My new Hunting Arrows

[jjohnson]

Just got done setting up some of Victory's new VAP (Victory Armour Piercing) arrows. These things are neat and should penetrate like crazy. I dressed them up with 2" fusions and got some of their 43 grain outserts. My total arrow weight ended up at 366 with some high FOC. Haven't had a chance to get outside and shoot them but inside they have been consistently out penetrating my Axis arrows weighing in at 395.

They have a super small diameter. I like the fact that I can lower my arrow weight without loosing penetration. Now I've got great speed and a great penetrating arrow to boot. Here's a few pics to compare their size.

 

[Sligh1]

Ok- shoot me "straight" here... I have GOLD TIP Pro hunters, probably the best arrow I've shot so far, really happy with them. BUT- I'm interested for the PENETRATION aspect of these AND you can get the V1 tolerances of .001% which is about the best I've seen (same as exceptional gold tip pro hunter). Are these going to be a better arrow? Better penetrating? I'm shooting a 70 lbs mathews Z7 with trophy taker rest (down force trophy taker or whatever) just as an FYI. I'm happy with ALL I'm doing BUT I am always curious about something that would aid in penetration and/or arrow trajectory (right now I have 1 pin for 5 yards all the way to 30). Gimme the straight scoop, should I switch??..........
*and how much thinner are these? Are these like the 1st carbons- BEMANS??? Do I need to be concerned with how thin they are? ok with Muzzy MX-3 broadheads?

 

[jjohnson]

Skip,
These arrows are brand new for the hunting crowd but have been used for target shooting for a few years. So there's no 100% here but I've always seen smaller diameter shafts penetrating better than larger shafts. I shot gold tips for a few years and they are a great shaft. The last few years I've been shooting Easton Axis which are smaller and I must say slightly heavier. But I consistenly seen more penetration out of my axis shafts than larger shafts.

Now I'm a little handicapped to begin with. Short 27.5" draw length so I need everything I can get. Anyway I would shoot with 29" guys 30" guys that were shooting larger arrows and get the same or more penetration with my axis in 3-d targets, block targets, etc. I was convinced. Smaller diameter penetrates better. I've heard people say that you can't judge by a target but maybe I'm dumb but to me if it's getting better penetration in a tight target why wouldn't this be true in live game???

Now I'm shooting my 400 grain axis side by side with these 366gr VAP's and they consistently went considerably deeper in the target. If these arrows weighed the same the results would probably be greater. Wouldn't this mean they are hitting harder and penetrating better?

Anyway I'm just starting to mess around with these but so far so good. You asked about size. They are really, really small. They are extremely tough though. There is a little problem with the size though. I may need to find a new or modify my quiver some how. They are considerably smaller than axis, beamans, and gold tips new kinetics.

IMO a higher Front of Center (FOC) is better for hunting also. This allows the broadhead to steer the shaft, causing less winddrift, and a harder hitting arrow with a lot of weight up front. That's why these inserts they have are neat you can get two sizes. I chose the larger 43gr insert that tapers out to 5/16th. This gives you great front of center and lines up with broadhead nicely.

Your gold tips are likely not a terribly heavy arrow (depending on your arrow length and spine). You could probably shave a few grains off your arrow if you want more speed but if your happy with your speed now I wouldn't bother and would try to keep them the same weight.

Should you switch?? That's tough I could probably answer that next december but now the verdict is still out. My main concern is the durability of the insert/outsert and the shaft itself. Will I be able to shoot multiple deer with one arrow. Which really depends a lot on the shot I guess.

Here's a little promo video for VAP's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7CfIGmX-u8

 

[jjohnson]

Skip I would switch to Slick Trick Mags instead of the MX-3's for sure:way:

 

[Sligh1]

Skip I would switch to Slick Trick Mags instead of the MX-3's for sure:way:

My MX-3's are 1.25 cutting diameter, I think the STmags are 1 & 1/8"? They may be 3 blade vs 4 though??? My MX-3's fly straight, group awesome, tough, simple, etc and tear stuff up, gimme da scoop on why I should switch. I've heard a lot of good things on Slick Tricks, don't know a lot there either though. I see their 1.25" is their BEAR head, Grizztrack- shorter range. 1.25 vs 1 & 1/8" doesn't sound like much difference but it is.

 

[jjohnson]

If they fly good, that's the main thing. I've had good luck with tricks, big holes, great penetration, good blood trails, and great flight. Blades are a little thicker than the muzzy's and they're 100% steel. CHEAP too.

Not a lot of difference between today's short ferrule heads anymore. Most fly really good. A lot better than fixed blades of the past. I tried tricks a few years ago and really liked them. Don't have any reason to switch now. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Your good to go...:way:

 

[SEIowaDeerslayer]

I like the looks of 'em and sounds like they perform well. How far does that insert stick out? I have a 30" draw length and shoot 29" arrows but I'd probably want to cut them shorter because of that insert sticking out right??

 

[jjohnson]

I like the looks of 'em and sounds like they perform well. How far does that insert stick out? I have a 30" draw length and shoot 29" arrows but I'd probably want to cut them shorter because of that insert sticking out right??

Yeah insert is 1". Cut them at 28" and you'll have your 29" arrow...