Victory Arrows
The VTAC-23 and it's carbon covering: is it good?
The V-TAC Target Series from Victory Archery has three shafts: V-TAC 23, marketed as the largest diameter arrow allowed under World Archery Federation regulations and the most versatile indoor and outdoor line cutter; the V-TAC 25, designed for 3D and Field circuits; and the V-TAC 27, “the most accurate, consistent, and forgiving indoor arrow”. All shafts are colourcoded, are 100% high modulus (stiff) carbon fibre and each comes in the following arrow straightness tolerance range: V1-yellow +/-.001 (Elite), V3-green +/-.003 (Gamer), V6-red +/-.006 (Sport).
This California-based manufacturer is still a lesser-used brand outside the US, most likely because its online image is still largely focused on the hunting market. Nevertheless, Victory Archery offer an extensive range of arrows for Field, 3D, Target, and even a special Youth arrow line. Their latest mission is to promote their target lines and build new relationships with archery dealers worldwide. Their biggest competitor is Carbon Express, but I think they are capable of giving them a run for their money.
Established in 2006, this relatively young company was sold in 2010 to the automotive and aerospace industry giants Mitsubishi Chemical America (MCA). Victory Archery was born under the management of Steve Greenwood, a man who has dedicated his career to archery and the carbon business. He helped establish the American Arrow
Company, later purchased by Easton, and started a carbon business with Blackhawk Arrows, later purchased by Gold Tip. But by far the most fateful move was the sale to MCA, which provided access to the most advanced technologies and manufacturing processes. Their team now consists of carbon industries ‘veteran engineers’ who “thrive on innovation”. Very exciting indeed.
V-TAC 23 Specifications and Performance
My V3 ‘Gamer ‘set of test arrows came at 31 inches uncut, with a very thin 0.314 inside diameter and spined at 480 (with 270 and 380 also available). Each arrow comes with an F type nock and a 16gr Uni-bushing, an insert designed to protect the end of the shaft. My 480s are complemented with a glue-in set of 150gr target points (sold separately), which have been slightly redesigned to make them less prone to bending and easier to retrieve from the target. Pin nocks and bushings are also available for this shaft; target points are available in 80, 100, 120 and 150gr. Like all Victory’s shafts, V-TACS also possess signature features such as Spine Aligned, Matched Weight and Ice Nano Ceramic Coating: every arrow is digitally aligned and each dozen is +/0.5 grain weight. The ceramic coating allows for improved target penetration and easier arrow removal. I had no trouble retrieving mine out of a layered foam boss.
I tested them outdoors with my barebow set up at 10 and 20m, unfletched. I normally shoot thin shafts, Easton ACGS, so it took me a while to retune my plunger and I had to redo my nocking points to suit the new nock fitting; which I did not mind, but what I did have a slight problem with was fitting the nocks into bushings - it took me a while and two sets of pliers definitely helped. Once that was done, I got to shooting. Starting at 10m to begin with, I walked back to 20. Sadly, due to spatial restrictions, I couldn’t test them at any longer distance, though I think the grouping would have been just as tight as it was at 20. I can see why bushings exist and how they help save the arrow shaft: a few nocks were grazed in the process!
The 90 Degree Weave
This is the first time that carbon weave has been used on the outside of the shaft. It acts like a protective casing - it protects the unidirectional fibres of the inner tube which controls the arrow spine and is meant to minimise arrow damage when grouping is tight. The fibre orientation of the outside weave has changed – it went from 45 degrees used in TKO series, to 90 degrees. Victory’s engineers have explained this change by saying that they were looking into finding ways of stabilising the arrow quicker, and increasing its durability. It is useful to take a closer look at this and see how their claims are backed up. By “quicker stabilisation” I mean the initial oscillations of the arrow as it leaves the bow. The engineer explained that the outside weave minimises the “collapsing drinking straw effect” of the inner carbon tube which controls the spine, and thus helps the arrow recover faster from the initial flexions.
I cannot account for the durability of the shaft as I haven’t used it long enough yet, but here is how the engineers worked on increasing the V-TAC’S durability. They tested the arrow shafts at short distances against a concrete wall, with the aim of reducing the amount of spawling (spreading of the carbon threads on impact, like opening an umbrella). With the earlier shaft model (45 degree weave), the spawling was substantial, 3 inches, but uniform in pattern. This uniformity indicates that the shaft was cut well and its properties were uniform. With this latest shaft, the spawling was reduced to a minimum - 1/4 of an inch - virtually no damage. The damage patterns indicate the quality of carbon used, whether or not the shaft can be used again afterwards. Victory’s head engineer added that it is “the most consistent, the most advanced arrow line we’ve ever made from a spine consistency stand-point, and we are very proud of it”.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT CARBON WEAVE HAS BEEN USED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHAFT.
Verdict
Ideally, I would have liked to have shot at 30m distance and longer, but it wasn’t possible under current restrictions. From what I have experienced, I am excited, and not only for the quality and grouping ability, but also the price. A made-up dozen will cost me from around 180-190 GBP . I will take that any day and will be less precious about damage, too Certain retailers allow you to order single shafts. Having never used these arrows before, I cannot wait to test them out properly at distance - and am tempted to try their thinner shafts too.