My hunting partner and I switched to the rampage arrows this year. I think they are not as tough as GT arrows but that is the whole idea behind accuracy and penetration. In order to get a high FOC and better penetration, they go to a skinnier, light weight arrow with more tip weight. My arrow broke this year just behind the outsert after passing through the deer and into a tree. I have also broken several arrows at the range...but to me that is not a bad thing! I definitely had an increase in accuracy and penetration compared to the GT pro's I was shooting. Worlds toughest arrow? maybe, but the benefits of a skinnier shaft/better penetration from higher FOC outweigh the slight lack in durability.
If I keep the carnivores I'll be adding brass inserts that put me about 500 grains and 16 foc. the 250 carnivores aren't a light arrow at 9.5 gpi I'd be getting a lighter arrow at 9.2 gpi with the GT xt hunter 300s and could do the same.. have considered a small diameter arrow to but not sure if they are for me any insight from real world experience in the diameter change from standard to small (not micro)
here is what I learned this summer:
My buddy and I both saved up money for a duck lease that fell through. We then both purchased new bows with the money. I went with a 70lb mathews halon 7 @ 30" draw. He went with a 60lb Bowtech BTX-31 @ 28" draw. He was shooting about a 380gr black eagle rampage while I was shooting 440gr goldtip pro hunters. Now the IBO speed of the bowtech blows my bow out of the water, but he is losing some speed that I gain in DL. He is also losing 10lbs of draw weight in energy.
We were achieving similar accuracy while I would give him the slight edge at this point out past 60 yards, but we would do a walkthrough course and his arrows were burying several inches further into the target than mine, even when accounting for the difference in arrow length. With 10lbs less draw weight he was getting superior penetration consistently. I looked at what he was doing differently and it really came down to his arrows were skinnier and had way more FOC, like his were 16% to my 9% with the goldtips.
From there I purchased the lost camo crested carnivores just like you did and I used a brass insert, went to somewhere around 13% FOC. My groups got tighter with the straighter arrows and the penetration improved, but his arrows were still penetrating more than mine even at 10lbs lighter draw.
The answer then became increase FOC and go to a skinnier arrow. I got on the rampage wagon and ordered several dozen in 300 spine with the 56 grain stainless half-out. We both shot bucks this year and got pass throughs. He was able to also get a full pass through on his elk as well. All with rage expandable broadheads 2" cut slowing the arrows down....
Lots of trial and error but I learned a ton and have been very happy with BE arrows. The carnivores are a very accurate shaft and I think you will do well with the brass inserts, but a skinnier arrow does help. I recommend the rampages because you don't have to use a pin nock. I replace the BE R-Nocks with easton X nocks. Good luck!
