Easton 5mm Axis Review
The 5mm Axis is the reference standard mid-priced hunting arrow. Straightness holds tight, GPI runs 9.5 which is right in the whitetail-to-elk window, and it takes any 5mm HIT insert on the market. If someone asked us to name one arrow that hunts everything from turkey to bull elk without a build change, this is it.
Real specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Spine options | 250, 300, 340, 400, 500 |
| GPI by spine | 250: 10.1 / 300: 10.0 / 340: 9.5 / 400: 8.5 / 500: 7.4 |
| Diameter | .204 inner, .246 outer |
| Straightness | +/- .003 (Match Grade +/- .0015) |
| Weight tolerance | +/- 1 grain (Match Grade +/- 0.5) |
| Stock components | 5mm HIT insert 16 gr, X Nock 9 gr |
| MSRP per dozen | $130 to $200 |
Field performance
At 340 spine, 29 inches, with a 20 grain HIT and 125 grain broadhead the finished arrow lands at 448 grains and 13 percent FOC. That combination has probably killed more bull elk since 2015 than any other single build. Pushes 275 to 285 fps off a 65 lb bow.
What bowhunters actually say
It just works. I have not lost an arrow to a broken shaft in three seasons of stump shooting and hard target practice.
Rokslide Axis 5mm review thread
Honest weaknesses
Nock pin can rotate loose after 300 shots; a drop of super glue at reset fixes it. The 5mm HIT insert requires a scored shaft interior for the epoxy to grip; a rushed install can eject the insert on impact. Skip the Match Grade upgrade unless you regularly shoot past 60 yards.