Help me pick the proper alum. arrow

[Olink]

I haven't shot an aluminum arrow since Beman came out with their original pultruded arrows, so it's been quite a while. Anyway, some recent threads on the archery forums have me thinking I'd like to try aluminum again. According to the Easton chart either 2117's or 2216's should work with my setup. I was wondering if any of you guys that still shoot aluminum could tell me FROM EXPERIENCE if one size is better than the other. BTW, I don't want to shoot any thin-walled aluminums. Ok, here's my setup - 2003 Hoyt Ultratec Cam .5, 60 lbs., 29 inch draw, 28 3/4 inch arrow, 100 grain broadheads.

[JOE PA]

I have shot both, but it has been a while. I did not see any durability difference between the two. They weigh exactly the same per inch, although the 2216 inserts are a tiny bit heavier. 2216 is the stiffer arrow, and would be my choice. The stiffer arrow should have a better chance to shoot well with broadheads, especially if you want to go to a heavier head.

How do you like the Hoyt compared to your Maverick?

[Olink]

I should add that I am only interested in a hunting arrow. To tell you how long its been since I shot an aluminum arrow, I don't think XX78s existed when I last shot aluminums. I used to shoot XX75s. If I try aluminums now, it will be XX78s. What I'm really unsure of here is if 2117s will be stiff enough for my setup.

Joe - I am totally in love with my Ultratec. The Maverick is a good bow, but the Hoyt outshines it in quality/craftsmanship, quiteness, lack of recoil/shock on the shot, and of course, the feel of the grip in my hand. Darton has made some positive improvements in their line, but still not enough to lure me back. If anything were to lure me away from Hoyt right now it would be the Bowtech Pro 40 Wheely or DC. Some real nice improvements on those bows as well.

[JOE PA]

Olink:

I had my Mav. only for a short time. Great shooter, but even with all the Sims stuff that existed 2 years ago, not really as quiet as I would have liked.

I know a few guys with new Hoyt Ultratecs. Not one complaint, and lots of praise.

I am currently shooting a 2001 Bowtech Pro 38 Dual Cam. Really nice bow, quiet, low recoil, fast, accurate. The only down side for me is the peak weight extends so far back in the draw, and a very short valley. I am probably going to be getting a Pro 40 Wheely soon. Should be a nice bow.

A few years back, when I still lived on 6 acres in the country, I was shooting 2216 XX75s out of a #70 Darton Excel. They flew and grouped very well with 125 Thunderheads and 115 gr. 4-blade Muzzys. I actually cut a hole in the vital of a Makenzie Aim-Rite deer with that combo. I had to put a hard foam targets behind the deer to catch the arrows that flew through the hole, which they almost always did. I know it would have been easier to just buy the replacement vital, LOL. Anyway, the 2216 was a great arrow for me. I think it should work for you with that Hoyt.

[Arthur P]

I seriously doubt 2117's would be stiff enough. 2216's would be better. 2315's might be even better yet.

Two of my favorite arrows are the 2216 and 2315. I've shot both sizes for quite a long time now - the 2216 especially - and can't pick either one over the other as far as durability is concerned.

[Olink]

Thanks for the help guys! Your recommendations are kind of what I expected.

[JeffB]

The 2315 would likely be too stiff at that poundage and draw length for that bow. Something along the lines of the 2216 should be just about right for thick wall...a 2314 in a thin wall.

Been along time since I've shot a 2216 but they are pretty tough as far as alums go.

[WV Hunter]

Ditto what the others said. 2216's would be my choice, given your setup. It's amazing (to me) how many different setups that a 2216 will work with. Probably the most versatile alum size there is. I'd opt for XX78's.

[silentassassin]

I prefer my aluminums with a layer of carbon wrapped around them

[Arthur P]

I would too, silent, if'n I had pockets deep as yours.