The Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade is built for bowhunters who want a proven small-diameter carbon hunting arrow with more shaft weight and a durable component system. The 5mm Acu-Carbon construction gives you the wind-drift and penetration advantages of a smaller-diameter shaft, while the ±.001" Match Grade straightness specification adds another level of consistency for serious hunting builds.
Compared with lighter 5mm platforms like the Easton 5.0, the Axis carries more weight in the shaft itself. That makes it an especially strong option when durability, finished arrow mass, and hunting performance are higher priorities than building the lightest or fastest arrow possible.
Key Features
5MM Acu-Carbon Construction
The Axis uses Easton’s uniform 5mm Acu-Carbon construction. The smaller shaft diameter reduces exposed surface area in crosswinds and creates less shaft friction as the arrow passes through the target.
Match Grade ±.001" Straightness
The Match Grade Axis carries a ±.001" straightness specification for archers who want Easton’s tighter straightness grade when building a hunting or 3D arrow.
Proven Hunting Arrow Platform
The Axis has become one of the most established 5mm hunting-arrow platforms for a reason. It combines a relatively heavy carbon shaft with a small outside diameter, making it well suited for hunters who prioritize durability, penetration, and practical finished arrow weight.
5MM HIT Insert System
Easton includes 16-grain 5mm HIT 8-32 inserts. The HIT system places the insert internally inside the shaft, maintaining the streamlined profile of the 5mm arrow while accepting standard 8-32 threaded field points and broadheads.
Match Grade HIT Collars Included
Easton also includes Match Grade HIT collars with the current Axis Match Grade platform. Collar weight varies by shaft size, and the collar adds reinforcement around the front of the carbon shaft.
Pre-Installed 5MM X Nocks
Each shaft comes with Easton’s 5mm X Nock installed. Easton lists the X Nock at 9 grains.
Multiple Component Options
The Axis platform gives you several ways to manipulate finished-arrow weight. In addition to the included 16-grain HIT insert, Easton offers heavier component options for shooters who want to increase front-end weight. Extreme Outfitters also carries 5mm Stainless Steel HIT Inserts for customers building a heavier front-end setup.
Whenever you add significant insert or point weight, remember that the added weight dynamically weakens the arrow. Spine, finished arrow length, draw weight, and total front-end weight should all be considered together.
Can I add a heavier HIT insert to the Axis?
Yes. If you want more front-end weight than the included 16-grain HIT insert provides, Extreme Outfitters carries 5mm Stainless Steel HIT Inserts that can be used to build a heavier front-end setup.
Keep in mind that increasing insert weight also increases finished arrow weight and dynamically weakens the shaft. If you are adding substantial front-end weight, make sure your spine selection still matches your draw weight, arrow length, and total component package.
Who It's Built For
The Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade is best suited for bowhunters who want a durable, small-diameter carbon arrow and are comfortable starting with a somewhat heavier shaft.
It works especially well for whitetail and general big-game hunting builds where maximum speed is not the only consideration. Because the Axis already carries more grains per inch than something like the Easton 5.0, it is relatively easy to build an Axis into a moderate-to-heavy finished hunting arrow without having to add an extreme amount of component weight.
It can also be a good choice for shooters who prefer some additional shaft weight distributed throughout the arrow instead of creating most of the arrow’s mass through extremely heavy front-end components.
As with any arrow build, spine should be selected around draw weight, draw length, finished arrow length, and point/component weight. Adding significant weight to the front of the arrow dynamically weakens the shaft, so component selection needs to be considered when choosing the correct spine.
Specifications
Spine Specifications
| Spine |
GPI |
Stock Length |
Field Point O.D. |
HIT Collar Size |
Shaft O.D. |
| 200 |
12.0 |
34" |
9/32" |
#6 |
0.286" |
| 260 |
11.5 |
34" |
9/32" |
#5 |
0.280" |
| 300 |
10.7 |
32.5" |
9/32" |
#4 |
0.275" |
| 340 |
9.5 |
32" |
9/32" |
#2.5 |
0.267" |
| 400 |
9.0 |
31.5" |
17/64" |
#2 |
0.264" |
General Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Brand |
Easton |
| Model |
Axis 5mm Match Grade |
| Construction |
High-strength carbon composite / 5mm Acu-Carbon |
| Straightness Specification |
±.001" |
| Insert |
5mm HIT 8-32 insert included |
| Included Insert Weight |
16 grains |
| Nock |
5mm X Nock installed |
| Nock Weight |
9 grains |
| Collar |
Match Grade HIT collar included; weight varies by size |
| Configuration |
Bare shaft / unfletched |
| Sold |
Individually |
Our Take on the Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade
The Axis is one of those arrows we keep coming back to because it is a very straightforward hunting platform. It has enough shaft weight to build a substantial hunting arrow without having to add a huge amount of weight to the front, and the 5mm diameter gives you the advantages of a smaller-diameter shaft without getting into some of the component compromises that can come with extremely small-diameter arrows.
