Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. Review

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. Made a Bold First Impression

The world of archery is a constant pursuit of precision, consistency, and that perfect arrow flight. The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. promises to deliver just that, boasting industry-leading straightness and a unique construction for unparalleled tunability. I was intrigued by the claims of “NO SPINE Technology” and wanted to see if these arrows could truly revolutionize my shooting experience.

My own quest for these shafts stemmed from a persistent struggle with arrow inconsistency. I’ve been fine-tuning my bow setup for years, chasing tighter groupings at longer distances, especially for whitetail hunting. I needed arrows that could deliver consistent performance shot after shot, minimizing the impact of minor imperfections in my form.

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. arrived well-packaged, and my initial impression was positive. The shafts have a sleek, understated finish, and the included components appeared to be of high quality. The weight felt consistent across all the shafts, a crucial factor for accuracy.

I had been using Easton Axis 5mm shafts and Black Eagle Carnivore shafts prior to this. I chose the Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. primarily for their claimed straightness tolerance of .001″ and the promise of improved tunability due to the “NO SPINE Technology”. These features seemed like a significant upgrade over my existing arrows.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The claims were bold, but the initial inspection revealed a product that appeared well-made and ready to perform. I was eager to get these shafts on the range and see if they lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. at my local archery range, both indoors and outdoors. I also took them to my hunting property to practice from my treestand at varying distances. The conditions ranged from a dry, sunny day to a slightly damp and breezy afternoon.

The shafts performed admirably in both environments, displaying remarkable consistency in trajectory. The wind seemed to have less effect on these arrows compared to my previous setups. I experienced a much tighter grouping with these arrows at 40 yards than with the Easton Axis 5mm shafts.

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. were relatively easy to tune to my bow, though the NO SPINE Technology required a slightly different approach. I had to experiment with different point weights to achieve optimal flight. There were no initial issues, but I did notice that the factory-installed nocks required a very slight adjustment for a perfect fit on my string.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. have proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. The carbon weave shows no signs of fraying or splintering, even after repeated impacts on tough targets. The anodized finish on the aluminum components remains pristine.

The shafts have held up remarkably well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear beyond minor scuff marks on the vanes. I have been particularly impressed with their ability to withstand repeated target impacts without bending or breaking. The included components, such as the nocks and inserts, have remained securely in place.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving cleaning the shafts with a damp cloth after each shooting session. I occasionally inspect the fletchings for damage and replace them as needed. These shafts have outperformed my previous arrows in terms of durability and consistency over time.

Breaking Down the Features of Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz.

Specifications

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. boasts the following specifications:

• Straightness: .001″. This industry-leading straightness ensures consistent arrow flight and tighter groupings.
• Spine: 400. This spine rating is suitable for bows with a draw weight within a specific range, offering optimal energy transfer and accuracy.
• Diameter: 246. This diameter provides a balance between wind resistance and target penetration.
• Construction: Proprietary blend of high modulus carbon. This construction provides strength, durability, and consistent performance.
• Technology: Altra Arrows NO SPINE Technology. This design is intended to enhance tunability and improve consistency.
• Components: Premium aluminum and stainless steel. These high-grade components ensure reliability and longevity.
• Quantity: 1 Dozen (12 Shafts). A standard quantity for purchasing arrow shafts.

These specifications are vital because they directly impact the arrow’s flight characteristics and accuracy. The straightness tolerance is paramount for consistent grouping, while the spine rating ensures proper energy transfer from the bow to the arrow. The NO SPINE Technology is intriguing, promising greater tunability and forgiveness in the shooting process.

Performance & Functionality

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. performs exceptionally well, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable performance. The shafts group tightly at various distances, even in slightly windy conditions. The NO SPINE Technology seems to contribute to a more forgiving shooting experience, minimizing the impact of minor form inconsistencies.

The primary strengths of these shafts lie in their accuracy and consistency. The minimal straightness deviation ensures that each arrow flies predictably, allowing for tighter groupings. The one weakness is the price point.

The shafts meet and, in some cases, exceed expectations. The accuracy and consistency they provide are noticeable improvements over my previous arrows.

Design & Ergonomics

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. features a sleek and understated design. The high-modulus carbon construction feels solid and well-made. The weight is consistent across all shafts, contributing to balanced flight.

The design is functional and purposeful, with no unnecessary frills. The shafts are easy to handle and fletch, though the NO SPINE Technology might require a slightly different tuning approach for some archers. There is a very minimal learning curve with these shafts.

Durability & Maintenance

The high-modulus carbon construction of the Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. suggests that they will last for many seasons of shooting. The shafts have already proven their durability through repeated target impacts and exposure to various weather conditions. The premium components, such as the aluminum inserts and stainless steel points, further contribute to their longevity.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and fletching replacement. The shafts are easy to inspect for damage, and any necessary repairs can be performed quickly and efficiently. The durable construction and easy maintenance make these shafts a worthwhile investment for serious archers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz. come with premium aluminum inserts and nocks. The inserts accept standard screw-in points, allowing for customization with various weights and styles. The nocks are designed for optimal string fit and consistent release.

These shafts are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket fletchings, wraps, and points. Archers can customize the shafts to their specific preferences and shooting style.

Pros and Cons of Altra Centrum 246 Premier Shafts .001 400 1 doz.