I have been in the archery/bowhunting business for close to three decades, and it is a rare occurrence when I see something these days from manufacturers that can truly be called “revolutionary.” The new Deep Six technology from Easton and New Archery Products (NAP) can be described as just that.
“The challenge was to develop an internal-fit component system that would enable the first-ever use of an ultra-micro G series arrow shaft for hunting with the added design parameters of increased precision, more strength and better broadhead alignment,” said Ted Palomaki, Easton Technical Products VP of Product Engineering. “The result is Deep Six."
The premise started with the fact that small-diameter carbon arrow shafts offer less drag when penetrating through game, making their use a highly desirable way to achieve increased performance while enhancing both accuracy and reducing both drag and wind drift, which increases arrow speed. However, once the shafts reach a certain diameter, there is a case of diminishing return when trying to incorporate screw-in ferrules for attaching broadheads so that this mating remains super strong and straight.
The answer was the development of stronger, more precise inserts built from stainless steel that is 65 percent stronger than conventional aluminum inserts. These new inserts also provide 40 threads/inch—about 25 percent more than conventional inserts—which results in a stronger, more precise point-to-insert connection that will not come loose. The added weight also increases the shaft’s FOC (Front Of Center) by moving weight forward, which increases accuracy.
To complement the new insert system, NAP then developed a series of Deep Six broadheads that taper down to match the shaft diameter for less friction and drag during flight and throughout arrow penetration. Deep Six broadhead ferrules work in concert with X and G series micro-diameter shafts to drive through big game with less resistance. The overbore ferrule creates a channel wider than the shaft, decreasing friction for deeper penetration and more pass-throughs. In contrast, conventional shaft/broadhead combinations undergo friction throughout the entire flight of the arrow and during target impact and penetration. This decreases kinetic energy density—and therefore penetration—as the arrow is slowed by air resistance and the target.
When using Deep Six inserts, NAP’s Deep Six broadheads are compatible with Easton Carbon Injexion, A/C Injexion, Axis and Full Metal Jacket shafts, as well as Beman Bone Collector arrows. There is also a wide variety of 100-grain Deep Six broadhead designs, including the Thunderhead Razor, Big Nasty, Bloodrunner and Spitfire and the all-new Killzone mechanical.
I had a chance to test Deep Six technology last year before it was released to the public, and have to tell you that the combination results in highly accurate broadhead/arrow shaft combinations, even when shot from today’s new high-performance compound bows. And the strength of the broadhead/ferrule connection is unparalled. You can get more information from your local dealer or at Easton Archery or New Archery Products.