 Have
you ever heard the term, “A hot knife through butter”?
I believe I have found a place for that term in the archery business.
It applies to the new streamlined arrow from Easton named the Axis.
Read on as I will explain in further detail later in the testing section.
Easton has been a staple in the archery business for close to half a
century. If you would look at any archer using an aluminum arrow
today, darn near 100 percent would be a reliable Easton XX75 or 78 series
hunting shaft. I remember one of my first dozen arrow shafts being
of the size 2018s. Never took a whitetail with that first dozen but
I sure can remember a few misses. It wasn’t the arrows fault but
a combination of misjudging distance and maybe a little thing called buck
fever. Many a florescent green nock was busted off that first dozen
while honing my skills. Over the years I migrated to new and larger
Easton shaft sizes as my draw length and strength increased. Within
the last decade I made the switch to carbons where I have settled on the
very accurate ACC hunting shaft. Not a true carbon but a combination
of aluminum and carbon.
This year I was excited when I heard about Easton’s new arrow shaft
and system incorporating H.I.T., Hidden Insert Technology.
H.I.T refers to the insert being recessed within the shaft instead of pressed
against the end like many of today’s other carbon shafts.
Easton’s new technology enables a broadheads critical ferrule area
between the blades and the threads to be in perfect alignment with the
shaft. Now there is no more worrying about reinstalling an insert
several times to make sure your broadhead spins true.
 How
many times have you had to reheat hot melt in order to reseat the insert?
The H.I.T. system insures and virtually guarantees a true alignment.
Combine this with the Axis’ smaller diameter and your downrange accuracy
will improve out to maximum ranges.
The streamlined shaft also allows for greater penetration because first,
there is greater mass behind a smaller surface area and second the smaller
shaft means a smooth transaction between broadhead and arrow. No
more worrying about a large diameter shaft protruding beyond the outer
edge of the broadhead ferrule creating a catch all edge.
Easton Axis shafts come in a variety of sizes, four to be exact.
The great thing is that all components are interchangeable between shafts.
No more worrying if you have the correct insert or nock. If your
buddy needs a component in the field, you can help him out even if you
are shooting a different shaft requiring 10 more pounds of draw weight.
Each shaft is composed of four layers consisting of Easton’s
C2 Carbon composite. The first core layer is of ultra small diameter
and unidirectional carbon-fiber followed by a layer of high strength composite
fibers. This layer allows for exceptional durability and hoop strength.
It is covered by another layer of unidirectional high strength carbon fibers.
To top everything off the final layer is a micro-smooth black finish designed
for reduced wear, a quiet draw and release. Weight tolerance is within
two grains with a straightness factor of plus or minus .005 inches.
Preparing an Axis shaft is very simple and Easton makes sure
that all components as well as tools are included with each dozen shafts.
The only preparation required is to have the shafts cut to your desired
draw length. Once cut a Chamfer Stone assures the cut is prepared
correctly and straight. Simply place the center of the shaft over
the center hub of the Chamfer Stone and twist back and forth. This
step alleviates any gaps that may occur between a broadhead/fieldpoint
and shaft.
Next I recommend cleaning and preparing the arrow for the insert.
Using a Q-tip, clean the inside as well as outside edge of the shaft with
household Isopropyl Alcohol. Let dry for a few minutes while you
prepare the epoxy bonding agent.
After mixing the bonding agent take an insert and apply a liberal amount
to the back end. Once applied push the insert into the shaft and
rotate while inserting. This ensures that the entire surface of the
insert is covered.
Finally take the insert tool and push the insert into the shaft until
flush with back wall of the insert tool. This final step guarantees
that the insert is recessed the correct amount for proper broadhead alignment.
Finishing up requires inserting the internal fit “X” nock, which similar
to the insert aligns with the inside of the shaft. No glue or adhesive
is required as the nock is a secure fit allowing for routine adjustments
if needed. Easton recommends allowing the glue to set at least 24
hours before using.
