New arrow help: smaller diameter worth the hassle?

[Eastonsgrandpa]

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.

I personally like the 5mm and am glad I switched. But if your arrows are working well, there is no big reason to do so. Yes they will buck wind a little better, though I am unsure with my skill set if I am even able to tell the difference. Maybe if I was shooting super long distances but unsure.

If you do go to a smaller shaft, you will have to retune at least the rest as it will not sit correctly on the launcher but will be pointing a small amount down.

 

[renagde]

I like the .204 arrows, higher GPI and I also felt like they were a tougher arrow due to thicker carbon construction. HIT inserts are super easy to install and cheap and I use the Iron Will collars. Hot melt for everything allows me to change out components with hot water and I've never had issues with inserts pulling out.

 

[NXTZ]

Interesting. I do have a couple of the blocks of the hot melt I bought from Podium. I believe it is the Kimsha. I just haven't used it yet. Even bought an adjustable heat gun to do it, but keep going back and forth on the idea.

I guess the good thing with the HM is that if I don't like the process, I can undo what I have started and go back to epoxy.

kimsha is what I use, it’s good stuff. I just hit the inside of the shaft with a .22 bore brush and make sure the inserts are clean (I’ve roughed them up with sandpaper too but that’s probably unnecessary). Use enough glue, I let the excess cool for a little then just peel it off.

And yes, a little hot water lets you tinker to your hearts content with this setup.