[Konrad]

in reply to: VANES or FEATHERS ?? #15521

For the record, I use a modern (Bear, ‘07 Truth) compound bow but am converting to ammunition in the Ashby style, hence my presence here.

I currently use the Blazer vane; however, they are quite rigid but work well with a drop away or shoot through rest. I would be hesitant to shoot them from a traditional shelf be it flat or with a radius. I also own a Kodiak Magnum.

Testing has shown a high profile (the Blazer is .6 of an inch tall), short (2 inches) vane steers a fixed blade as well as or better than 4 or 5 inch plastic vanes or natural feathers with less drag. My Magnus Stinger, 2 bladed broadheads are very accurate (same point of impact as my field tips) at 240 fps. My shafts are Easton 2413 alloys with a total weight of 480 grains.

Beyond 40 yards, the feathered shaft looses speed faster than the Blazer but we aren’t shooting at game that far are we?

All that being said, my wife says my Blazer equipped arrows “sound like rockets” when they go by. Don’t get me to explain how she can hear them without being in danger (she’s really fast!).

In the pursuit of a higher level of FOC, my next fletching will be Gateway Feathers’ Rayzr. They only weigh 1.5 grains each as compared to the 5 grains each of the Blazers. They are almost as tall at .5 inches and are the same basic length of 2 inches. Hopefully, I will also gain a more quiet flight as they advertise “Whisper Quiet Technology”. They supposedly cut the fletching from a specific part of the feather to enhance quietness. Don’t get me started on advertising baloney. We’ll see.

Oh, and for the fellow who suggested using one feather and two plastics…uneven weight distribution around the shaft will undoubtedly produce a nice spiral.
In the past I shot shot allot in the rain and can find no reason to believe plastic is a better option.

[Konrad]

in reply to: ammo selection #13393

David Petersen wrote: Konrad — The ABS folks are far more familiar with compound set-ups than anyone here is likely to be, and they’re anxious to spread this important info to the compound community. So go to their website and either email or call Garrett or Ed with your questions. They have a shaft that’s right for you. I also advise you forget 19 percent as a goal and try for 25% or better, which is where I see the greatest “upward pulse” of penetration advantage. With synthetic shafts and heavy heads you can attain it easily and will be happily surprised at how good the flight will be, even with vanes, out to reasonable yardage. dave

Thanks Dave,

I did speak with Ed (nice fellow, very well informed and receptive to compound shooters as well). We had quite the conversation on my philosophy that the 375H&H is excellent for deer and other varmints.

He suggested Alaskan shafts and the “Test Kit” of field points to find what worked well.

I’m reverting…converting back to natural fletching, Rayzr 2 inch, “high profile” with my current ammo (for better FOC) and will start there with the ABS shafts. I would think the Rayzr would be a natural fit in the pursuit of the EFOC goal.

25% FOC is hard to get my mind around but statistics bear out your suggestion. I may not be very smart, but I am persistent.

Now, all I have to do is convince my Chief Financial Officer…

Once again, thanks for you feedback.
K

[Konrad]

in reply to: Intentional Shoulder Shot #8811

I wonder…what animal in the butcher’s shop would “duplicate” the shoulder/upper leg (OK, OK, scapula/tibia)for back yard testing?

[Konrad]

in reply to: Performance Report: A successful failure #64106

Even if this hunting tip had NOT struck bone and had only become lodged in the shoulder socket and then been destroyed as the animal moved forward, its design/construction still remains questionable.

Who can believe they will never encounter bone(s) and/or forces contrary to “simple” penetration when hunting?

[Konrad]

in reply to: A long look at fletching and EFOC #61680

On the subject of light fletching…Has anyone used the Gateway Razyr. They are “high profile” and light and only 2 inches long.

They look like an off the shelf EFOC aid.

[Konrad]

in reply to: ABS Maasai single bevel broadhead give away Winner #61632

Please count me in. Testing new things is my favorite part of the sport!

