I just got off the phone with Jeff from Gametracker. He called me at home to make sure that I was O.K. NOW THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE!
It appears as though I may be at fault for the breakage. I didn't use the recommended glue for the arrow's construction. Gametracker recommends that you use the 24 hour epoxy for the construction of these arrows. I used the quick set gel for the inserts on both ends. I can't say as I know why this matters, but the fact of the matter is that I didn't follow the correct instructions for there construction, and Gametracker knows arrows better than I ever will!

Jack Nass also reminded me of an incident that occured last night that could have contributed the shafts failure. While shooting my 3D round he was hovering around coaching me on form etc. He dropped an arrow right in-between two of mine, and did make contact on one of the arrows. After pulling them we did give it the bend test, but not the twist test. It is entirely possible that this is the arrow that failed.

Gametracker has a video which shows the proper way to check ALL carbon arrows for stress fractures etc. I believe any of your Pro-Shops will be able to get their hands on a copy. The test is performed basically by bending slightly and twisting the shaft. Any soft spots will be immediately evident.

I am sure this was a one in a million event after talking with someone from Gametracker. These arrows have been thoroughly tested, and their integrity will be just fine provided we follow both the construction details for the arrows as well as the testing of the shaft if ever there is any question about whether or not it is ok.

Happy Shooting!



>>>------Tony Virnoche------>>>
>>>---The Archery Program--->>>

Tony,

I am a little confused. Did you leave a post in another thread about your having problems with some Carbon Express arrows?

I use them as well and am totally happy with their performance.

I asked at my local shop the other day about theses shafts and they told me that a few of there shooters were using them and they were braking very easily and recommended I not buy them.

I can't say I know what difference it makes between using epoxy and quick set gel either. Except I loose more inserts in targets with epoxy than I do with gel.

Since gel has worked fine for me with no problems on Bemans, GoldTips and PSE carbons, and since all the pro shops in my area are now using gel instead of epoxy for making up all brands of carbons, that sounds like a little smoke and mirrors cop out to me.

Could have been the arrow slap that ruined the arrow. Could have just been a rotten shaft. I guess we'll never know.

Hope you didn't have to dig bits of carbon out of your esteemed person.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

This sure is a hot topic. I am &quot;REAL&quot; interested in how it turns out. This arrow has become quite popular with shooters. Could it be a problem that comes along because there are so many people shooting them? Or is it a problem that can be explained and avoided?

Waiting to find on my end.