3D arrows?

Poleaxe

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I'm not new to bows but this will be my 2nd year shooting 3D. I haven't broke down and bought me a target bow yet and still using my Heli-m. What are the benefits of the larger diameter arrows for 3D? And would it benefit me?
 
Bigger fatter arrows often cut or pull the higher score line to add a point or two here and there, and for this reason they are quite popular!

There are many varieties of these fat shafts at many price points. The price of fat shafts and their components can get pricey really quick! People most think they are worth it because they are enormously popular on the 3D circuit!
 
Yes, it will benefit you! I recommend going to "fat" shafts for anyone that is going to get serious about target shooting�especially spots and 3D. I went from using my thin-diameter hunting arrows to "fat" GoldTip X-Cutters for a couple of reasons. First, the larger diameter did increase my overall score due to catching the occasional line that I would have missed using my hunting arrows. Secondly, because target arrows are often lighter than hunting arrows I was able to draw and hold less weight, while still being able to keep my speed at the class maximum and it made a difference, especially on those hot July days when you're starting to get tired towards the last few targets of the round.

The downside is having to change your setup back to hunting in August and then back to 3D in January�the reason why many of us have dedicated bows for the separate uses.
 
There are of course, downsides to the fat shafts. Number one being...if you are in a group with other competitors and they have fat shafts...you increase your overall chances of kickouts/glance offs if you accidently or purposely hit their arrows. Example...if a couple of other guys are already in the 12 ring and you try to slide the arrow in there, your chances of hitting their arrows are greater with a fat shaft of your own, and off into the 8 you go. This happened to me SEVERAL times at the Kentucky ASA shoot this past year. I'm almost to the point that I prefer standard carbon size shafts for ASA competition, due to being able to squeeze it by the big shafts. If nothing else, if I hit one of them just right, a small arrow will just go right down the middle of those fat shafts. I have one on my wall from Florida ASA last year in which I hit a Carbon Express LineJammer right down the middle with a .246 standard carbon arrow.

I'm actually shooting "in between" size arrows right now for 3D...GoldTip 22 Series shafts. They aren't huge like a Black Eagle Magnum or X-Cutter but they aren't small either.
 
UTGrad said:
Are there any top shooters that shoot regular diameter shafts in competition? I thought a few years ago Levi was shooting 3D with Gold Tip Pro Hunters.

Not many in ASA, some do, but they aren't in the majority. Levi was using X-Cutter Pro's the last several years if I remember correctly.

I will not hesitate to call a upper twelve and adjust my sight 2 yards long if the lower 12 is covered up, or it is tight getting in there. ;)
 
TNDeerGuy said:
UTGrad said:
Are there any top shooters that shoot regular diameter shafts in competition? I thought a few years ago Levi was shooting 3D with Gold Tip Pro Hunters.

Not many in ASA, some do, but they aren't in the majority. Levi was using X-Cutter Pro's the last several years if I remember correctly.

I will not hesitate to call a upper twelve and adjust my sight 2 yards long if the lower 12 is covered up, or it is tight getting in there. ;)
alot of my problem last year at Metropolis was thinking " ahhhhhh I can squeeze it in there ! " .
 

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