What’s the difference between arrow inserts and arrow outserts?

You’re probably wondering:

What’s the difference between arrow inserts and arrow outserts?

The short answer is…

Archers install arrow inserts to help secure the points of the arrow to the shaft. Meanwhile, an arrow outsert lets you punch a standard or giant-sized hole on the shaft.

Most archers do not prefer outserts because it is difficult to get a perfect fit for the shaft most of the time, and by design, they would wobble a lot. However, outserts these days solve wobbling problems, making it an excellent option for archers to enhance accuracy.

On the other hand, an insert offers more security when fixed inside the shaft. You can see the inserts with a coating of glue that perfectly follows the shaft. That is why archers prefer inserts more because it offers more stability. Also, by design, inserts will always be straighter than outserts.

Moreover, another difference between an arrow insert and an arrow outsert is the compatibility with the shaft. Arrow inserts are not always compatible with arrow points, making it challenging to find a perfect fit. On the other hand, you can adjust outserts according to the size you need.

Can you change arrow outserts?

You can change your arrow outserts. Sandwich your arrow outsert around the shaft, so the post sits on the inside, tight against the shaft. Then put the outsert sleeve on the outside to slide against it and keep it fixed in the shaft.

Here is a step-by-step on how you can change your arrow outserts. You can follow this for a more precise process.

1. Select the correct outsert for your shaft.
2. Slide your outsert over your shaft and do a spin test if you prefer. This step is what archers refer to as dry fitting.
3. In case your outsert does not shift to your shaft, do not worry. Get 100-grit sandpaper and lightly rub it to the shaft in a circular motion. Do that until the outsert fits perfectly on the shaft. Rub the shaft slowly so you do not remove too much of the arrow.
4. Clean the shaft. Wipe off any dust if there is with a clean paper towel. Make sure to remove all the dust.
5. Do the spin test again to ensure concentricity. Rotate the outserts inside the shaft until it spins perfectly.
6. Using a silver or black sharpie, mark the outset and the shaft to get a perfect alignment once you apply the glue.
7. Apply an even amount of epoxy or glue around the shaft. It ensures that the glue channels get enough glue to hold the outsert and the shaft together.
8. Once you have glued the outsert, stand the arrow on the nock end and let it dry.
9. After a few minutes, check it again to see if the outsert settled in its place.

Outserts do not make an arrow bulletproof, but you can confidently hit about anything with outserts in your arrow. It is best to use glue or epoxy to ensure the outserts stay in place. However, that will reinforce at the end so that the carbon is as strong as it can be.

Outserts also help to reinforce an arrow. Although the carbon is substantial and works very well, it is still fiber put together, and on hard front impacts, it tends to mushroom out. With outserts in place, you can avoid the wobbling of your arrow and can get better accuracy and penetration.

Can you change arrow inserts?

To change arrow inserts, you must ensure first that the leveling of your arrow ends is flat. Then you can slide the insert inside your shaft until you can feel the broadhead stop, indicating that the insert is fully seated and changed.

These days, carbon and aluminum inserts are two basic arrow inserts available on the market. These two differ in how you install them in the shaft. Some arrow inserts are usually already inside the shaft with no other materials outside the shaft.

Moreover, there are other arrow inserts that you need to glue to the shaft to keep it fully seated. Almost all arrows come with inserts you require for the shaft but if ever you get your arrow without the inserts, call your archery shop. Ask for the inserts and make sure it is the correct insert for your arrow.

If you get the wrong insert, ask the owner to change it or go to another local archery shop and get the inserts that will perfectly match the diameter of your shaft.

Here is a more detailed step-by-step process on how you can correctly change your arrow inserts.

