First Impressions of Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706
Bohning, a name synonymous with archery excellence, offers the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706, designed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of your arrows. These 7-inch wraps, specifically tailored for carbon arrows, promise minimal overlap and compatibility with any fletching adhesive. At 8 grains each, they offer a lightweight solution for customization.
As someone who takes pride in meticulously crafting my arrows, I was on the hunt for a wrap that wouldn’t just look good, but also improve fletching adhesion and overall arrow durability. I’ve battled with wraps that bubble, peel, or add excessive weight, hindering arrow flight. The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 caught my eye as a possible solution, promising ease of use and reliable performance.
The wraps arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The colors (Red and White) were vibrant and true to the online images. Holding the wraps, they felt thin and pliable, suggesting easy application and a minimal impact on arrow weight. Compared to thicker, more rigid wraps I’ve used in the past from brands like AAE and Easton, these felt almost delicate, which initially gave me pause, but also intrigued me.
I picked the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 over other wraps because of Bohning’s reputation for quality and the wraps’ specified design for carbon arrows, aiming to minimize overlap. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see how they performed in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 at my local archery range, under sunny, dry conditions. The application process was surprisingly smooth. The wraps adhered easily to the carbon arrow shafts with minimal effort. I simply cleaned the shaft, peeled the backing, and carefully rolled the wrap onto the arrow.
The vinyl material conformed nicely to the arrow’s surface, and the minimal overlap, as advertised, was a definite plus. After fletching the arrows with my standard glue, I noticed the fletchings seemed to bond more securely compared to when applied directly to the carbon shaft. My first few shots were promising. The arrows flew true, and the wraps showed no signs of peeling or shifting.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice the wraps seemed more susceptible to scratching compared to the thicker wraps I’m used to. A light brush against the target face left a visible mark.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 have held up reasonably well, but with a few caveats. The fletchings remain firmly attached, proving the wraps’ value as an adhesive base. However, the wraps themselves show more signs of wear and tear than I anticipated.
The colors have faded slightly, and the surface is covered in minor scratches and blemishes from regular use. They have been subject to light rain and humidity. While the adhesive hasn’t failed, I can see some slight lifting at the edges of a couple wraps.
Cleaning is straightforward. A simple wipe with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. The wraps haven’t outperformed my heavier, more durable wraps in terms of longevity. But they have delivered on their promise of improved fletching adhesion and minimal weight. Given that wraps are essentially consumables anyway, I feel I am still getting value.
Breaking Down the Features of Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706
Specifications
- The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 are designed by Bohning and specifically engineered for carbon arrows. This focus helps to ensure a proper fit and optimized performance.
- They are 7 inches in length. This provides ample surface area for fletching and customization, without adding excessive weight.
- Each wrap weighs approximately 8 grains. This is a lightweight design, minimizing the impact on arrow FOC (front-of-center) and overall trajectory.
- The wraps are made from durable vinyl. This material offers good adhesion and resistance to tearing, while allowing for flexibility during application.
- They are available in Red and White colors. This provides basic aesthetic options for personalizing your arrows.
- Designed for arrows up to 19/64 inch diameter. This specification is important to ensure proper fit and minimal overlap.
- Any fletching adhesive can be used. This versality allows archers to use their preferred adhesive without concern for compatibility.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the arrow’s flight characteristics, durability, and overall performance. The lightweight design helps maintain a consistent trajectory, while the vinyl material provides a reliable base for fletching. The diameter range ensures a snug fit, preventing slippage and maintaining accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 perform their primary job effectively: providing a clean, adhesive-friendly surface for fletching. The fletchings adhere securely, resulting in improved arrow stability and accuracy. The minimal weight adds no discernable change to arrow flight.
A strength is the ease of application. The wraps are easy to apply and conform well to the arrow shaft. A notable weakness is their susceptibility to cosmetic damage. They scratch and fade more easily than other wraps I’ve used.
The wraps meet my expectations for improved fletching adhesion and minimal weight. However, they fall short in terms of long-term durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 feature a simple, functional design. The vinyl material is lightweight and easy to handle. Their thin profile ensures they don’t add bulk to the arrow.
The build quality is adequate. The vinyl is consistent in thickness and free from defects.
There is virtually no learning curve. Application is intuitive and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 should last a reasonable amount of time under normal shooting conditions. However, heavy use or exposure to harsh environments will accelerate wear and tear. I would anticipate needing to replace them more frequently than heavier-duty wraps.
Maintenance is minimal. Wiping the wraps with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. However, scratches and blemishes are difficult to remove.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 do not come with any accessories. Customization is limited to color choice (Red or White) and the fletching design you choose to apply.
The wraps are compatible with all standard fletching adhesives and fletching types. This provides archers with a wide range of customization options.
Pros and Cons of Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706
Pros
- Improved fletching adhesion for enhanced arrow stability.
- Lightweight design minimizes impact on arrow trajectory.
- Easy to apply with minimal overlap.
- Compatible with any fletching adhesive.
- Bohning brand reputation for quality.
Cons
- Susceptible to scratching and fading.
- May not be as durable as thicker wraps.
- Limited color options.
Who Should Buy Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706?
The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 are perfect for archers who prioritize improved fletching adhesion and minimal weight. They are also a good choice for those who value ease of application and versatility with fletching adhesives. Target shooters and recreational archers who don’t subject their arrows to extreme conditions would likely benefit the most.
Those who need maximum durability or who frequently shoot in harsh environments might want to consider thicker, more robust wraps. Archers seeking vibrant, long-lasting colors might also be disappointed.
A fletching jig is a must-have accessory for applying fletchings to the wrapped arrows.
Conclusion on Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706
The Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 offer a good balance of performance, ease of use, and value. While they may not be the most durable option on the market, they excel at providing a clean, adhesive-friendly surface for fletching without adding unnecessary weight.
The price of $37.99 is reasonable for the performance and features offered.
I would personally recommend the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 to archers who value improved fletching adhesion and ease of use, as long as they are aware of the wraps’ susceptibility to cosmetic wear.
If you’re looking for a reliable and lightweight arrow wrap to enhance your fletching performance, give the Bohning Arrow Wraps 1401706 a try. Your arrows will thank you.