I dunno... We had aluminum arrows a good 25 years before we got linear fiberglass laminates for our limbs. If a fiberglass laminated bow is traditional, then aluminum arrows MUST be traditional also since they came before.

Some guys say 'traditional' is the same as saying 'pre-compound.' We had fiberglass arrows in the early 60's, before the compound was invented. The manufacturing process for carbon arrows isn't much different from those old fiberglass shafts so, really and truly, I don't see how carbon arrows can be un-traditional.

The only kick I've got about carbon arrows on traditional bows is their weight. Without adding weight to them, they leave too much energy in the bow. I don't care whether it's my recurve or my longbow, they are uncomfortable to shoot with carbons that weigh 6-7 grains per pound. On the other hand, adding weight to the carbons to get them up around 9-11 grains per pound, the bows settle right down and shoot great.

They have some great benefits as well. They work over a wide spine range, so you don't have to go through all the frustration of finding that one exact perfect size to fit your bow. Their small diameter has the effect of making any bow act more centershot. When properly weighted, I feel the small diameter helps with penetration on game.

Now, don't get me wrong. I like the re-enactment aspect of traditional archery as well as anyone. I LIKE wandering around the woods with a dozen good cedar arrows in my quiver, using a bow I've whittled out of a stave. Since that's how I started out, many years ago, it makes me feel like a kid again. However, I'm also a pragmatist. I cannot ignore the practicality of carbon arrows. IMO, they've got a LONG way to go before they ever get close to matching aluminum arrows for accuracy and consistency, but they've got enough going for them for me to keep some in my arrow box.

I've come to like Carbon Express Terminator Selects. They're a fiberglass/carbon composite arrow that weighs about the same as a 2315 without adding additional weight to the shaft. I've had better results with them than I've had with ANY all-carbon arrow. If only I had a good, local source for them.[&o]