Switching to a new model of shaft after several decades on the exact same reference is a daunting prospect. The history and reputation surrounding a specific arrow reinforce its perceived value and reliability. Since it absorbs the most energy once the string is released, it is also the component most likely to break if poorly manufactured or if a structural weakness exists, running a direct risk of injury. New arrivals capable of disrupting the established order are rare. It was therefore with high expectations and considerable interest that I opened this pack of Podium X A/C (Aluminium/Carbon) shafts, marking my first equipment test in a long time.
Preparation and Workshop Assembly
The manufacturer recommended a 350 spine to match the Easton X10 380 spine arrows I currently shoot. To ensure a safety margin and avoid ending up with excessively stiff shafts, I initially decided to cut the tubes one inch longer than my usual draw length.
As my objective was solely to test the behaviour of the shaft without altering other variables, I retained my usual components. With the manufacturer having confirmed accessory compatibility, I installed my existing X10 tungsten points and Beiter In/Out nocks.
Selection Tests: Bare Shafts at 70 Metres
My systematic method for evaluating the quality of a batch and overall grouping consists of shooting full ends of unfletched shafts at 70 metres. It is a radical sorting method, but one that has always yielded reliable results.
Test 1: The first end immediately indicated that the shafts were too weak. The extra inch left during cutting was superfluous.
Test 2: Returning to the workshop, I removed this excess inch in a single cut to match the Podium X shafts exactly to the length of my X10s. Back on the shooting line at 70 metres, the result was significantly better. I obtained a main group of 8 arrows between the 10 and the 7 at the top right. Three or four arrows drifted slightly further from the central group, a standard behaviour frequently observed even with brand-new batches of X10s.
Fletched Tests in Optimal Conditions
The fletched arrow test had to be postponed by a few days due to the D1 finals in Boé—an event far too important to risk switching arrows without prior validation.
Upon my return, I finalised the assembly of the complete set. To eliminate external disruptions (rain, wind, changing light) and ensure perfect flight conditions, I conducted the initial tests indoors at the World Archery Excellence Centre.
After starting practice with my usual X10s without altering any bow adjustments, I shot the first Podium X: it landed on the 5-6 line, bottom right. I adjusted the pressure button by a few clicks as well as the sight. The five subsequent arrows grouped in the 10. From this very first end, the arrow responded exceptionally well to my execution, and the group was visually superior to my current standards.
To validate this feeling, I decided to shoot two scored rounds on the same day:
- Morning: A promising 340, despite one end dropping to a 52 where execution failed.
- Afternoon: Following a period of rest to approach the line fresh, I confirmed the form with a 343 series.
Validation Under Pressure: The Lausanne Tournament
To push the evaluation under higher stress levels, I decided to use this batch of shafts the following Sunday at the Lausanne tournament, which included match-play phases.
From assembly and warm-up, the sight picture looked good. The qualification round started with a bit of tension, as usual, but the ends remained consistent (54, 53). On the fifth end, my sight aperture broke. I finished the end as best as I could with the broken equipment, which caused a few low impacts, followed by a couple of arrows outside the zone on the next end while replacing the sight block.
The second distance proved excellent with groupings unseen so far this season, notably a 58 including 4 Xs grouping within the diameter of a £2 coin. The arrows remained consistent and accountable to my execution errors throughout the qualification.
During the three rounds of matches in the afternoon, the arrows held the zone perfectly, with the exception of a single poorly executed shot. Despite the tension, I concluded the gold medal match with a 10 on the tie-break arrow to take the win.
Tuning Optimisation and Current Performance
Following this tournament and after a few more training sessions, I noticed that the overall setup could be further optimised. I recently changed the string to modify the nocking point height and fine-tune the clearance, while keeping the string tuned for the X10s as a backup.
Since this adjustment, my bare shafts group consistently in the gold with the fletched arrows. The group is tight, and the last two scored rounds this week, recorded at 675 and 679, confirm both the bow setup and the quality of the shaft.
Provisional Conclusion
In my view, the Podium X A/C shafts meet the rigorous demands of elite performance perfectly. It remains to be seen how durable the tubes are over time, after several hundred shots, to verify if the precision and grouping remain constant. However, in terms of value for money, even if it proves necessary to replace competition shafts regularly, the operation remains significantly more economical than using a selection of X10 shafts. Two further dozens are on the way. Next competitive test this 15 July.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this test.
