Aluminum vs carbon

[Duker]

Hello one and all !! I am the proud owner of a new Matrix-330. Can someone please tell me if I can shoot aluminum arrows or do I have to stay with the Diablo carbon ones, included in the package ?? They are 18inches w/o any broad-heads of field tips. If aluminum is possible, what weight or code from Easton ( I believe ) would I need ?? Thanks in advance to all with any info. Duker.

[ehntr]

2216 or the stiffer 2219.

[bikerbob24]

I like the 2219 Easton , shoot them all the time out of all my bows.

[nchunterkw]

If you go aluminum get an arrow puller or be careful pulling them from a foam target as they will bend

[tharris811]

I have always shot alu. but this year for some unknow reason I shot carbon. bee spynal tap .So far I like them and may stay with them.

[fredd]

2219's

[xcaliber]

Carbon is more forgiving, I made the switch a long time ago, and just stayed with them.
Good Luck on your decision

[drkeenan]

I shot 2216 from my exomax with no issues.

[tomcat]

2219's for me as they group the best when straight. As said though, they are easy to bend, so buy an arrow puller. Check for straightness frequently and when you see groups "mysteriously" open up.
Main advantage of Carbon is it's durability over Aluminum.
Main advantage of Aluminum is it's straightness for dollar over Carbon.

I personally prefer Aluminum because I put them through a deer and pick up another for <$5 just about anywhere and of course they weigh the same. So I have a never ending replacement option when I do bend/lose one.

Carbon, is tough to find the exact same arrow with that type of nock components etc and you had...so usually most guys just factor it in and order a dozen or 1/2dz at a time.

IME - they cost the same in the long run...but it's easier to replace that 1 at a time that you lose or/break off in deer than to hide $50 -$100 on your CC bill from the wife:)

[leonk]

Check for straightness frequently

how do you check that?

EDIT: I just noticed I have been a member for 10 years (next month)! Time to celebrate :
and I am asking newb questions
I was a member before that too, but something happened and I had to re-register. It was around the time Red Label passed away, if anyone remembers that

[Duker]

A big Thank-you to all my Excalibur x-bow "brothers " for your info regarding aluminum vs carbon . Not only am I new to this forum , but new to x-bows as well. I will certainly seek more info from all you " veterans " of this wonderful Forum in the near future . Good shooting/ hunting to all. Duker !

[ehntr]

Check for straightness frequently

how do you check that?

EDIT: I just noticed I have been a member for 10 years (next month)! Time to celebrate :
and I am asking newb questions
I was a member before that too, but something happened and I had to re-register. It was around the time Red Label passed away, if anyone remembers that

You can buy an arrow spinner.......just google it. Or you can make your own using crossed finishing nails and a 2X4 or you can just take a couple coffee mugs out of your cupboard and...

[paulaboutform]

When I first started in archery aluminum was the best option we had over fiberglass and graphite. I don't want to offend the aluminum arrow users but it simply isn't the best option today, in my opinion. It can be less expensive up front but ultimately ends up costing you more because we all know what aluminum does best, it bends. I suggest you give Jerry at South Shore Archery a call. I read here yesterday that he's selling B.E. arrows for $31.00/dozen. You won't buy aluminum arrows for that price and the carbons will outlast them tenfold. My opinion.

[strum]

Check for straightness frequently

how do you check that?

EDIT: I just noticed I have been a member for 10 years (next month)! Time to celebrate :
and I am asking newb questions
I was a member before that too, but something happened and I had to re-register. It was around the time Red Label passed away, if anyone remembers that

You can buy an arrow spinner.......just google it. Or you can make your own using crossed finishing nails and a 2X4 or you can just take a couple coffee mugs out of your cupboard and...

that's the best arrow spinner if seen yet..thanks !!!

[leonk]

Indeed, thanks for the mug idea, always learn something here.
There was another argument against fg/carbon, they used to shatter occasionally at the moment of release , I have no idea if it is still a concern, but some people were badly injured in the past.