Easton Axis vs FMJ arrows? For me, this is an obvious question because the results you’ll get from these arrows are quite the same. But, of course, there are some tiny differences.
I want to share these differences without getting lost in arrow specs, and too many details.
Quick Answer!
The most significant difference between Easton Axis vs FMJ is while Easton Axis is made entirely from carbon, FMJ is made with a carbon core wrapped with an aluminum alloy metal jacket, which gives FMJ a couple of advantages over Axis. Yet, both are top-notch arrows.
Get Axis Arrows if you want to have a better FOC.
Get FMJ Arrows if you wish to heavy hunting arrows.
◊ There wasn't a good answer on the internet for the compression of Easton Axis vs FMJ arrows except for lots of archery forum discussion. So, I’ll give you some critical informations about Easton Axis and Easton Full Metal Jacket…
EASTON - AXIS | EASTON - FMJ |
|---|---|
Pre-installed X Nocks | Pre-installed X Nocks |
X HIT 8-32 inserts included | X HIT 8-32 inserts included |
Straightness: ± .003” | Straightness: ±.002” |
High-strength carbon-composite fibers | High-strength carbon core with 7075 metal jacket |
But for me, Full Metal Jacket is one of the best arrows Easton makes. Let’s find out why.
Easton FMJ Hunting Arrows
Easton FMJ Advantages
Why do you need heavier arrows?
If you’re a hunter whose eye is always on deer-sized animals or smaller ones, that’s not a big deal. But if you’re chasing on the bigger game like elk or moose, you’ll want that little extra weight. It’ll provide extra knockdown power on the larger framed animals. The heavier the arrow, the smaller the diameter, the deeper they go into your targets.
If you shoot with a light arrow, a lot of energy of release ends up staying in the bow. You’ll get less efficiency. The arrow will not carry as much energy.
Image source: Youtube- Easton Bowhunting / Full Metal Jacket Advanced
Difference Between Easton Axis vs FMJ
The diameter of the FMJ is smaller. A small diameter has a couple of advantages. It penetrates better on impact than the larger diameter arrows of the same weight traveling at the same speed. But it's so minuscule that you'll never notice. Even so, small diameter and thick wall carbon-fiber core provide deeper penetration and more durability.
Additionally, the small diameter makes the arrow more predictable on the crosswind. If you think about it, the wind is actually pushing against the side of the arrow and fletching. So, if your diameter of the shaft and the fletchings are small, wind cannot force your arrow from the side. Hence, your accuracy will be more predictable because you don’t get as much as drift in those conditions.
FMJ is one of the greatest hunting arrow ever made.
Info!
A 7075-T6 metal jacket gives a more consistent spine, straightness, and weight than all-carbon arrows.
◊ Are you buying arrows online?
I’ve been buying arrows online for years and never had any problems. However, before you make the purchase, don’t forget to check the seller’s return policy. You’ll have a right to return within a specific timeframe. If you don’t think this is the right choice for you, you can always return!
FMJ Disadvantages
FMJ arrows dent easily compared to axis arrows. Axis is more durable in the long run. But, durability isn't a huge issue.
FMJ is better as long as you shoot at different spots. If not, you can loose the quickest 10-15 bucks of your life while you’re practicing.
Yet, the fact is, pack any arrow into a tight group, and there is a chance for arrow damage. It’s not FMJ’s problem. If you don’t mistreat them, it’ll be ok.
Why Full Metal Jacket?
The reasons you choose the FMJ can be because of its weight, 5mm shaft, and it’s aluminum properties. Aluminum has less surface tension than carbon, and that means better penetration.
You cannot beat an FMJ for penetration in a hunting arrow.
Easton Axis Carbon Arrows
The Axis can beat at the same weight (with better FOC) and won't bend easily like FMJ.
The biggest problem of Easton FMJ against Axis is the possibility of bending. Even most of the cases where arrows bend originates by people’s fault, many archers/hunters switched over to Axis since the probability of FMJ’s bending.
Axis is one of the best carbon arrows with its little straightness tolerance.
Besides, Easton Axis offers 24% more kinetic energy density than standard diameter carbon arrows for bigger game.
Info!
Both the AXIS and FMJ are using the same nock, same HIT insert, and same RPS point.
Make your decision!
According to my research, most hunters who switched from FMJ to Axis are pleased about their decision. Additionally, nearly 80-90% of them are people wearisome of the FMJ bending problem.
Easton Axis vs FMJ comparison test
There are some amateur tests done by people who’s trying to find best option for them.
For me, the differences are so tiny. But you can check these quick tests which have been accomplished to see which arrow held an external force and which one of them can maintain its straightness.
Even if it loses it’s straightness a little bit, the winner of competing Easton FMJ vs. Axis is the FMJ arrows.
Easton Axis carbon arrows have been easily broken.
Axis if you want to have a better FOC; FMJ if you wish to heavy hunting arrows.
Tip for Weight of an Arrow
The FMJ arrows are great for increasing a ton of mass weight and building momentum. But FOC will always suffer. On the other hand, the Axis will make more FOC due to the lighter GPI.
With some work, you could have a lighter arrow that is more aggressive in the FOC and could have the potential of penetrating like heavier arrows.
If you’re only thinking about weight increase and this is your only desire, then dropping down a spine rating and increasing tip weight is an option as well. Lastly, finish the tuning with the shaft length, and you will be good to go.
Why Easton?
They both fly fantastic out of a bow.
I like the small diameter Easton shafts (FMJ and Axis) because they produce such remarkable penetration and are less affected by wind drift from a crosswind.
Easton is the only company (because of their patents) that can put the insert entirely inside the shaft and thus make those small diameter shafts very streamlined.
Even though this seems like a minor factor, it feels better to me to have the insert completely inside the shaft.
Note: Easton 5mm Full Metal Jacket arrows previously called Easton Axis Full Metal Jacket Arrows.
Conclusion
Most of the archers/hunters stick with a tiny defect of FMJ, which is arrow shafts that are easily bent. But, they cannot see the big picture. Of course, it’ll bend easier than the Axis because of the aluminum surface. On the other hand, the aluminum surface brings a ton of advantages to these arrows. That’s why the FMJ hunting arrow is one of the best in the market.
Both are great and would get the job done. Both have quality shafts and reliable components used in their construction.
As far as durability, I think they are about the same, rarely breaking or bending either. If you get a side impact, the Axis will break, and the FMJ will bend, so both could receive some damage.
EASTON AXIS
EASTON FMJ
Whatever you do, I recommend that you stick with Easton. Easton built its long-standing reputation on delivering years and years of accuracy.
References
- 1https://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread.cfm?threadid=426188&forum=2
- 2https://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5380581
- 3https://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4824673
- 4https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651338
- 5http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?PHPSESSID=panmdivteqonnulvvh9gnmfga6&topic=99874.20
- 6http://www.midwestwhitetail.com/faq/easton-fmj-arrows-163052/
- 7https://www.abbeyarchery.com.au/p/AAFMJ/Easton+5mm+Full+Metal+Jacket+arrow+dozen.html
- 8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77eek12HmBY
- 9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07po8RXrh4Y
- 10https://eastonarchery.com/arrows_/5mm-axis-carbon-arrows/
- 11https://eastonarchery.com/arrows_/5mm-full-metal-jacket/
