Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. Review

First Thoughts on the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz.

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. are a mid-range offering from Victory Archery aimed at the hunter or recreational archer seeking a balance of performance and affordability. The shafts boast high-quality carbon composite construction and a specialized ICE coating. This coating promises easy target removal and increased penetration, features that immediately piqued my interest.

My journey to these shafts started with a persistent problem: inconsistent arrow flight and penetration with my older, heavier aluminum arrows. I needed something lighter and more consistent for whitetail hunting in thick cover, where shot opportunities can be fleeting. I was primarily looking for increased arrow speed and flatter trajectory, making those snap shots at varying distances more manageable.

Unboxing the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. revealed a cleanly finished product. The carbon weave looked uniform, and the included nocks and inserts appeared to be of decent quality. The shafts felt surprisingly light, even before adding points, which immediately suggested a faster arrow speed.

I considered other similar shafts, such as the Easton Axis 400 and the Carbon Express Maxima Hunter 450. I ultimately chose the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. because of the ICE coating and the slightly lighter GPI (grains per inch) compared to the Easton Axis, hoping for a noticeable speed boost. The price point also played a factor; they offered a good balance of features for the cost. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; they seemed well-made, but the real test would be on the range and in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local archery range, both indoors and outdoors at varying distances. I shot the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. from my Mathews V3X 29, set at 65 lbs draw weight. The weather conditions were typical for late summer – warm and humid.

Right away, I noticed a significant improvement in arrow speed compared to my old setup. The flatter trajectory was immediately apparent, requiring less hold-over at longer distances (40-50 yards). The arrows grouped tighter than I was accustomed to, indicating good consistency between shafts. I was particularly impressed with how easily they pulled from the 3D targets, thanks to the ICE coating.

However, I did encounter a minor issue. The included inserts seemed a little loose in a couple of the shafts. I addressed this by applying a small amount of hot melt glue for a more secure fit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intensive practice and pre-season scouting, the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. continued to impress. They maintained their straightness and showed no signs of cracking or splintering, despite repeated impacts with dense foam targets. I also used them extensively during practice sessions in light rain; the ICE coating didn’t seem to be affected by moisture.

Maintenance was minimal. I periodically checked the fletchings for damage and cleaned the shafts with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Overall, they’ve proven to be relatively low-maintenance.

Compared to my previous experience with cheaper carbon arrows, the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. have definitely outperformed them in terms of accuracy, durability, and consistency. The tighter groupings alone were worth the investment. These arrows held up well to repeated impacts, something that budget arrows often fail to do.

Breaking Down the Features of Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz.

Specifications

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. offer several key specifications that define their performance.

• They are standard diameter hunting shafts constructed from high-quality carbon composite fibers. This material provides a good strength-to-weight ratio, contributing to arrow speed and durability.
• The shafts feature Victory Archery’s proprietary ICE coating. This coating is designed to reduce friction, making arrow removal from targets easier and increasing penetration on game.
• The straightness tolerance is +/- .003″. This indicates a high level of precision in manufacturing, leading to more consistent arrow flight.
• The weight tolerance is +/- 0.5 grains. A tight weight tolerance ensures that each arrow in the dozen performs similarly, contributing to tighter groupings.
• The shafts are available in various spine sizes: 300 (9.9 GPI), 350 (8.7 GPI), 400 (8.2 GPI), and 500 (6.9 GPI). This allows archers to choose the appropriate spine for their draw weight and arrow length.
• The 400 spine shafts have a GPI (grains per inch) of 8.2. This is a good balance for many hunting setups, providing a good mix of speed and kinetic energy.
• The package includes nocks and VF 22 grain inserts. This makes the shafts ready to assemble, saving the archer time and effort.

Performance & Functionality

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. perform admirably in their intended role as hunting and recreational archery arrows. Their accuracy is commendable, especially considering their mid-range price point. I consistently achieved tighter groupings at various distances compared to my previous arrows.

The arrow speed is noticeable, resulting in a flatter trajectory and making range estimation less critical. The ICE coating undeniably improves target removal and likely aids in penetration, although I haven’t had the opportunity to test this on game yet. A potential weakness is the slightly loose fit of the included inserts, requiring additional adhesive for a secure bond. The shafts meet my expectations for accuracy, speed, and ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. are designed with a focus on functionality and durability. The carbon composite construction feels solid and well-made, and the shafts are lightweight and comfortable to handle. The standard diameter makes them compatible with a wide range of arrow rests and accessories.

The sleek black finish and subtle graphics give them a modern, appealing look. There’s no real learning curve associated with using them. Any archer familiar with assembling arrows will find the process straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my testing, the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. appear to be quite durable. They have withstood repeated impacts with dense foam targets without showing any signs of cracking or splintering. With proper care and maintenance, they should last for several seasons of hunting and practice.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection of the fletchings and inserts. Replacement nocks and fletchings are readily available, making repairs easy and inexpensive.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. come with nocks and VF 22 grain inserts, providing a basic setup. Archers can customize them with various fletching options, including different sizes, shapes, and materials, to optimize arrow flight and stability. Broadhead selection is also crucial, and the shafts are compatible with a wide range of fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads.

The standard diameter allows for the use of aftermarket lighted nocks for improved visibility in low-light conditions. While Victory Archery offers a range of accessories, the shafts are also compatible with accessories from other popular brands like Easton, Bohning, and G5.

Pros and Cons of Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz.

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz.?

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. are perfect for hunters seeking a balance of performance and affordability. They are also well-suited for recreational archers looking for a durable and accurate arrow for target practice. Someone stepping up from beginner-level arrows would find these a great option.

Those who prioritize extreme durability or require specialized arrows for competitive shooting might want to consider higher-end options. For archers already heavily invested in broadheads and components specific to micro-diameter arrows, switching to these standard diameter shafts might not be ideal.

Must-have accessories include high-quality fletching glue (for securing the inserts) and a reliable arrow saw for precise cutting. Experimenting with different broadhead weights is recommended to optimize flight characteristics.

Conclusion on Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz.

The Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. offer an impressive blend of performance, durability, and value. The improved arrow speed and accuracy have noticeably enhanced my shooting experience. While the inserts could benefit from a tighter fit, this is a minor issue easily addressed.

At a price of $71.49 for a dozen, the value proposition is excellent, justifying the investment for archers seeking a step up in performance. I would definitely recommend these shafts to fellow hunters and recreational archers. If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate arrow without breaking the bank, give the Victory VForce Gamer Shafts 400 1 doz. a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Check Best Price HERE