Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. Review

The Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. Made a Bold First Impression

The Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. might seem like a small, insignificant part of the archery equation, but those who understand the nuances of arrow building know that these little guys are crucial for precision and consistency. Easton is a legendary name in archery, renowned for their quality and innovation. I sought out these inserts to address a persistent issue with my current arrows: inconsistent broadhead alignment.

My journey with archery began over a decade ago, initially focused on traditional recurve bows and slowly transitioning into compound bows and crossbows for hunting. I’ve always enjoyed the customization aspect of archery, building my own arrows from bare shafts. Achieving perfect arrow flight is the ultimate goal, and the insert plays a vital role in connecting the arrow shaft to the point or broadhead.

Upon receiving the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk., the first thing I noticed was the clean, machined finish. Each insert looked uniform and ready to install. The weight felt appropriate for their size; I anticipated they wouldn’t significantly alter the front-of-center (FOC) balance of my bolts. These replaced some generic inserts I’d been using, which I suspected were contributing to inconsistent arrow grouping. I chose these over similar products from other manufacturers because of Easton’s reputation for tight tolerances and reliable performance. I was cautiously optimistic that these inserts would improve my arrow accuracy.

Real-World Testing: Putting Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. primarily at my local archery range, focusing on crossbow bolts intended for deer hunting. The range allowed me to shoot distances from 20 to 60 yards, mimicking typical hunting scenarios. I installed the inserts using standard arrow-building techniques, ensuring a secure bond with archery-grade epoxy. Performance was immediately noticeable, especially with broadheads.

Under normal range conditions, the bolts with the new inserts grouped noticeably tighter than those with the previous inserts. Even with a slight crosswind, the arrows appeared more stable and less affected by the external factors. The ease of use was also a plus. The inserts slipped into the bolt shafts with minimal effort, indicating good dimensional accuracy. After the first use, I was relieved to find none of the inserts were loose or damaged after repeated impacts with the target.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent practice, the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. has held up remarkably well. I’ve put approximately 300 shots through the arrows with these inserts, and I’ve seen no signs of loosening or fatigue. There has been no visible wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs from target impacts. I’ve inspected them regularly and the epoxy bonds are all still rock solid.

Cleaning and maintenance are virtually nonexistent. I simply wipe down the bolt shaft after each shooting session, and the inserts require no special attention. Compared to my previous experience with cheaper inserts, these Easton inserts are significantly more reliable. The previous inserts often required re-gluing or even replacement after a few dozen shots; these Easton inserts inspire confidence in their longevity and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk.

Specifications

The Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. boasts a simple yet effective design, engineered for crossbow bolts that accept a 9mm diameter insert. These inserts are designed for use with most standard 9mm inner diameter crossbow bolts. The package includes 12 individual inserts, providing enough for a full set of bolts with spares. Their light weight ensures minimal impact on the overall arrow weight and balance.

The inserts are constructed from a durable aluminum alloy, providing a good balance of strength and weight. The 9mm diameter ensures compatibility with a wide range of crossbow bolts. The importance of these specifications lies in their direct impact on arrow flight and consistency. A well-matched insert ensures proper broadhead alignment, reducing wobble and improving accuracy at longer distances.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. is to provide a secure and aligned interface between the bolt shaft and the point or broadhead. They perform this task admirably. The broadhead alignment is noticeably improved compared to my previous setup. This results in tighter groupings and more consistent impact points.

The inserts do exactly as they are intended to, and the performance exceeds expectations. There’s really nothing to criticize about the functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. is straightforward and functional. The aluminum construction provides good strength without adding excessive weight. The inserts are easy to handle and install, requiring no special tools or expertise. The simple design minimizes the risk of installation errors and ensures a reliable bond with the bolt shaft.

These inserts are incredibly user-friendly. I have no doubt that even a beginner archer could easily install these without any issues.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the aluminum alloy construction and simple design, the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. is expected to last a considerable amount of time under normal shooting conditions. The alloy is corrosion-resistant, further enhancing their longevity. The robust design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Maintenance is minimal. Just wipe them down when cleaning the bolts and re-apply epoxy if they happen to become loose after very prolonged usage (though this is not expected).

Accessories and Customization Options

The Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. doesn’t come with any additional accessories; however, they are designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of points and broadheads from various manufacturers. These inserts enable the use of aftermarket lighted nocks, and various broadhead designs. The inserts are compatible with most standard archery epoxies, providing flexibility in terms of installation.

Pros and Cons of Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk.

Who Should Buy Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk.?

The Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. is perfect for crossbow hunters seeking to improve their arrow accuracy and consistency, especially when using broadheads. Arrow builders will find these inserts to be a reliable and high-quality component for their custom arrow setups. Casual target shooters who want to reduce arrow wobble and improve grouping will also find value in this product.

This product isn’t necessary for those who are happy with their current arrow flight and are not experiencing any issues with broadhead alignment or consistent grouping. Users who use different sized bolts should obviously avoid it. There are no must-have accessories, though using a high-quality archery epoxy is recommended for secure installation.

Conclusion on Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk.

The Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. is a seemingly small, inexpensive component that delivers a noticeable improvement in arrow flight and accuracy. The durable aluminum construction, combined with easy installation, makes them a worthwhile investment for any crossbow hunter or target shooter looking to improve their performance. For a price of $8.99, these inserts offer exceptional value.

I would personally recommend the Easton 9mm Bolt Insert 12 pk. to anyone seeking to enhance their archery experience. If you’re struggling with inconsistent arrow flight or broadhead alignment, these inserts are a simple and effective solution. Upgrade your bolts today and experience the difference that Easton quality can make!