Talk me out of Easton Axis or GT Kinetic XT

[thinkingman]

I am looking to replace my Easton 400 FMJ arrows which have been OK...I had one out of six that would not shoot and don't trust the aluminum not getting bent.
Thinking Easton Axis or possibly Gold Tip Kinetic XT.
26" draw length, 64lb  out of a Martin Moab bow....Slick Trick heads.
Elk is the primary target.
Talk me out of the Axis?

[jackelope]

I am not an archery expert by any stretch but I've been shooting the ST Axis for a long time and can't say anything bad about them aside from the fact that they're ridiculously difficult to pull out of 3d targets. Folks say that's the camo texture on them that causes that. If I did it over again, I'd buy the non-camo versions. I think it comes down to people wanting precision pieces of equipment. ST Axis are really good arrows for me...maybe just not really great arrows. I just don't need to spending all that extra money for a tiny bit of an improvement.

[Tinmaniac]

Love my Axis arrows.46 yard shot,dead elk 100 ft.away.Arrow is still in perfect shape.

[demontang]

I've had issues with axis cracking from a bag target, spine is every where on them. I'm a gold tip guy put the easton hit inserts in them and no cracking even when I hit a rock because of a yardage miss guess.

[Jellymon]

I prefer the Axis. Very accurate with broadheads for me. I find the HIT inserts to get me perfectly spinning broadheads a little easier. Plus the Easton x-nocks on the axis are much better than the nocks on the gold tips. The gold Tips are a little tougher, but I prefer the Axis because I like the HIT system, the better nocks, I can get them cheaper, and they're made in the USA. Gold tips are made in Mexico.

For the most part, any cracking with axis arrows with HIT inserts is from bad prep/ installation of the inserts, and the majority of the time is from shops/box stores not chamfering the front of the arrow with the supplied stone. If not chamfered, the tiny rounded part where the ferrule meets the head of a field point and some broadheads will be what is resting on the front of the arrow and there will be a gap. This will cause splits and mushrooming.

Since properly installing the inserts myself (which is extremely easy) I haven't had an axis arrow crack or even mushroom for three years now. The only broken Axis I get now are from rocks or hitting them with another arrow.

[demontang]

I had my inserts put in and I did them my self both cracked and the miss wasn't at a live animal but a foam one.
I do agree x nocks are nice but I live how tough the gold tip was with the easton inserts. 

[theleo]

I had my inserts put in and I did them my self both cracked and the miss wasn't at a live animal but a foam one.

Were you using the adapter rings as well?

[jrebel]

I have shot the Axis arrows for the past 7 or so years and absolutely love them.  My hunting partner shoots the GT's and absolutely loves them.  Pick your poison....either will work just fine.  The Sllick trick Standard 125 broadhead is a great broadhead.  Make sure you get the correct spine and you will be good to go.   

[demontang]

I had my inserts put in and I did them my self both cracked and the miss wasn't at a live animal but a foam one.

Were you using the adapter rings as well?

Yea I bought them and they still cracked. I thought they where part of that recall but they where out of the serial# range. I had 2 dozen and all but 3 cracked 

[Jason]

I've been shooting the Axis since 2007 and have no immediate plans on ever changing. Never had a defective arrow or one the wouldn't fly straight.

Like Jackelope said, if you're going to be shooting 3D or bales the camo arrows are a mother to pull out when new. They do get better with time. The black arrows are easier to remove from 3D targets and bales.

[Sneaky]

I would look at black eagle arrows, particularly the rampage. They are straighter, lighter, and with a 400 spine you would get awesome FOC/Penetration.

[Reidus]

I would go with black eagle. I shoot the rampages with the ss half out. I like the extra weight up front and durability.  I've shot easton in the passed. Wasn't overly impressed. I think gold tip xt hunters are the best bang for your buck.

[Nwtrekker23]

Just my two cents....I've used nothing but Easton arrows. Loved them until I got a sour taste in my mouth from my arrows pretty much peeling/splintered (Axis).  Love the way they fly no doubt. Bought some gold tips and probably not looking back...go and check out the flex test Tim Gillingham does on the gold tips if that doesn't convince you nothing will. Very durable, find the right spine and tip weight and they fly just as nice.