If you had asked me a year ago how important arrow straightness is
to a hunter, I would have told you it mattered little. Today however, I
have a different opinion. This change of heart has much to do with the
Beman Carbonmetal Matrix arrows sent to me late last summer. At first I
thought it was just better shooting on my part but soon realized the source
of the increased accuracy and consistency was the new shafts I was shooting.
The Matrix shafts are constructed through a process of fusing multiple
layers of carbon to a high-strength alloy tube. The straightness produced
by this process is rated at +/- .003". Since these new Beman shafts are
designed for the hunter they have increased the metal core wall thickness
thereby adding weight. Increased weight produces a higher kinetic energy
number and more down-range "punch". The Matrix also has a generous
outside diameter of .32" (nominal).
 RPS
inserts and Super Nocks are included with every set of shafts ordered.
The RPS insert is 20% longer than a standard insert providing a stronger
and longer lasting bond to the shaft. The Super Nocks do not require an
insert and are placed directly into the shaft with a compression fit. This
style of nock fixturing allows for precise alignment time after time and
nock after nock. Inserts and nocks are flush with the outside diameter
of the shaft when installed.
Matrix shafts are black in color and come in four different models/spine
strengths. They include the Matrix 460 @ 9 grains per inch, the Matrix
400 @ 9.5 grains per inch, the Matrix 340 @ 10.4 grains per inch and the
Matrix 300 @ 11 grains per inch. These four models cover bow draw weights
from approximately 55 to 100 pounds.
Anyone purchasing these shafts for hunting purposes should be sure to
read the game care instructions provided with each order. Arrows containing
carbon and the animals taken with them require special care if the shaft
should happen to break inside the animal.
With the basics covered we can now move into the testing. All 12 shafts
were first given a general quality exam, which they passed with flying
colors. Every shaft was neat in appearance with no visibly detectable dings,
bumps or scratches.
Next up was a spin test to verify manufacturer advertised straightness
specs. To do this I used a Starrett granite surface plate traceable to
NIST and a calibrated Mitutoyo Digimatic Indicator. While the advertised
straightness for these shafts is +/- .003" my testing never saw the needle
move past +/- .0025"! This is an excellent number - one of the best in
the business.
Early on I noticed what seemed to be an increase in accuracy while shooting
the Matrix shafts over my previous all carbon shafts. To be sure, I performed
a side by side grouping test between the two types. This is where the Beman
shafts grabbed my attention! Using six Carbonmetal Matrix shafts, six all
carbon shafts, and my new Darton Rampage I shot four rounds with each.
Each round included all 12 shafts shot in groups of three at different
spots on my Cube target. At 20 yards the greatest center to center measurement
for the Matrix shafts was .59" while the all carbons came in at .78". At
30 yards the Matrix number grew to 1.45" and the all carbons, 1.75". I
had one "flyer" with the Matrix shafts that I discounted because of a serious
juke upon release that sent my arrow into the next county! The numbers
I put up with the Matrix shafts may not be great for some but for me they
are awesome. In fact - I have never done better with a shaft containing
carbon.
The Carbonmetal Matrix shafts were relatively quiet when drawn across
my Muzzy Zero Effect rest, certainly quiet enough to go undetected by a
deer or other game. The particular Matrix shaft that was blown through
my 2001 Pennsylvania buck stuck deep into the ground on the other side
and was in perfect shape when pulled out and inspected.
These are metal core shafts and can be bent like conventional aluminum
arrows. I purposefully shot one of the shafts into a block building from
30 yards just to see what would happen. It wasn't pretty - but hey, what
did I expect right! The only arrow that has ever survived that test was
an all carbon Beman. All in all the Matrix shafts held up very well and
remained tough through all of the testing.
Beman's Carbonmetal Matrix arrows are high quality, tough, super straight
for an arrow containing carbon and the one shaft that I chose to hunt with
in 2001. All of this comes with a price tag that is somewhat higher than
all carbon models but cheaper than the highly regarded ACC target arrow.
If you are looking for hunting arrows that can drive tacks, hang tough
and boost your confidence you can start and end your search with Beman's
new Matrix shafts.
Quality: 5 of 5
The fact that the straightness tested better than advertised is a testimony
to the high quality standards held by Beman. Generally you have to worry
about how far off a company is on the negative side so it was refreshing
to get numbers that were on the positive side. The general quality was
flawless and the performance was exceptional.
Value: 4.5 of 5
The old saying goes, "you get what you pay for" and it holds true with
the Matrix shafts. Yes, they are a little more expensive than others, approximately
$115.00 per dozen finished arrows, but the performance and quality add
value that we as hunters crave.
For more information on this or any other Beman product, visit their
website at http://www.beman.com. Or
visit your local archery pro shop.
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