Shot my Mathews today with XX78 2213's , Ripcord rest, & Muzzy 100's & 125's. I fletched 3 arrows with 4" duravanes. I fletched 3 arrows with Bohning Blazer vanes.

2213 4" duravanes & muzzy 100 & 125=
Poor arrow flight with the occasional corkscrew arrow. Point of impact consistently low @ 30 yds. (3-5")

2213, Blazer vanes & Muzzy 100 gr 3 blade= Awesome arrow flight, couldn't believe the difference. Arrows flying true, hitting my 2" orange dot at 30 yds.

I might have found my elk setup. I want to shoot it thru the chronograph now, & see what kinda KE it's producing. RH

Between the aluminum and carbon arrows you were debating I'd say use whatever you feel more confident with. That said, my thinking is that going with carbon, which was a good bit lighter, is still the way I'd choose. Just for sake of argument, say you were stalking some elk on a steep hill and you lost your footing. You end up landing and pushing your quiver into the dirt and bending all your aluminum arrows. Not likely to be an issue with carbon. Chances are remote something like that would happen but if I'm several miles from the truck and hot on the trail of some elk, I want to eliminate as many possible problems as I can. Also, I think you with the smaller diameter shaft of carbon you'd end up with better penetration. I don't know exactly what the KE numbers are between your carbons and aluminums but I'd bet they both have plenty to get the job done. So, like I said, I'd go with whatever you feel more confident in.

My buddy elk hunts every year (successfully killed a trophy elk 4 out of 5 years) has never changed his setup. Shoots the exact same thing at elk that he shoots at whitetail.

Whitetails in Alabama might weigh 150 lbs, Elk might weigh up to 800 lbs. Thats the main reason for the setup change.

I don't change mine either. My setup has a KE of 63. More than enough for hogs, whitetail, Muleys, and elk. I setup it up that way on purpose. I hate changing my archery equipment.

Definitely, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot the exact same thing at an elk that I shoot at whitetail deer. Maybe just change broadheads... An elk does weigh a good bit more than a deer, but I wouldn't use that as a measure for completely changing my setup. You are only shooting at a small part of that 800lbs.

Like previously stated, shoot what you want... I can say I live in elk country and no one shoots aluminum. If weight is what ya want get heavy carbon/aluminum arrows. I can go heavier with my carbons but I do not, same set up for deer and elk. Here's one that went less than 60yds with carbon 400's topped with a 125gr thunderhead

My son and I both shoot 125's because I'm not buying 2 different heads. He wanted 100's. Most of my buddies top off with 100gr tips. Where will you be elk hunting??

Honestly I think you're effing up. Just my opinion. Good luck though. I hope you kill a giant bull. Keep us posted.

thx for hoping I kill a big bull QH. I hope I'm not screwing up, I've killed a lot of deer with those aluminum arrows. Nothing wrong with them, they shoot great. I hope they take down a big bull for me, but a cow will do nicely. RH

Hey robinhedd! Where Exactly are you elk hunting? Doing a fully guided, semi guided, public hunt?

DIY in Northwest Colorado on a private ranch and BLM land that borders the ranch. I've never been before, not sure what to expect. The elevation of the area is around 8,500 feet, i hope it's holding some animals. We have the use of a cabin for the week with running water and electricity, thats a big plus. RH

Get in shape, if you're not already. They're stingy with their air out there. Haha A light weight rain suit will also be handy.

I'm looking do l to do this next September. How much if you don't mind me asking?

Better learn how to call... Cow calling would be the best route. Maybe a buggle to locate a bull but, gotta sweet talk them to get them in close. Here's a source if ya want to spend a few bucks http://www.elknut.com/

Also, PHELPS game calls has some good calls you can order
http://phelpsgamecalls.com/

Went to the archery shop this evening & checked some specs on my bow:

Mathews Drenalin 29" draw , XX78 2213 Super Slam select (swedge on nock end) aluminum arrows with Blazer vanes, 100 gr Muzzy 3 blade.

Arrow: 452 grains @ 28 3/4"
Bow draw weight: 65 lbs

Chronograph 256 FPS

I think my setup is good to go for elk. RH