There are Gold Tip Tradtional shafts, less than .006 straightness and for about $16 more per dozen there are Gold Tip Traditional XT shafts, less than .003 straightness. Are these shafts of equal strength and quality other than the straightness issue? Is there a marked benefit to spending $16 to get the XTs?
When GT first hit the market, their sales REp showed at a shoot.
We discussed this. He told me that 90% of the "runout" (difference in straightness) was on the ends.
He said if one was dilgent, bought the cheaper ones, cut half of what you want taken off a shaft from EACH end, and you loose much of the difference in straightness between the two for a lot less money.
I've done that for years!
If you need arrows longer than 29.5", the effect might be mooted a bit, but I share that ditty for what it's worth!
Doc,this is interesting!!
I shoot a 31" arrow so it may be that the extra bucks are worth it.
Exactly what I have been told and works for me. I see no difference from my compound shooting XT Pros and XT Hunters
I shoot the standard GT Trads. No deer on my wall new the difference, but my wallet did say "thank you". :)
Doc Nock, I had a local pro shot owner tell me the same thing. Even if you cut one inch off the nock end, you are removing a good bit of the lack of straightness.
The GT traditionals are also heavier in grains per inch due to woodgrain finish.