There are tons of different types of arrows out there that can be categorized according to their materials and type or design of the various parts. Depending on the functions you’re looking for, or the different conditions you’ll use them in, you’ll need different types of arrows.
This article looks at the various types of arrows for hunting, their pros and cons, and when each type is best suited. It also reviews our pick for the best arrows on the market and provides some tips for choosing arrows.
However, before we delve into the best types of arrows on the market today, it is important to understand their general structure.
Best Hunting Arrows Comparison Table
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 3. Musen 28/30Inch Archery Arrows |
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Parts of an Arrow
Arrows have 4 main parts as follows:
Arrowhead
This is the pointed tip of the arrow. There are different types of tips that are suitable for different styles of archery and hunting.
Shaft
The shaft is the longest part of the arrow. Also known as the arrow spine, the arrow shaft holds all the other parts of the arrow. The shaft also influences the arrow’s speed, trajectory, and accuracy.
Modern arrows have shafts made from a wide range of materials, meaning you can find fiberglass shafts, aluminum shafts, wood shafts, and carbon shafts among others. Whichever material you choose should offer adequate sturdiness and stiffness to allow for arrow flight in the intended direction. Typically, once released, the shaft should bend before straightening.
Fletching
These are the feathers or vanes on the lower end of the arrow. Fletching provides wind drag for stability and accuracy during flight. Most modern arrows have three or more vanes or feathers. The one with a different color is referred to as the cock feather while the rest are referred to as hen feathers.
Nock
The nock is the plastic tip on the lower end of the bow. It is used to connect the bowstring to the arrow and to hold the bowstring in place. Nocks are available in different sizes and should be compatible with the type and size of your arrow. Otherwise, the bowstring may slip off or the arrow’s flight accuracy will be compromised
Types of Arrows
Arrow type can be classified according to:
- The material of the shaft
- Types of point
- Type of fletch
- Number of fletching
- Type of nock
Types of arrows according to the material of the shaft
The following are the different types of arrows according to the materials used to make them:
Wood arrows
They are the most affordable type of arrows on the market. They are ideal for beginners and are best suited for use with long bows. They easily hit and pierce the body of the target you are hunting.
On the downside, they are not durable as they break, snap, or splinter easily. With that said, those that are made of cedar are more durable than those made from other types of wood.
Aluminum arrows
These are more affordable compared to fiberglass or carbon arrows but more expensive than wood arrows. They are ideal for a beginner archer as well as experienced hunters.
Most manufacturers design their aluminum arrows with screw-in tips which offer you versatility in the arrow head types you can use. Aluminum arrows are sturdy and stiff, which offers a high level of accuracy in projection. Their main con is that they don’t fly fast or too far. Although they are prone to breaking, they do not splinter as carbon arrows do.
Carbon arrows
Carbon arrows are quite stiff making them the best fit for use with heavier bows such as compound bows. They are designed with thin shafts for easy penetration into the body of the target. On the downside, they are quite expensive and tend to break or splinter easily.
Fiberglass arrows
A fiberglass arrow is versatile as it can be fit into different draw lengths. However, they are fragile and break easily. They are best used for practice hunting.
Types of arrows according to the type of point
While some arrows have a fixed point that is permanently glued on the shaft, others have a shaft with a screw-in feature that enables you to fix or remove a compatible point as need be. Arrows also differ according to the type of point that is compatible with the shaft. The most common types of arrow points include:
- Bullet points
- Blunt points
- Combination of field points
- Grabbing or Judo points
- Broadheads
Types of arrows according to the type of fletch
Arrow fletches are either made of feathers or plastic vanes. While feathers are light, they are less durable and prone to getting waterlogged in humid or rainy weather conditions. On the other hand, plastic vanes are stiffer and waterproof. They can be used for a wide range of hunting profiles including for shooting in the rain.
In terms of shape, some vanes are curved to offer more spin and stability. The curved vanes are more expensive than the regular-shaped ones and can be difficult to use. They also break easily. They are best suited for use with recurve bows as compound bows can cause them to break.
