The Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve seen countless arrow points come and go. Many promise exceptional penetration and target durability, only to fall short during critical moments. The Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. caught my attention with its cone-shaped design and claims of reduced deflection, and frankly, the price of $19.99 for a dozen made it an easy decision to try them out.
My primary need was to find a durable point that could withstand repeated impacts on dense 3D targets at my local archery club. Over time, standard field points begin to deform, impacting arrow flight and accuracy. The promise of a steel construction and screw-in weight compatibility felt like a potential solution to this problem.
Upon unboxing, the Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. presented a solid impression. The points had a noticeable heft thanks to their steel construction. The cone shape appeared precisely machined, and the threads for the weight system were clean and well-defined.
I’ve previously used standard field points from Easton and broadheads from Rage. The Easton field points, while affordable, lacked the robust construction I desired for prolonged use on tough targets. Rage broadheads, excelling in hunting scenarios, were overkill and far too expensive for regular target practice. The Carbon Express points seemed to strike a good balance between durability, functionality, and cost.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. exuded an air of ruggedness that other field points often lack. I was eager to see if their performance would match their promising build.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local archery range. I was shooting at a variety of 3D targets, ranging from deer and bear to smaller varmints, at distances between 20 and 50 yards. The weather was dry, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for accurate arrow flight.
The Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. performed admirably during their first outing. Penetration was excellent, sinking deeply into the targets with minimal deflection. The cone shape design appears to have lived up to its promise, slipping through the denser foam layers with greater ease than standard field points. I found them remarkably easy to seat into the target; no more wrestling and struggling to pull my arrows out!
The only initial concern was the audible “thud” upon impact, suggesting a harder impact than I was accustomed to. This raised concerns about potential damage to the targets over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. have proven to be remarkably durable. Minor scratches are present, but there is no sign of bending or deformation. The points continue to hold their shape, ensuring consistent arrow flight.
Maintenance has been virtually non-existent. I simply wipe them clean with a dry cloth after each session to remove any foam residue. So far, the steel has not shown any sign of rust.
Compared to my previous experience with standard field points, the Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. outperform them significantly in terms of durability and penetration on 3D targets. The harder impact is a trade-off, but the points’ longevity makes it a worthwhile compromise in my experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk.
Specifications
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Cone-Shaped Point: The defining feature is the cone-shaped design, intended to reduce deflection and improve penetration in hard targets. This shape helps the arrow glide through the target material, rather than catching and bending.
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Steel Construction: The points are constructed from steel. This provides exceptional durability and resistance to deformation.
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Inner Chamber: An inner chamber is tapped to accept screw-in point weights. This allows archers to customize the front-of-center (FOC) of their arrows for improved accuracy and stability.
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80 Grains: Each point weighs 80 grains. This is a standard weight for target archery and 3D shooting.
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#2 Size: The #2 size is intended for specific arrow shafts. It is important to ensure compatibility with your arrows before purchase.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The steel construction ensures longevity, while the cone shape and weight customization options enhance accuracy and penetration.
Performance & Functionality
The Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. perform exceptionally well in their intended role. They deliver consistent penetration and minimize deflection on 3D targets. This translates to improved accuracy and tighter groupings.
Their primary strength lies in their durability. These points can withstand repeated impacts without showing significant wear. The design could be improved if Carbon Express were to incorporate some kind of shock-absorbing material, as impacts can be harsh.
The product meets and exceeds my expectations for target archery and 3D shooting. They have become my go-to point for practice and competition.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The steel is precisely machined, and the cone shape is consistent across all points in the pack.
The points are user-friendly and require no special tools or techniques to install. Simply screw them onto your arrow shafts.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction ensures that the Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. will last for a considerable amount of time, even with frequent use.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth. The steel is fairly resistant to rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary customization option is the ability to add screw-in point weights. This allows archers to fine-tune the FOC of their arrows.
The points are compatible with standard screw-in weights from various manufacturers. This provides a wide range of customization options.
Pros and Cons of Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk.
Pros
- Excellent durability due to steel construction.
- Cone-shaped design reduces deflection and improves penetration.
- Compatible with screw-in point weights for FOC customization.
- Affordable price point compared to other durable points.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Harder impact can potentially damage 3D targets over time.
- Audible “thud” upon impact may be distracting to some users.
Who Should Buy Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk.?
Pros
- Excellent durability due to steel construction.
- Cone-shaped design reduces deflection and improves penetration.
- Compatible with screw-in point weights for FOC customization.
- Affordable price point compared to other durable points.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Harder impact can potentially damage 3D targets over time.
- Audible “thud” upon impact may be distracting to some users.
Perfect for: Archers who frequently shoot at 3D targets, those seeking a durable and reliable point for practice, and archers who want to experiment with FOC customization.
Who should skip this product? Archers primarily shooting at softer targets or those concerned about potential damage to 3D targets.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A set of screw-in point weights to fine-tune FOC and a good arrow puller to aid in removing arrows from dense targets.
Conclusion on Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk.
The Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. are a superb choice for archers seeking a durable and accurate point for 3D target practice. Their steel construction, cone-shaped design, and weight customization options provide excellent performance and versatility.
The price of $19.99 for a dozen is more than justified by their longevity and improved accuracy. They represent a great value for money.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carbon Express Pin Points Tank 23D 80 gr. #2 12 pk. to any archer looking to upgrade their target points. Don’t hesitate – invest in these points and experience the difference for yourself!