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To use arrows safely, carefully inspect them before each use, even when new. Any damage, no matter how minor, can lead to serious injury if the arrow breaks on release.
Any arrow, even a brand-new one, can be damaged. A damaged arrow may break on release, causing injury to you or others. Damage often comes from poor transport, rough handling, hard impacts, or shooting into game. Even if damage is not obvious, it can still exist. If there is any suspicion of damage, discard the arrow immediately.
Before every shot, including the first shot of a new arrow: inspect the shaft and components carefully; hold the arrow between your fingers and slowly rotate it, looking and feeling for cracks, splits, dents or nicks, and any irregularities hidden under cresting; remove the arrow from use if any damage is found. Also check nocks are secure and undamaged with light twisting pressure, and confirm your bow setup suits the arrow's draw length and weight.
Flex test: grasp the shaft just above the point and below the nock, flex it slightly (1 to 2 inches) while looking, feeling and listening for cracking, rotate and repeat. Discard the arrow if you detect any cracking sound or vibration.
Twist test: hold the shaft at both ends and apply opposite twisting pressure. If the arrow feels soft, relaxes or twists abnormally, discard it.
Only use a high-speed arrow cut-off saw; other tools may splinter or weaken the shaft. Do not soak carbon arrows in solvents, as chemicals may weaken the resin bond of the carbon fibres. Discard any arrow that is cut improperly or exposed to solvents.
When in doubt, do not shoot the arrow. Seek assistance if you are unsure.