1. Cut your arrow to your desired length. You can use an arrow squaring tool or other straightening tools to ensure that the ends of your arrow are flat and leveled. The squaring tool helps you eliminate the excess materials from the shaft to get precise cuts.If you do not have leveled inserts, your arrow can sit at a wobbling angle that can affect the alignment of your insert and the shaft. It can significantly affect your accuracy.
2. Put your arrow end at a perfect 90-degree angle when you put the shaft on a table. With that, you can also put your insert at a 90-degree angle. If you use hollow or HIT inserts, remember to put the broadhead or the field point against the shaft at a 90-degree angle.
3. After you carefully squared and cut your shaft, prepare your fast-setting glue and apply it to the top of the shaft and the bottom of the arrow insert. Then, slowly push the inserts into the shaft then wipe off excess glue if there is any. Make sure to wipe it off immediately.The inserts are usually set right after applying the glue, but it is more advisable to wait a few more minutes before using your arrow and installing the points.
4. Use the unique tool with the HIT inserts when installing them. It usually comes with epoxy and a tool that helps you push the inserts into the shaft to install it properly.After you glue the HIT insert to the shaft and apply the epoxy, do not forget to wipe off any excess epoxy and let it sit for a few minutes. Remember that when you use the epoxy on the inserts, you should set the arrow on a flat surface and remove the installation tool.

   Removing the installation tool allows the glue or epoxy to settle while holding the arrow insert at your desired depth inside the shaft. Moreover, please do not place the arrow upside down before the glue sets in the shaft.

   There is a possibility that the insert could slide out of its position. When that happens, you have to repeat the process until you keep the insert settled in its place.

How do I measure arrow inserts for my arrow?

To measure your arrow insert, you need to measure the inside diameter of your shaft, as the inserts should perfectly fit the edge of your shaft. That will also have the exact measurement of the outside diameter of your arrow insert.

Most of the time, the shaft and inserts come together when you buy your arrow, but most archers prefer to buy a different shaft size to fit their needs. The dimensions of inserts are dependent on the inside diameter of the shaft. That is why different shaft sizes on the market perfectly fit with arrow inserts.

If you are unfamiliar with how to measure shafts, you can check your arrow and see a four-digit number on it. These numbers represent the outside diameter measurement of the shaft and its wall thickness. The first two digits are the outer diameter’s estimated measurement of the shaft, usually to the nearest 64ths of an inch.

Moreover, the second two digits in the arrow represent the wall thickness of the shaft in thousands of an inch. With that, you also have to find the arrow insert that fits the measurement of your shaft. For example, if you buy a 2514 shaft, its size would be 25/26th as its diameter and 0.14 of an inch as its wall thickness.

Remember that if your shaft and arrow insert do not match, they can cause you to wobble when you shoot. Let’s say you have a 20XX aluminum or .312 shaft; you need to have a 5/16 arrow to perfectly fit your insert and shaft. If the sizes do not match, it may cause less accuracy and penetration in your shots.

But, do not worry because many more options are available for arrow inserts. There is the usual aluminum insert, the standard weight for most shafts, and the carbon and aluminum inserts.

Brass arrow inserts allow you to boost the front and center of your shaft. These inserts also give you more options on the weight you can put in your shaft to get better penetration and accuracy. You can also choose the brass insert from different brands and models.

Most brass inserts on the market measure 4 or 6 mm with 50 or 75 total grains. But if you want a lower grain count, you can break off the back of the brass insert and reduce it to 25 grains.

Other types of arrow inserts are the deep six and hi inserts. A deep six arow insert well-known for having a micro diameter design. These inserts help archers improve their accuracy and allow them to align their blades with their vanes.

However, it is advisable to match the size of your insert to the diameter of your shaft. If you prefer to use another shaft than the standard, find an insert that fits its inside diameter.

Can I use an insert and outsert combination for my arrow?

You can use an insert and outsert combo for your arrow if you want to build the most structurally sound system. Having more materials sticking out in your arrow, you can push the inserts deeper into your shaft, reinforcing your system.

Insert and outsert balance each other well, giving a good combination for better performance of your arrow. Outserts do not have an internal footer which is what an insert is. So, when you use these two inserts together, they push deeper down the shaft and do not typically blow the sidewall; they just get pushed down into the shaft.

Another good thing about using an insert and outsert combo is that you can mushroom the two inserts and bend the end with your half out. When you move to your outsert system, you will get an internal and external footer, reinforcing the shaft internally and externally.

Since the inserts aim to have the most post going down the shaft, the insert and outsert combo serves as an external footer protecting the sleeves as possible. The closer you can get that kind of system to the end of the carbon, the more accuracy you can get.

However, you can shoot using an insert or an outsert and never have an issue. You need to find what fits you the best for the style of archery you do.