After testing thousands of arrow setups over 25 years, I’ve identified one consistent problem plaguing bowhunters — shaft inconsistency. You buy a dozen arrows, but only 8-9 truly group together. The rest become “practice arrows” that cost you the same money.
Our Match-Grade Arrow System eliminates this problem entirely. Every shaft is pre-selected for exact spine alignment, weight consistency, and straightness tolerances within one-thousandth of an inch. This isn’t marketing speak — it’s the solution to the most common accuracy issue facing serious archers.
Two Battle-Tested Shaft Designs for Different Hunting Scenarios
After a decade of tournament wins and successful hunts across multiple continents, I’ve narrowed down the perfect arrow shafts to two proven options:
Easton Axis: The Long-Range Specialist
The 5mm Axis delivers the perfect combination of speed and stability for western hunting and longer shots:
- 5mm diameter cuts through wind with minimal drift
- All-carbon construction at 8.7 grains per inch
- Superior spine consistency for tighter groups
- Penetrates with less drag and friction at distance
When I’m spot-and-stalk hunting antelope in Wyoming or shooting tournament rounds where wind is a factor, the Axis is my go-to platform. The slender profile and lighter weight create a faster, flatter trajectory that maintains energy at distance.
Full Metal Jacket: Maximum Momentum for Close Encounters
When I’m hunting elk in heavy timber or need maximum penetration on larger game, I switch to the FMJ:
- Carbon core wrapped in aluminum exterior at 10.0 grains per inch
- Higher total mass equals increased momentum
- Superior kinetic energy transfer on impact
- Maintains forward momentum through heavy bone
I’ve recovered FMJs from bull elk after complete pass-throughs where the shafts remained perfectly intact—even after punching through shoulder blades and heavy bone structure. This durability translates directly to more recovered game and fewer sleepless nights.
The HIT Insert System: Two Weight Configurations in One
After testing endless insert configurations, we developed the brass HIT (Hidden Insert Technology) system that gives you two weight options in a single component:
- 75 grains at full length
- 50 grains when break-off section is removed
This isn’t just convenient — it’s tactically significant. When I’m building arrows for hunting bigger game, I keep the full 75-grain weight to push my FOC (Front of Center) into the 15-17% range for better penetration. For 3D tournaments where speed matters more, I break off the section for a faster, flatter trajectory.
The increased FOC percentage with the 75-grain option delivers better wind resistance and dramatically improved penetration. I’ve personally tested this setup on over a dozen different species, and the penetration advantage is undeniable.
BAR System: The Critical Component You’re Probably Missing
The Broadhead Adapter Ring isn’t an afterthought — it’s the solution to catastrophic arrow failure. This precisely machined component:
- Creates a squared, reinforced collar around the shaft’s most vulnerable section
- Prevents linear tears when impacts drive broadheads back into shafts
- Provides a perfect seating surface for broadhead alignment
- Dramatically increases arrow durability at the critical junction point
I’ve had far too many hunts ruined by arrows failing upon impact with shoulder blades or heavy bones. The BAR system has all but eliminated this failure point in my hunting setups. This small component pays massive dividends when you need your arrow to perform flawlessly on impact.
5mm Diameter: The Perfect Balance Point
After testing every diameter from micro-diameter to standard, the 5mm platform consistently outperforms the alternatives for three critical reasons:
- Small enough to reduce wind drift and increase penetration
- Large enough to maintain structural integrity in hunting scenarios
- Compatible with the proven X-nock system that virtually eliminates serving wear
This diameter has proven itself on everything from Cape buffalo to whitetail deer. It’s the optimal balance between penetration advantage and structural integrity.
Weight Comparison and Selection Guide
| Specification | Easton Axis | Full Metal Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | All-carbon | Carbon core with aluminum exterior |
| Weight (300 spine) | ~8.7 grains per inch | ~10.0 grains per inch |
| Optimal use | Long-range shots, higher speeds | Maximum penetration, larger game |
| Recommended game | Deer, antelope, turkey | Elk, moose, bear |
When selecting between these two platforms, prioritize your hunting scenario:
Choose the FMJ when:
- Hunting large-bodied game where penetration is critical
- Shooting from treestand distances (under 40 yards)
- Using heavy broadheads (125+ grains)
- Drawing higher poundage that can handle the additional mass
Choose the Axis when:
- Making longer shots where trajectory matters
- Hunting in open terrain with wind factors
- Drawing moderate poundage (below 65 pounds)
- Creating a setup focused on speed and flat trajectory
Spine Selection: The Most Important Decision in Arrow Building
The most common mistake I see hunters make is selecting the wrong spine for their setup. We’ve created a comprehensive spine chart that accounts for:
- Both insert weight options (50gr and 75gr)
- Actual arrow length measurements
- Draw weight in 5-pound increments
- Recommendations for both shaft types
Don’t rely on generic charts that don’t factor in the HIT insert weight. When you’re running a 75-grain insert plus a 100-grain broadhead, you’re pushing 175 grains up front—most standard charts don’t account for this configuration.
Our testing shows that being just one spine size off dramatically impacts accuracy beyond 40 yards. Use our chart to get it right the first time.
Building Professional-Grade Arrows
Each Match-Grade package includes:
- Pre-selected arrow shafts with verified spine alignment
- BAR system components
- Brass HIT inserts
- Arrow squaring tool
- Nock On X-nocks
This isn’t just a convenience — it’s a systematic approach to arrow building that eliminates variables. When I’m preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, every shaft in my quiver is built to this exact specification with no exceptions or compromises.
The Bottom Line on Performance
After thousands of testing hours and hundreds of successful hunts, I can confidently say these arrow systems deliver:
- Sub-1″ groups at 60 yards with broadheads (when properly tuned)
- Consistent penetration through heavy bone and tissue
- Durability that withstands the rigors of backcountry hunting
- Accuracy that instills absolute confidence at the moment of truth
The Match-Grade designation isn’t a marketing tactic — it’s a performance standard that eliminates the frustrating inconsistencies that cost hunters opportunities in the field. When that bull of a lifetime steps out at 47 yards, the last thing you should worry about is whether your arrow will fly true.
Don’t just take my word for it — build a set and put them through your own testing protocol. The consistency will speak for itself.
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