[Konrad]

in reply to: Greed…the difference between rifle and bow hunters #58626

Five deer…I think you had either start looking for another group or start hunting earlier, alone.

If a fellow will take five deer in one season (by any means), I would be concerned for my safety were I in the woods with him!

It is difficult not to get a bitter taste in one’s mouth from a bad hunting situation. I once had a poor experience with a group of dove hunters on the opening day of archery season. This was after six months of research, scouting and planning. Bozos are in every state and county.

Keep your chin up.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Tuning #56272

If I may make a suggestion?
The steps should be distilled (as much as possible) and listed steps i.e. 1, 2, 3, etc.

I believe step one begins at bow style. Explanations of design types and theories behind the technologies should be sub-groups.
Step two would be draw weieght selection and the rational.

Who is going to write this book???

[Konrad]

in reply to: Any other Bear Archery enthusiasts here? #54958

I still have a Kodiak Magnum 52lb. I bought new in the 70’s. I also had a Kodiak compound and now have the Truth.
Tried other brands in 45 years of casting shafts, always wander back to Bear. No more “shopping” for me.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Help With Some Comparisons on EFOC? #54955

Remember, I’m just beginning this journey…

Total arrow weight: 482 grains
Total head weight: 145 grains
Arrow Length: 29.125 inches
E(???)FOC: 10.94%

2413 Easton X-7 shaft, 10.2 gpi, 60 lb. hard cam Bear Truth compound (27 inch draw), 235 fps
3, 2 inch Blazer vanes (total weight 19.5 grains), 11.3 grain Bohnig Signature nock

The doctor is correct in that tuning the alloy shaft to the bow is more critical than when using carbon composites. I have attempted adding weight to the point ends of these shafts. Groups open rapidly and trajectories degrade dramatically as well.
I hope this helps.

I sense new ammo on the horizon.

[Konrad]

in reply to: ignoring facts #54199

Rogue wrote: I have friends also who don’t wish to be confused by facts.

I spent a few years where I hung up the stick bow and got into the wheels thinking it was more effective. Durring that time I was chastized for shooting “telephone poles” as my buddies called them. I never understood the idea that a flatter trajectory was any benefit with a set of wheels for the sake that the sites make it much easier to compensate for arrow drop.

I will agree that just about any arrow broadhead combination placed properly will kill any deer on the earth, I am not enough of an optimist to think that every arrow released will hit the exact mark and not encounter any obsticle.

I have not found the perfect combination for my setup yet but I am still playing at it.

Thank you Dr. Ashby for the unbiased opinions that you share. When can we see all the Ashby Reports published in book form?

Bill

Just a note: I actually use a 60 pound “modern” compound bow (Bear Truth) with sights, stabilizer and release. My goal is to use the best technology and data from any source to maximize my successful hunt. My luck dictates bone(s) in the way. Grizzlystix and a “test point pack” are in my future. Single bevels will be next.

I just don’t have the steam to accuratly draw my 55 pound Kodiak Magnum and enjoy the experience any more.

PS I have also found there is no such thing as “too much gun” in the field.

[Konrad]

in reply to: You Favorite Broadhead and why ? #10852

I second donpatch. Elk are tougher than deer; however, nothing like a moose. They and the Great Bears are what we should be armed for. If they are taken care of; elk, sheep and deer are a slam dunk.

Like the sage said, “Use enough gun”.

I too had not read Dr. Ashby. It should be a mandatory read with every archery license sold!

[Konrad]

in reply to: NRA pros and cons #10703

The National Rifle Association is the only, powerful PAC that defends the second amendment with rhetoric, advertisement and voting campaigns.

It also happens that its money comes from membership dues and membership dues alone.

If “progressives” get all they desire, possession of archery equipment would be illegal along with anything else that could be construed as a weapon.

After all, a man armed with a short recurve and a couple of dozen broadhead tipped arrows could wreak havoc in a shopping mall.

Nothing in this world is perfect but the NRA is the best we have protecting our basic freedoms.

The ACLU sure isn’t going to bat for weapons ownership!

[Author]

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