The Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk. Made a Bold First Impression
For over a decade, I’ve lived and breathed the world of outdoor and tactical gear. I’ve seen trends come and go, innovations that revolutionize, and plenty of products that fall flat. Archery, in particular, has always held a special place, demanding a unique blend of precision and raw power. When I first heard about the Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk. from Altra, I was immediately intrigued by their “NO SPINE Technology” and the claim of exceptional tunability.
My personal mission to find the perfect arrows began after a frustrating hunting season last year. My groupings were inconsistent, and I missed a shot I shouldn’t have. I knew the problem wasn’t my bow or my technique; it was the arrows. I needed something that offered unparalleled consistency and precision. That’s why, when I saw the straightness spec of up to 0.006 inches and weight matching to +/- 1 grain on these arrows, I decided they were worth a try.
Unboxing the Altra Novum 246 Arrows, I was immediately impressed by the build quality. The carbon shafts felt incredibly solid and well-constructed. The fletching, with its distinct white and grey Altra branded Q2i RAPT-X vanes, looked clean and professionally applied. Compared to some of the other arrows I’ve used in the past, like the Gold Tip Hunter XT or the Carbon Express Maxima Red, the Altra arrows seemed to prioritize precision machining and material quality above all else.
I chose these arrows over others because of the promise of NO SPINE Technology. While I have used arrows from other brands in the past and they have served me well, I wanted to move to a newer arrow design that has been created using some of the best arrow tech on the market. I was excited to see if the hype was real and if these arrows could truly deliver the superior tunability they claimed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Altra Novum 246 Arrows was at my local shooting range, under relatively ideal conditions. The weather was clear and calm, providing a perfect environment to assess their performance. I used my Mathews V3X 29 bow, set at 65 pounds draw weight, to send the arrows downrange.
Right away, I noticed a significant difference compared to my old arrows. The Altra Novum arrows flew straighter and with more stability. I was grouping much tighter than usual, and my confidence soared. There was a level of forgiveness I hadn’t experienced before, even on slightly imperfect releases.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both at the range and during some informal backyard practice sessions, the Altra Novum 246 Arrows have held up remarkably well. I’ve put hundreds of shots on these, and there is no indication of degradation to the carbon shafts or the fletching.
The durability has been a pleasant surprise. I have, on a few occasions, smacked one arrow into another with less than desirable accuracy. The Altra Novum 246 Arrows were undamaged, and I could quickly move on to my next shot. Cleaning these arrows is simple. After shooting, I typically just wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper arrows, the Altra Novum arrows are in a different league. They outperform my old arrows in every conceivable way – accuracy, consistency, and durability. The difference is tangible, and I’m now a firm believer in investing in high-quality arrows.
Breaking Down the Features of Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk.
Specifications
The Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk. boasts some impressive specifications that set them apart from the competition:
High-grade carbon shafts: These shafts are constructed from a proprietary blend of high-modulus materials, ensuring optimal strength and durability. This is critical for consistent performance and longevity.
Straightness spec: Up to 0.006 inches: This incredibly tight tolerance guarantees exceptional accuracy and consistency in flight. Most arrows out there can’t meet this specification.
NO SPINE Technology: This innovative technology allows for superior tunability, ensuring the arrows perform optimally with a wide range of bow setups. This helps ensure you have the most consistent shot possible.
State-of-the-art measuring equipment for straightness verification: Every shaft undergoes rigorous testing to meet the specified straightness, ensuring consistent performance across the board. This reduces the risk of “flyers” and improves overall accuracy.
Weight matched to +/- 1 grain: This precise weight matching ensures each arrow in the set performs identically. Consistent weight is essential for tight groupings.
32″ total length: The standard 32-inch length accommodates a wide range of draw lengths. This makes them a versatile choice for archers of varying sizes.
Comes in 6 pk fletched (1 white/2 grey Altra branded Q2i RAPT-X vanes): The high-quality Q2i RAPT-X vanes provide excellent stabilization and guidance in flight. The bright white and grey configuration also makes them easy to track visually.
Inserts and nocks included: Having these components included saves time and money. It also ensures compatibility right out of the box.
Premium components made from high-grade aluminum and stainless steel: The use of high-quality materials in the inserts and nocks contributes to the arrow’s overall durability and performance. These higher-grade components are better and will last much longer than more common low-grade components.
Performance & Functionality
The Altra Novum 246 Arrows excel in their core function: delivering accurate and consistent shots. The NO SPINE Technology truly makes a difference in tunability, allowing for fine-tuning to match individual bow setups.
The arrows’ accuracy is impressive, and I’ve consistently achieved tighter groupings at various distances. The straightness spec and weight matching contribute significantly to this performance. The arrows meet and exceed my expectations for accuracy and reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Altra Novum 246 Arrows have a sleek and professional design. The carbon shafts feel incredibly solid, and the fletching is neatly applied. They are comfortable to handle and offer a good balance.
The arrows are user-friendly and require no special expertise to use effectively. The included inserts and nocks simplify setup, and the overall design is intuitive. The learning curve is practically nonexistent, especially for experienced archers.
Durability & Maintenance
These arrows are built to last. The high-grade carbon shafts are resistant to bending and breaking, and the quality components ensure long-term reliability. I expect these arrows to last for several seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wiping down the shafts after each use and occasionally inspecting the fletching and nocks is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Altra Novum 246 Arrows come with everything needed to get started, including inserts and nocks. They are also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. Standard screw-in broadheads and field points fit perfectly, allowing for customization to suit specific needs.
The standard nock size makes it easy to experiment with different nock styles for optimized performance. The ability to customize the arrows with various broadheads and points makes them versatile for different hunting scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: The tight straightness spec and weight matching contribute to incredibly accurate shots.
- Superior tunability: NO SPINE Technology allows for optimized performance with various bow setups.
- High-quality construction: The use of high-grade carbon and premium components ensures long-term durability.
- Consistent performance: These arrows deliver consistent results shot after shot.
- User-friendly design: The arrows are easy to use and require no special expertise.
Cons
- Price: At $53.99 for a 6-pack, they are more expensive than some other arrow options.
- Fletching durability: While the Q2i RAPT-X vanes are high-quality, fletching is generally the first component to wear down with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk.?
The Altra Novum 246 Arrows are perfect for serious hunters and competitive archers who demand the highest levels of accuracy and consistency. These arrows are an excellent choice for experienced archers looking to upgrade their equipment.
Beginners or casual shooters might find the price point a bit steep. Those who are new to archery may find cheaper arrow options that will suit their needs better. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality arrow puller to make removing arrows from targets easier.
Conclusion on Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk.
The Altra Novum 246 Arrows .006 300 6 pk. are a top-tier product that delivers on its promise of exceptional accuracy and tunability. While they are more expensive than some other arrow options, the performance and quality justify the price for serious archers.
The investment in these arrows will undoubtedly improve your shooting and give you confidence in the field. I would personally recommend these arrows to anyone looking for the best possible performance.
If you’re ready to take your archery to the next level, give the Altra Novum 246 Arrows a try. You won’t be disappointed.