Is there that big of a difference in .003+/- and .006+/- shafts? I've always used .003s but for the price that you can get .006s for ...

There is a use for reject arrows ! Arrow Antenna Co makes antennas for amateur radio use .The elements are reject arrows from IIRC Easton !!They still have the paint on them .

I've been shooting for 45 years and am an archery dealer. There are those that say they can tell the difference between .001 and .003 tolerance arrows. I say horsepucky !!!! I don't think anyone can shoot well enough to tell the difference between an .001 and a .006. If you shoot them all out of a Hootershooter (bow shooting device), they will all stack up together and that is a mechanical device with no variance from shot to shot. I personally shoot .003 and .006 interchangeably and really don't see any difference. When all is right with the world and my technique is good, they all go where aimed.

The biggest issue when comparing low cost carbon arrow to the expensive carbon arrows is the consistency of wall thickness and weight distribution. many lower priced carbon arrows have large variations and that will affect arrow flight.

I prefer aluminum because at any price point, the aluminum will be made to higher levels of consistemcy. Carbon will always cost more than aluminum to equal the same quality standards in manufacturing. Carbon is more labor intensive and the raw materials cost more.

I'm perfectly satisfied with letting those who think they need the ultra straight arrows pay the premium and keep the not so straight ones inexpensive.

I've got an aluminum arrow with the tip kinked it sloots quite well. I suppose it depends where the bend is. .003-.006 isn't much damned difference if you ask me. But then I'm not what you would call a "precision shooter."

On the same note I hate aluminum shafts. Carbon arrows last me so much longer. I suppose if a person only shot at target butts it might be different but bouncing them off rocks and logs sure takes a toll on aluminum.

Bouncing ANY arrow off rocks damages the arrow. With aluminum, you can see the damage. With carbon, the damage is hidden. Eventually, that carbon arrow will fail. There are more and more reports of carbons arrows splitting upon release of the shot. The result is the arrow shaft pierces the shooters arm or wrist. Carbon arrows, when they fail will splinter. if they fail in the target, some of the meat may be ruined. If it splinters in the shooters arm, major surgey is required to remove all the fibers. If there becomes a way to test carbon arrows for structural integrity, then I will buy them. Until then, aluminum arrows are safer.