Sniper, Why do you choose the XX 78's of all the aluminums available? Because it's the best most prooven aluminum shaft available? It would be my choice in aluminum too. I've shot and shattered a lot of different cheap carbon arrows. I'm A firm believer in if it works don't fix it. I don't think I'd choose an ACC carbon shaft over a XX either. Not A Game Tracker, PSE Carbon Force or any other of these cheap broken arrows I got in this box. I would however choose a Easton Axis or better carbon arrow over the XX's. The full metal jacket's I've heard are awesome, but I can't seem to get rid of my ST Axis arrows I have. My bow hunting mentor sounded just like you guys, and finally this year he got a new bow. His XX's worked great with his old bow, not so well with this new bow. He tried my arrows and shot the best 3D round of his life. Just emagine what he could do if his bow was actually tuned for the small diameter arrow and his pins were set up for them! Then he says, yea, but are they tough enough?" and shot my arrow into a cement brick, the brick shattered and my arrow is fine, minus the Thunderhead, it's toast. I don't know what your bow situation is, but I was reading some of the authors posts and believe he's switching to a light weight , light draw bow. When switching bows, it's a good time to experiment and find out what's going to work best for him. Arrows made for 70 lbs draw, aren't made for 30-40 lbs draw at the same draw length. I'd try the XXand use them as a base line to compare different cabons too. I in know way endorse using cheap carbons though. Personally I'd start with Axis or Beeman and go up from there.

Bigcountry, yea a whole 7 years. I'm a fast learner with great teachers. I've also been hunting for at least 31 years unless you count sling shots, kiddy bow, bb guns, and pellet gun? Then it's more like 35 years. 4 deer a year is my actual archery average. Had A real bad year last year, had nearly every piece of hunting equipment and weapons stolen just before rut, all was scent free and packed into my hunting trailer. A trailer small enough to pull behind my motorcycle, car or truck, big enough to hold everything from tent, bow, guns, cloths, boots, climber, tags, maps....everything, trailer and all, gone. I still managed to get 1 deer last year and a couple durring gun season. I'M not here to offend or impress anyone. I'm here to learn, laugh and share what I've learned with others and maybe make a friend or two. Is that OK with you? I might learn something from you anyways wether you like it or not. lol
Now I can appreciate quality wood arrows. I am a master wood worker by trade. I know nothing about building wood arrows and long bows but can appreciate the skill it takes. Maybe someday I'll give that A whirl.