ATA 2017: Best New Arrows

Just when we thought arrow technology had run its course, the ATA Show floor proved us wrong.

Below are some of the best new arrows we saw while cruising up and down aisles at the archery industry's largest and most comprehensive show.

Impeccable Tolerances

Victory Archery sets to deliver only the industry's tightest tolerances with its all-new VAP TKO Elite. Straight from the VAP Low Torque line, the TKO Elite boasts a +/- .0001 straightness rating. The 100-percent-carbon TKO Elite is a micro-diameter shaft that features a ground-breaking construction process known as MaxxKe. At the heart of this technology is a 45-degree carbon weave, which reduces the twisting force transferred to the arrow when shot. The shaft recovers quicker to provide superior flight for increased accuracy. Shok inserts — 35 grains, 7075 hard-anodized aluminum; 95 grains, 303 stainless steel — aid penetration by harnessing the power of FOC. Victory's Nano Ceramic ICE coating further aids penetration and simplifies target removal. 

Twice the Accuracy

The Mayhem DS Series ($59.99; 6-pack Mayhem DS, $64.99; 6-pack Mayhem Hunter DS and Mayhem DS Hot Pursuit) of arrows from Carbon Express elevates hunting arrow performance by integrating proprietary Dual Spine Weight Forward technology, which fuses together different carbon materials for two spines in one to more effective manage energy and promote faster recovery. This allows the arrow to spin 20 percent sooner than competing arrows, delivering impeccable broadhead accuracy. The shaft's front section is constructed with CX's BuffTuff, the toughest and quietest carbon-arrow finish available. Every shaft is laser checked for straightness to a maximum variance of .0035 inch. Quad Raptor vanes are durable and steer broadheads effectively, and LAUNCHPAD precision nocks deliver consistent arrow departure.

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Throwback FMJ

Remember Easton's XX75 aluminum arrows in Autumn Orange popular from the 1970s to the late '90s? Well, Easton is throwing back its FMJ with the limited-edition 6MM FMJ AO ($79.99 per 6-pack), which closely resembles the XX75s of yesteryear, but boasts the modern performance of FMJs. It features the same base carbon core wrapped with a 7075-aluminum jacket as the regular 6MM shaft, but in a retro look all its own. Available in three spine sizes — 320, 390 and 470 — Easton offers the 6MM FMJ AO at a popular price point, giving everyday bowhunters the advanced performance of the FMJ in a throwback design that begs for attention.

Meet the Whiteout

Beman's ICS WhiteOut ($40.99) carbon bolt combines a strong, multi-laminate bright white carbon with field-proven components to deliver new-age graphics with lights-out performance. The white bolt improves in-flight visibility, and makes shot identification easier. WhiteOut bolts are weight-matched and 100 percent straightness-checked so you can achieve the tightest groups possible. The lightweight carbon construction is ultra-durable, yet flies at high velocities for flatter trajectory.

All-Inclusive Arrow Package

Rage simplifies the arrow-buying process with its new Simply Lethal Arrow ($59.99) package. No longer must bowhunters meticulously fletch and build arrows — the Simply Lethal Arrow package combines fletched arrows and broadheads. Each package contains three fletched Gold Tip arrows and your choice of the Rage SC 2-Blade 100-grain or the Rage SC 2-Blade 100-grain Chisel Tip broadheads, as well as a set of field points for target practice. The arrows come pre-cut to 29 ½ inches and are fully equipped with nocks, inserts and 2-inch GT vanes. The arrows have a ±.006-inch straightness tolerance and a ±.002-grain weight tolerance. Rage's reliable blade-retention system is the proven Shock Collar. Now, you can spend more time shooting and less time building arrows.

Be Aggressive

When you're searching for the perfect hunting arrow, chances are snazzy graphics will catch your eye. Sadly, those graphics don't always align with tight specs and lasting performance. But with the Velocity Valkyrie ($129.99) from Gold Tip, they do. This aggressive-looking shaft boasts ±.003-inch straightness and ± .5-grain weight tolerances. Five spine offerings run the gamut — 300, 340, 400, 500 and 600. The lightweight Velocity construction maximizes speed, but Gold Tip's 100% Pure Carbon Technology ensures durability is retained through repeated use. An industry first, the Velocity Valkyrie comes in a factory four-fletch configuration. The results are more back-end drag, faster stabilization, and group shrinkage by up to 75 percent. The hunt for a ritzy arrow that performs as well as it looks is finally over.

Lights-Out Lethality

SLASH Arrows with InsetBlade Technology gained high honors, and now the company builds on that success by introducing the SLASH Carbon Bolt. Unlike other bolts on the market, the SLASH Carbon Bolt features patented INsetBlade Technology to inflict a 275 percent larger wound channel than other leading arrow/broadhead combinations, but without the wind resistance since the blades are contained within a 4-inch section of the shaft. All SLASH Carbon Bolts are matched to weight with broadheads and field tips before they are shipped, delivering the most consistent performance money can buy.

Perfect Complement

Elite Archery now offers the Enforcer 350 arrow to perfectly complement your Elite bow. Of course, the Enforcer 350 works with other bows, too. It features tight specs and is made from 100-percent high-modulus carbon fiber, which delivers impressive strength and durability. At 8.7 grains per inch, the Enforcer 350 is moderately weighted, and its smooth finish simplifies target removal, enhances penetration and rides quietly across your arrow rest. Made in the U.S.A., Enforcer arrows feature a .245-inch inside diameter, and are weight matched to +/- 0.5 grains.

Traditional Taste

The Instinct ($64.99 per 6-pack) from Black Eagle Arrows is the first micro-diameter carbon arrow to feature a traditional wood-grain look. A 15/64-inch diameter ensures minimal wind resistance and promotes penetration. The Instinct features a +/- .005-inch straightness rating, and it's available in 350, 400, 500 and 600 spine sizes. Cresting and 3-inch feathers help bolster the Instinct's traditional appeal. Durability is a Black Eagle mainstay, and the Instinct exudes toughness by also incorporating a 100-grain Super Tough outsert to improve FOC. The result is irrefutable performance when it counts.

Compete with Cobalt

No Limit Archery's lineup welcomes the all-new Cobalt arrow shaft. The Cobalt is constructed from 100 percent high-modulus carbon material, and it's a low-profile, lightweight shaft designed for speed and forgiveness when shooting competitively from unmarked yardages. A +/- .001-inch straightness rating means the Cobalt boasts impeccable tolerances. It's designed for target archers, specifically FITA and recurve shooters. To boot, No Limit offers Cobalt-specific components, including 3-D target points and pin-nock bushings.