I have been experimenting with different methods of installing the insert
and for those who like to use Hot Melt this method works well. This
method is of my own choosing and is not recommended by Easton. The
nice thing about hot melt is that the insert can actually be removed if
desired. It requires being a little more careful as to not damage
the end of the arrow. After chamfering the end take an insert and
screw on an old broadhead ferrule, without the blades, firmly into the
insert. Next heat the insert and then apply hot melt to back end
of it. Push the insert into the shaft, rotating to make sure the
entire insert is covered. You may not be able to get the insert all
the way into the shaft, which is common. This is where the being
careful comes into play. Take a pair of pliers and grasp the broadhead
at the back most part of the ferrule just before it tapers down to the
threads. Now carefully heat the tip of the broadhead. The pliers
will keep the flames from getting too close to the end of the shaft.
The heat will transfer down the ferrule and to the insert. As you
apply heat the hot melt will begin to soften. While heating, continue
to push the insert into the shaft using the pliers. When the insert
begins to move, remove the heat from the end of the broadhead and continue
pushing until the ferrule sets firmly against the shaft. With this
method you can immediately begin shooting the arrow. If for some
reason you need to remove the insert, screw a bladeless broadhead about
two revolutions into the insert. Grasp the broadhead with pliers
and heat the tip of the broadhead while pulling with the pliers.
As the hot melt softens the insert will be removed. Once again, Easton
may not approve of this method but I feel it is a safe way of using hot
melt adhesives.
Testing
Testing is where the “hot butter” comment comes in. My setup
for testing was a 28.75” Axis 340 arrow coming in at 410 grains.
Shooting from a 70 pound Bowtech Patriot Dually the arrows were smoking
at around 300 fps.
Two foam layered targets were used for the testing at my home built
20 yard indoor basement range. The first target was “old reliable”
as it had been used in stopping a variety of field point and broadhead
arrows over the summer.
The first arrow out of the bow hit the target and proceeded to continue
through striking my concrete basement wall. The slimmer design of
the Axis enabled it to easily pass between the layers of the target, striking
the wall four feet beyond.
Immediately inspecting the arrow showed no damage other than the nock
coming out from the force. “Old Reliable” was immediately replaced
with a brand new target. The target did its job but not before the
arrows had traveled three quarters of the way through.
Accuracy did not suffer as all groupings were less than two inches.
Moving outdoors several test volleys were shot. Broadhead accuracy
remained true at varying distances with penetration noticeable when compared
to larger diameter shafts. Once again this shows the effectiveness
of the streamlined Axis shaft.
Design 4.0 of 5
The thinner shaft from testing definitely showed the increased penetration.
The new H.I.T. technology is an advantage when it comes to virtually no
worries when it comes to tuning. The thinner shaft will be more difficult
for archers who prefer a hard helical but I believe a few degrees of offset
is all that is needed.
Durability 4.5 of 5
Taking on a solid poured wall is a feat in itself. To come away
with no critical damage is amazing. This should prove that it is
capable of taking on any hunting environment throughout the world.
Price 5 of 5
The new technology comes at a cost of approximately 90 dollars fully
fletched from any Pro Shop. A dozen should have no problem getting
you through many seasons of 3D or hunting.
A final note is Easton worked with several broadhead manufacturers
in developing the new Axis arrows. The H.I.T. technology helps to
insure the quality that bowhunters and archers alike come to know from
Easton.
To learn more about Easton's
NEW patent pending Slim Technology and HIT component system, and ST AXIS
arrows, visit the Easton Web site at
www.eastonarchery.com
or call 801-539-1400. You may also write Easton Technical Products at 5040
West Harold Gatty Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116, or call 801-539-1400
for a FREE Bowhunting Brochure, or to order an Easton Full-line or
Target Catalog. You may also visit the Easton Web site at www.eastonarchery.com.
Easton Technical Products
801-539-1400
www.eastonarchery.com
Call 801-539-1400 for
a FREE Bowhunting Brochure
Easton Technical Products
5040 West Harold Gatty Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
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