Arrow technology has advanced drastically since the early days of modern archery. Over the past 100 years, we’ve seen arrow materials go from cedar wood shafts to micro diameter composite offerings. Today’s arrows provide hunters with innovations that boost confidence through their lethal effectiveness in the field. In this article, we delve into the benefits of material advancements in aluminum-carbon hybrid arrows.
There has never been a time when archers have had more choices in types of arrows to send their broadheads downrange than today. Fifty years ago, aluminum shafts were in virtually every bowhunter’s quiver. Then later, carbon materials came on the scene. While not as inherently accurate as their aluminum counterparts, the lightweight durability offered by carbon more than made up for its accuracy shortcomings. Nowadays all-carbon arrows are found in most quivers. Early on during the development of these carbon arrows, engineers also began to experiment with combining the two prevailing materials in the form of an aluminum/carbon (A/C) hybrid shaft. Their discoveries revealed that the best attributes of both materials emerged into the highest-performing shafts available today. These arrows are now utilized by hunters, target archers, and even Olympic athletes. These A/C shafts are made with a precision aluminum core with carbon overlays fused to outside of the tube. The combination of the two materials working in concert gives archers the strength of carbon with the precise accuracy of the aluminum. This creates a lightweight, but precise, shaft used by tournament archers and elite bowhunters the world over.
In the early 2000’s, archery engineers began experimenting with reversing the layup of the A/C shaft and putting an aluminum overlay on a carbon core tube. What they soon found was, that this full metal jacketed carbon shaft (FMJ) added energy and reduced friction that led to a superior hunting shaft. FMJ’s utilize the lightweight strength of carbon and the accuracy of aluminum combined with the added benefit of deep penetrating kinetic energy and momentum. With these advantages proving themselves repeatedly in the field, more and more hunters are taking a hard look at adding Full Metal Jacket to their arsenal. FMJ arrows leverage the precision characteristics of aluminum and the lightweight strength of carbon. By combining these materials, FMJ arrows achieve the best of both worlds. The aluminum component provides exceptional precision, and armor shields the carbon, while a carbon core backbone ensures greater impact strength, making FMJ arrows a formidable choice.
The fusion of aluminum and carbon in FMJ arrows yields a range of benefits. The precision of the aluminum component enables outstanding accuracy, contributing to tighter broadhead grouping while adding additional momentum to the shot. The extra mass soaks up more of the bow’s potential energy and delivers it to the target resulting in added penetration. Meanwhile, the carbon core offers lightweight durability, allowing for enhanced speed and arrow longevity. This combination provides bowhunters with the potential of more penetration and the resulting blood trails for reliable game recovery.
Arrow technology continues to evolve, providing hunters with superior tools to enhance their success in the field. The FMJ arrow stands out by harnessing the precision of aluminum and the durability of carbon while adding game-stopping penetration with high momentum. By skillfully combining these materials, full metal jacketed arrows performance benefits deliver more penetration, better blood trails, and quicker kills adding up to higher rates of game recovery. When picking an arrow that’s right for you, consider your personal needs to choose the arrow that aligns best with your hunting style, and consider elevating your game with the added benefits of full metal jacketed arrows.
Limited-Time Promotion: Now is a great time to pick up a set of made in USA FMJ arrows, Easton is currently running a limited-time promotion offering up to $30 off on Full Metal Jacket arrows. See your dealer today and visit www.eastonarchery.com/rebates for more details.
