Easton 4mm Avance Shafts Review

First Impressions of Easton 4mm Avance Shafts

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts promise a blend of speed, forgiveness, and durability, targeting competitive archers and field shooters alike. Easton is a name synonymous with archery excellence, and these shafts aim to leverage that reputation with a design focused on lighter weight and heavier point options. I was eager to see if these shafts lived up to the hype, especially given the increasing demand for smaller diameter shafts in modern archery.

For years, I’ve been shooting larger diameter shafts, primarily for their line-cutting ability in 3D archery. However, I recently started struggling with wind drift at longer outdoor target distances and decided to explore the world of smaller diameter shafts to improve my scores. The promise of increased speed and reduced wind drift, without sacrificing too much durability, is what drew me to the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sleek, black carbon finish. The shafts felt incredibly light, yet surprisingly sturdy. Compared to my previous 5mm shafts, these were noticeably slimmer and more aerodynamic looking. Initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive, sparking my excitement to get them onto the range.

I was deciding between the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts and the similar diameter offerings from Black Eagle and Victory Archery. Ultimately, the reputation of Easton’s quality control and the slightly higher advertised straightness tolerance swayed me towards the Avance. My first impression left me excited to see how these shafts would perform and if they would truly improve my accuracy at longer distances.

Real-World Testing: Putting Easton 4mm Avance Shafts to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts was the local outdoor archery range, with target distances ranging from 20 to 80 yards. The weather was fairly calm, allowing me to focus on the inherent accuracy of the shafts without too much wind interference. I paired the shafts with 120-grain target points and Easton pin nocks for a complete setup.

The most noticeable difference right away was the increased arrow speed. The lighter shaft weight allowed for a flatter trajectory, resulting in less need to compensate for drop at longer distances. I found the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts easy to tune to my bow, achieving tight groupings at 50 yards within the first few shots. There were no immediate issues, and the smooth flight of the arrows instilled confidence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including practice sessions and a local field archery tournament, the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts have held up remarkably well. I’ve put hundreds of shots downrange and haven’t experienced any catastrophic failures or significant durability issues. The all-carbon construction seems to be resilient, even after glancing blows against the target and the occasional pass-through.

There have been a few minor instances of fletching damage, likely due to my own errors during arrow retrieval, but the shafts themselves have remained straight and true. Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each shooting session to remove any dirt or residue. Compared to my previous, thicker-walled arrows, the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts have exceeded my expectations in terms of maintaining their integrity under regular use.

Breaking Down the Features of Easton 4mm Avance Shafts

Specifications

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts are constructed from durable, all-carbon material. This construction results in a lighter overall weight compared to previous Easton models. The lighter weight allows for heavier point weights, improving downrange performance at typical competition draw weights.

• Straightness Tolerance: The Avance shafts boast a +/- .0025 straightness tolerance. This is a critical factor contributing to consistent arrow flight and accuracy.
• Compatibility: They are compatible with Easton’s line of precision components, including pin nocks and points. This ensures a seamless and reliable setup.
• Quantity: The shafts are sold in packs of 10. This provides enough arrows for most archers’ needs, including spares.

These specifications translate directly into improved accuracy and consistency on the range. The tight straightness tolerance ensures that each arrow flies true, minimizing deviations and tightening groupings.

Performance & Functionality

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts excel in providing a fast, flat trajectory and increased forgiveness. The lighter weight and smaller diameter contribute to less wind drift, especially at longer distances. This makes them ideal for field archery and outdoor target competitions where wind conditions can significantly impact scores.

While not as durable as thicker-walled hunting shafts, the Avance strikes a good balance between performance and longevity. The only real weakness is their higher cost per shaft compared to entry-level options. However, their improved performance and accuracy outweigh this drawback for serious competitive archers. The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts meet, and often exceed, the expectations for a high-performance target arrow.

Design & Ergonomics

The sleek, black carbon finish of the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts is visually appealing and contributes to their aerodynamic profile. Their smaller diameter makes them less susceptible to crosswinds. The lighter weight is noticeable in hand, making them comfortable to shoot for extended periods without fatigue.

There is no real learning curve associated with using these shafts. As long as they are properly spined for the archer’s bow and draw length, they are ready to be fletched and shot.

Durability & Maintenance

While not indestructible, the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts are surprisingly durable for their lightweight construction. The all-carbon material resists bending and breaking under normal use. However, direct impacts with hard objects or other arrows can still cause damage, so care should be taken to avoid such situations.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving inspecting the shafts for cracks or damage and cleaning them as needed. Regular fletching replacement will also be necessary over time, depending on usage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts are designed to be used with Easton’s proprietary line of 4mm components. This includes a variety of point weights, pin nocks, and fletching adapters. The Avance shafts are compatible with most standard fletching jigs, allowing for easy customization of arrow setup.

While not directly compatible with all aftermarket accessories due to their specific diameter, there are numerous options available within the Easton ecosystem to tailor the arrows to individual preferences.

Pros and Cons of Easton 4mm Avance Shafts

Who Should Buy Easton 4mm Avance Shafts?

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts are perfect for competitive archers and serious target shooters. These shafts are also ideal for field archers who prioritize speed, accuracy, and reduced wind drift. Anyone looking to gain a competitive edge at longer distances will benefit from using these shafts.

Those who should skip this product are beginners or casual archers who are primarily focused on recreational shooting at shorter distances. The higher price point may not be justified for those who don’t need the performance benefits offered by these shafts.

A must-have accessory for these shafts is a high-quality fletching jig for precise arrow assembly. Having a reliable arrow squaring device is also recommended to ensure proper point alignment.

Conclusion on Easton 4mm Avance Shafts

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts are a top-tier option for archers seeking to maximize their performance on the range. The combination of speed, accuracy, and durability justifies their higher price point. I would personally recommend these shafts to any serious archer looking to elevate their game.

The Easton 4mm Avance Shafts offer a compelling value proposition for competitive shooters. If you’re ready to invest in your accuracy and take your shooting to the next level, give the Easton 4mm Avance Shafts a try. You won’t be disappointed!