The biggest consideration with the Axis is also one of its strengths: it is a heavier shaft. That means you need to pay attention to the entire build before simply adding 50 or 75 grains of insert weight, a heavier broadhead, wraps, and heavier vanes. Finished arrow weight can climb quickly.
For the right setup, though, that is exactly why we like it. If we are building a durable whitetail or general hunting arrow where we want practical arrow mass, good FOC, and a strong 5mm platform, the Axis is one of our go-to choices.
Compared with the Easton 5.0, we generally look at the Axis when we are comfortable starting with more shaft weight. We look at the 5.0 when we want more freedom to manipulate component weight while keeping total arrow weight down. Neither approach is automatically better — it depends on the shooter and what the finished arrow needs to accomplish.
That is also why we do not recommend choosing an arrow based on GPI or FOC alone. Draw length, draw weight, arrow length, spine, broadhead weight, component weight, and intended hunting application all need to work together.
Extreme Outfitters sells these shafts individually, and free cut and glue is available with your arrow purchase. If you are unsure about spine or component weight, our bow techs can help you put together the complete build around your specific setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade a bare shaft?
Yes. This product is the unfletched Match Grade Axis shaft. That gives you complete control over vane selection, fletching configuration, arrow length, and the rest of your finished build.
What is the straightness specification of the Axis Match Grade?
The Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade carries a ±.001" straightness specification.
What inserts come with the Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade?
Easton includes 16-grain 5mm HIT 8-32 inserts with the Axis Match Grade. Heavier brass HIT inserts and alternative half-out systems are available separately.
Does the Axis Match Grade include collars?
Yes. Easton includes its Match Grade HIT collars with the current Axis Match Grade platform. Collar size and weight vary depending on arrow spine.
What nocks come with the Easton Axis 5mm?
The Axis comes with Easton 5mm X Nocks installed. Easton lists the X Nock at 9 grains.
Is the Easton Axis 5mm good for whitetail hunting?
Yes. The Axis is an excellent platform for whitetail hunting because its 5mm diameter, durable carbon construction, and higher shaft weight make it easy to build a practical moderate-to-heavy hunting arrow. Your final arrow weight and spine should still be matched to your draw length, draw weight, arrow length, and component package.
Can I use a 50- or 75-grain HIT insert in the Axis?
Yes. Easton offers a 5mm brass HIT break-off insert that can be configured at 50 or 75 grains. Remember that increasing front-end weight increases finished arrow weight and dynamically weakens the shaft, so spine needs to be considered before making a major component-weight change.
What is the difference between the Easton Axis 5mm and Easton 5.0?
Both use a 5mm carbon platform, but the Axis is substantially heavier per inch in comparable spines. The Axis is a strong option when you want additional shaft mass and a proven hunting platform. The Easton 5.0 starts lighter, giving you more room to add component weight or keep the finished arrow lighter and faster.
Should I choose a heavier Axis or add more weight to a lighter shaft?
There is no universal answer. A heavier shaft distributes more of the arrow’s mass along its length, while a lighter shaft gives you more freedom to concentrate weight toward the front. The better choice depends on your desired finished weight, FOC, spine, trajectory, draw length, draw weight, and hunting application.
Can Extreme Outfitters cut and install the inserts?
Yes. Free cut and glue is available with your arrow purchase. If you need help choosing arrow length, spine, or component weight, our bow techs can also help you determine the appropriate configuration.
Want the Convenience of a Factory-Fletched Arrow?
If you like the Axis 5mm Match Grade platform but do not need a completely custom fletching setup, the Easton Axis 5mm Match Grade Fletched Arrow gives you the same Match Grade Axis platform with the vanes already installed.
Choose the bare shaft if you want complete control over vane selection, colors, orientation, and your finished fletching configuration. Choose the fletched version if you want to start with a factory-fletched arrow and focus on arrow length, spine, and front-end components.
Learn More About Building Your Arrows
The shaft is only one part of a properly matched hunting arrow. Understanding spine, arrow weight, FOC, and component selection will help you build an arrow that works with your bow instead of chasing a single number.
