Getting the right arrow is just as important as knowing how to use it effectively for a successful hunting experience. There is a wide variety of arrows in the market which can make it difficult and confusing to pick the right one.
This article offers you some guidelines for choosing the right arrow and also reviews some of the best hunting arrows on the market.
Best Hunting Arrows Comparison Table
Product | Features | Latest Price |
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1. Best Overall: Tiger Archery 30inch Carbon Arrow |
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Buying Guide: Factors to consider when choosing an arrow
Below is a look at some factors to consider when determining the right arrow for your hunting needs.
Arrow Speed
How fast an arrow travels is dependent on the limb and bowstring material, the draw length and weight of the bow, type of fletching on the arrow, overall weight of the arrow, and the prevailing weather conditions.
Usually, weather conditions such as rain and humidity slow down the arrow. If the arrow has a high speed, it produces a flatter trajectory and cuts through the wind with minimal deviation.
Arrow speeds range between 300 feet per second (fps) for compound bow arrows and 225 fps for recurve bow arrows. Longbow arrows are slower than compound bow arrows and recurve bow arrows due to their heavier weight.
Arrow Length
The arrow length should be compatible with your draw length. Generally, the arrow should be longer than the draw length, experts recommend 1-2 inches longer. If the arrow is shorter than the recommended draw length, you risk shooting your hand or the arrow falling off the arrow rest. On the other hand, if the arrow is too long, it can fly off erratically.
Sometimes you may find it difficult to find the right arrow length or you may buy an arrow online and learn that it is longer than intended upon delivery. In such an instance, you can shorten the arrow length.
Arrow spine
Arrow spine refers to the bendability of an arrow. If an arrow does not have an adequate spine, it is considered weak with low straightness tolerance. Such an arrow bends too much compromising how it hits the target. On the other hand, if the spine is too much, the arrow is too stiff which can lead to a sideways fly that compromises accuracy.
An arrow’s spine is affected by the draw weight, length of the arrow, the weight of the arrow tip, arrow material, and type of bow used with the arrow.
Arrow material
Most modern hunting bows are made of wood, carbon, aluminum, or composite. Wood arrows are the cheapest and suitable for beginners but they break easily. They are usually a lighter arrow choice but can vary in size and shape. They are often used with long bows and are preferred by traditional hunters.
Aluminum arrows are costlier than wooden ones. However, they are versatile and more durable than wooden and carbon arrows. Carbon arrows are a stiffer and heavier arrow, but costly. As this is a heavy arrow, it will work well with heavier bows such as compound bows. They are usually thin for easy penetration into the game. On the downside, they tend to break and splinter easily which can cause the hunter serious injuries.
Finally, the aluminum-carbon arrows offer the benefits of aluminum and carbon. They are usually made of aluminum on the inside and carbon on the outer part. The carbon shaft is surprisingly light, stiff, and also durable. They shoot effectively even in adverse weather conditions and over long distances. However, they are quite expensive.
Arrow Weight
The weight of the arrow is determined by the type of material, the diameter of the arrow, and whether the shaft is hollow or not. When deciding on the right arrow weight, consider the weight tolerance of the bow you will be using the arrow with. Heavier bows require heavier arrows and vice versa.
Notably, heavier bows retain their kinetic energy for more accurate shooting even in adverse weather conditions. However, a higher weight causes the arrow to travel at slower speeds.
Weight of the Tip
The right type of tip is dependent on the type and size of the bow you will be using and the size of the target animal. Heavier bows require heavier tips and vice versa. Similarly, bigger animals require bigger tips.
Best Hunting Arrows
1. Best Overall: Tiger Archery 30inch Carbon Arrow
The Tiger Archery 30inch hunting arrows are solidly built for durability and precise flight. They are compatible with recurve, compound, and long bows that have a draw weight of between 40 and 60 pounds. They are suitable for hunting as well as target shooting.
The shaft is pre-fletched with 2 black and 1 TPU vanes. They also come with nickel-plated stainless steel field tips and rotatable nocks.
Each pack has 12 arrows. The arrows are available in 4 different colors including black-white, orange-white, green-white, and yellow-white.
