If you caught my Custom Arrow Build 101 post, you saw that I got new custom arrows built up from Evolution Outdoors. Right there in the owner Dale’s shop, I was impressed with the build and the level of detail that went into making sure they were all top-notch. Looks are one thing and results are another, though. I just got back from the range with these arrows and I’m liking what I’m seeing so far.
To catch you up, my new arrow is a 350-spine Evolution Outdoors Victory VAP TKO weighing in at 460 grains. Up front, there is a total of 185 grains. A 175-grain glue-in tip with a 10-grain collar for added durability. In the back, I went 4 fletch low profile AAE Hybrids. This is slightly different than my old arrow, which was the same brand, but in 300 spine. 175 up front and 3 fletch AAE Hybrids in the back. The total weight was 476 grains. The reason for the switch? Results.
Head to head we tested the different spines and vane configuration at 50 yards. Both arrows were hitting what I was looking at, but the 350-spine was remarkably more consistent and flew better. Every now and then we’d see my 300 spine start dancing in flight. I really enjoyed this part of getting new arrows. We based our decisions on what was working best. Not from a computer program, YouTube video, or what the back of an arrow box suggested.
My plan was to just go down the line from 30 yards to 70 yards to test out not only arrow flight and consistency but to adjust my sight if need be. Because the arrow was 16 grains lighter, I figured I’d have to make a few small adjustments to make up for the added speed.
After going through my pins and not making any elevation adjustments, I did lob a few arrows at 80, 90, and 100 yards. To my surprise the impact points were great. I anticipated them to all be high and for me to have to put a different tape on my bow sight. This was not the case.
Because of this, I didn’t make any changes to my sight tape. I do want to point out that I was tired at this point from shooting most of the morning. So, it’s very well possible that my bow arm was dropping which was making up for the arrows that should have been hitting high. My plan is to go back fresh and start at the longer ranges to proof out what happened. Part of me hopes that I have to change the tape because it makes sense to do so. Whatever it is, it is though. Results are what’s the most important.
After everything was said and done, I spent about 3.5 hours shooting that morning. The results spoke for themselves and I’m super stoked with the setup. There is that small part of me that’s a little boggled on why I didn’t have to make any elevation adjustments, given the fact that these arrows are slightly more lightweight than my old ones. To be fair though, I didn’t get a ton of time with the old arrows and the new sight on my bow. So, it’s entirely possible that maybe my initial sight in was a little off. Time will tell. The bottom line though? I’ve got a lot of confidence running through my veins with this new arrow setup.
Before I let you go, if you are interested in getting a set of custom arrows built up for you and your setup, I highly recommend hitting up Evolution Outdoors. The level of detail they put into doing this for their customers is uncanny. Request a custom arrow build here.
Check out my books!
Becoming a Bowhunter – A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Archery Hunting
Becoming a Backpack Hunter – A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry
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