Carbon express mayhem 350 shattered after release but prior to hitting target. Is there an explanation? Possibly an arrow that previously hit too close to another and had a small fracture? The bow shot fine afterwards, but should I be concerned. Thank you for any help Mike
This would be my guess. I don't really shoot groups anymore for reasons like this. While it's nice to see 3-5 arrows in a nice, tight group you end up damaging too many nocks and shafts. Even if you use nock bushings, which save the shaft, you still whack a lot of nocks. Just as easy for me to aim for different spots and imagine how tight the group would be if all the arrows were together. You were very lucky that the shaft didn't shatter at the bow and send slivers into your hand. There is always the bend test. If you are whacking arrows together it is a good idea to flex them close to your ear and see if you hear any crackling.
I was in the shop this past Thursday and guy said he had this happen with two Carbon Express arrows. He said he had checked them before every shot and didn't notice any cracks or anything. Now, I do not know if it was the arrows and I don't know if he did in fact check them before every shot. I honestly do not know many people that really do that. I try but, its probably more like every 3 or 4. He said he won't shoot Carbon Express any more though. Bruce is probably spot on and his thoughts probably apply to the guy at the shop the other night as well.
I have discarded 8 or 9 arrows in the past year due to hitting at the nock. Honestly I have no idea how I have not had a Robbin Hood. Anyways, I have been lucky to catch the nicked (for lack of a better description) arrows before they exploded at the bow. One of which I cought due to the nock popping out on the shot. I don't shoot groups any more either. I have saved some money since I stopped also. Nocks and vanes arent that expensive but, it can add up especially using NAP Quickfletch. If I do shoot groups, I will at least check the nock end.
