Hey guys, and gals. I know this is probably mentioned somewhere in the forum, but just started back to shooting a bow, got some carbon arrows, and now hear (and see via pictures) they can explode if damaged. what is the proper way to check them? having one eye, I can't afford to lose another to fragments, or my hand even for a little bit. not to mention I am not fond of pain. may switch back to aluminum just to be safe. but have carbons now, and would like to know the proper way to check them. I have some I have shot at squirrels and what not, they have scuffs on the front, but make no noise when I flex them, and the scuff can be scratched off, almost like it's plastic residue. I am using wal-mart arrows - carbon express devils wrath. Thank you. Tom
I've been told to tug and pull straight(like pulling a rope taut) and lightly trying to twist it in a few spots, to be safe check with a pro shop and make sure you have the right weight/length for your setup!
I would try to stay away from arrows that can be handled by the general public.I have seen kids tossing them like darts in the store.So seeing that I will never chance using any arrows from Wal-Mart.
I shoot at squirrels too, so my arrows are in the dirt a lot. I have found that by flexing them hard from the very ends of the arrows they will make noise if damaged internally and will just break if they are ready to. I shoot the STL hunter X weave arrows and I think they are much tougher than the radially wound carbon arrows.
Yup.......... Hold both ends of the arrow.. Now, gently act like you are flipping a rope like jump rope... it will bend slightly.. If you hear any crackeling noise, it is shattered.. I check mine ALL THE TIME.. Especially when target shooting.. Never know what could happen.. Once I spin them and put them into my quiver, they are good to go.. Have personally seen myself what happens to bad arrows when shot.. On 2 occasions now, I have been in the archery range when someone has shot a damaged arrow.. Neither one has been pretty..........
Around eight years ago, I was shooting a High Country Excaliber with Beaman ICS hunters into 3D targets at Bass Pro and one exploded. It sounded like .22 rifle fire and a few shards hit my hand, but did not break the skin. It was my fault for not checking each arrow after some difficut pulls from the targets. The fact is, bending the arrow during removal likely cause the problem. I think the quality of carbon arrow has improved over the years. Several of my Carbon Express arrow have passed through the old stockade fence without any problems. Having said that, you should always test your arrows as prescribed above. I try to arc mine overhead, (think pullup position) to protect the eyes if one comes apart. Like anything else in life, Carbon arrows are only as safe as the person using them. Even a high quality car can be wrecked.
One of the best things you can do for any carbon arrows is to make sure is they have aluminum bushings installed in the back end with a quality nock. They absorb a great deal of punishment from shooting groups and just strengthen the overall integrity of the last inch of the shaft. Without fail the first thing I do with my Gold Tip shafts is install Easton uni bushings and G-Nocks. Gives me a little extra peace of mind for cracks and safety, and will pay for themselves over the life of the arrows many times over in saving cracked rear ends. Check the whole shaft everytime you smack 2 arrows together and be very aware of damage in the back 2/3 of the shaft at the bend point. A crack 1" up from the insert is very different than one just behind the label on the shaft.........that's the one that will send you to the emergency room.
thank you. the arrows I get from wally world are in the box, hanign up. they can't be bought or handled individually. still, wehn I get $$ i may switch back to aluminum. also gonna search you tube for a good instructional video, thanks again folks.
