440-450). Should I stick with what works or are there other arrows I should be considering?