Features
- Length: 30inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 500
- 2 black & 1white TPU vanes
- Removable nock
- Field tip
PROS
- Compatible with recurve, long, and compound arrows
- Pre-fletched with TPU vanes
- Solid build for durability
- Fly straight
- Hit the target accurately and precisely
CONS
- Fletching comes off easily
2. Reegox Archery Arrows
These Reegox archery arrows are designed to be durable, accurate, precise, and safe to use. They are versatile as they can be used for both hunting and target practice. They are compatible with 45lb compound, recurve, long, and traditional bows.
They come with tightly assembled nocks that are not attached using glue. This enables them to be adjustable for recurve bows by simply rotating the nock using a coin. The shaft is also fitted with 3 fletches and a field tip. Each pack contains 12 arrows.
Features
- Length: 30inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 500
- 2 red & 1white TPU vanes
- Rotatable nock
- Field tip
PROS
- Ideal for use by beginners and youth
- Pre-fletched
- Rotatable nocks
- Compatible with recurve, long, and compound arrows
- Precise and accurate
- Straight flight
CONS
- Not suitable for use with a drag weight above 35lb
3. Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Arrow
The Carbon Express Maxima Hunter arrow employs sophisticated technology. It has a dual spine weight design such that the spine is made of a patented fusion of two different types of carbon material. This offers better energy transmission, unparalleled accuracy, better speed, and faster spin as the arrow has two spines in one. These arrows also offer remarkably straight flight.
The shafts are pre-fetched with blazer vanes and rotatable nocks. They do not come with points but they have an insert that is compatible with a wide range of broadheads or field points. Each pack contains 6 arrows.
Features
- Length: 32.5inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 250
- 2 green &1 white blade vanes
- Rotatable nock
PROS
- Dual spine technology
- Remarkable straight flight
- Spins faster and retains the speed
- Precise and accurate
CONS
- The camouflage pattern of the shaft makes the arrow harder to find if it misses the target
4. Keshes Archery Carbon Arrows
These are 100% carbon arrows that are compatible with 60lb traditional, long, recurve, and compound arrows. The manufacturer recommends that they are used for target practice by both adults and kids.
Each shaft is double tested to ensure that it delivers strength, stability, and smooth projection. It comes with colored fletch vanes that ensure you are pointing in the right direction.
Each arrow is also pre-fitted with nickel-plated stainless steel field points. The tips have a screw-in mechanism that is reinforced with O-rings to ensure that the tips are secured tightly on the shaft.
The nocks are adjustable and replaceable since they are not fitted with glue. However, their attaching mechanism is tight enough to prevent them from falling off.
Each pack contains 12 arrows. There are 3 vane and nock color options including green, yellow, and orange and the shafts have a black finish. The manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Features
- Length: 30.0inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 500
- 2 green &1 white plastic vanes
- Adjustable nock
- Field tips
PROS
- The arrows are compatible with a wide range of bows
- Strong and sturdy shaft
- Stable and smooth flight
- Adjustable and replaceable nocks
- Manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee
CONS
- Some people find it too heavy
5. PG1Archery 30Inch Carbon Arrows
These arrows are made of mixed carbon for added stiffness and flight stability. They are fletched with real Turkey shield dying feathers. The arrowhead is fitted with a replacement tip where broadhead points can be attached. Each arrow also has a glued nock.
The arrows are compatible with 20-70lb long, recurve, and compound bows. Each pack contains 6 carbon arrows.
Features
- Length: 30.0inch
- Material: Mixed Carbon
- Weight: 27g
- Spine: 400
- Turkey shield dying feathers
- Glued nock
- Replacement tips
PROS
- Good flight speed
- Low hand shock
- Compatible with a wide range of bows
- Can be used for both hunting and target practice
CONS
- The feather fletch comes off easily
In Conclusion
The best hunting arrows are sturdy and stable. They offer a straight flight, good spinning speed, and low hand shock. They are also compatible with a wide range of bows.
When choosing an arrow, consider whether you want a glued nock or an adjustable nock. Also, consider whether you want it to be pre-fletched and pre-fitted with a tip. While most arrows are suitable for target practice and hunting, others are particularly designed for target practice.