Q: This is my third bowhunting season. Last season I shot my first buck using my Parker buckshot, which was set with a 42-pound draw weight and a 24-inch draw length. Because I’m still growing, this season I’m cranking the bow up to 47 pounds with a draw length of 25 or 26 inches. I’d like a recommendation on which carbon arrows to shoot, and whether I should use short or long vanes. -Jacob Heeres/Centervile, IA
A: Congratulations on your first buck! That’s an accomplishment to be proud of. I can see by your willingness to choose the proper equipment that you’re serious about your hunting. To choose a new arrow shaft, you first need to go to your local archery prop shop and make sure your bow is set at exactly the right draw length, and that the draw weight is manageable for you. Then you can look at an arrow manufacturer’s arrow selection chart, which will show you options of shafts with the proper spine.
If you are shooting 47 pounds at 25 to 26 inches, one good choice would be the Carbon Express (CX) Maxima Hunter 100, the company’s premium line of strong, lightweight, 100 percent carbon hunting arrows. They feature CX’s unique Weight Forward technology, something I really like. They also come with low-profile Blazer Vanes for added velocity and accuracy. I use CX Maxima hunters these days, but there are a lot of excellent hunting arrows out there from companies such as Easton, Gold Tip, Carbon Impact, Carbon Tech Arrows and Vapor Arrow Co., among others. Good hunting! -Bob Robb
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