Types of arrows according to the number of vanes or feathers on the fletch
Most arrows either have 3 plastic vanes or feathers that are equally spaced. However, a few come with 4 fletches. 4 fletches are ideal for low profile hunting using broadhead points. They also offer more spins and smoother flight compared to arrows with 3 fletches. However, the 4 fletches mean a heavier arrow that will produce significant drag in the air, therefore, offering a shorter shooting range.
Types of arrows according to nock type
Typically, arrows have plastic nocks. Some arrows have a fixed nock while others can be threaded on the arrow shaft. Different arrow manufacturers have specifications on the right nock fitting for a specific arrow. The right type of nock and nock fitting is determined by the type of arrow you have.
Tips for Choosing an Arrow
- If you are a beginner, start with cheap arrows. Arrows are generally fragile and break easily. When starting out, go for a lighter arrow that’s cheap in price as you fine-tune your hunting technique.
- When looking for the right arrow, you may be weighing the pros and cons of pre-fletched vs shaft-only arrows. Some manufacturers sell arrow shafts only while others sell complete arrows with all the parts. While buying shafts only offers your flexibility in the type of nocks, fletches, and points to use, it can be a complicated process, especially when starting out as a first-time hunter. For beginners, pre-fletched arrows are the best choice.
- Arrow weight is also something to keep in mind. You’ll require larger and heavier vanes and points for heavier and larger bows and vice versa.
- The wind is also a key consideration when choosing an arrow. If you will be hunting in a windy environment, it is paramount that you go for heavier arrows.
Our Picks for Best Hunting Arrow
The following are reviews of some of the best hunting arrows on the market.
1. Best Overall: Tiger Archery 30Inch Carbon Arrow
These carbon arrows are well-made for durability and precision. Each is 30inch long with an outer diameter of 0.309 inches. The lower end has three fletches, 2 orange and 1 white plastic vanes. The bright color of the vanes ensures that the arrow is always pointed in the right direction when aiming. The arrowhead has a bullet point that is made of nickel-plated stainless steel. Each arrow comes with a replaceable nock that can be changed accordingly to suit your bow.
The arrows are compatible with recurve, compound bow, and longbows with a draw weight of 40-60 pounds. They can be used for both outdoor and practice shooting. Each pack comes with 12 arrows.
Features
- Length: 30inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 500
- 3 van fletching
- Removable nock
- Bullet tip
PROS
- Suitable for beginners
- Precise aiming
- Brightly colored fletching
- Compatible with recurve, compound, and longbows
- Versatile as they can be used for both target practice and outdoor hunting
- Comes as a pack of 12 pieces
CONS
- Tip and fletching come off easily
2. Pointdo 30Inch Carbon Arrow
This is another set of bestselling carbon arrows on Amazon. Each pack constitutes 12 pre-fletched arrows. They have a fluorescent and black finish for easy visibility. They can be used for target practice or for hunting. They are compatible with 25-60 pounds recurve and compound bows.
Each arrow comes with 2 yellow and 1 white rubber feather and a pack has 6 free nocks. The nocks are removable and have a double lock mechanism that does not require glue. The arrowheads are fitted with black, stainless steel field tips. The tips have an O-ring screw design that fits easily into the shaft of compatible arrows.
Features
- Length: 30inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 500
- 3 rubber feathers
- Removable nock
- Field tip
PROS
- 6 free nocks with a double lock mechanism
- Come with easy to fit field tips
- Fluorescent color for visibility
- Compatible with recurve and compound bows
- Versatile as they can be used for both target practice and outdoor hunting
- Comes as a pack of 12 pieces
CONS
- Some people find them too heavy
3. Musen 28/30Inch Archery Arrows
The Musen arrows are designed to be precise and durable. They offer a straight flight path, low hand shock, good speed, accuracy, and easy target penetration.
Their shafts are made of carbon while the field points are made of stainless steel. They also come fitted with nocks. The field points have a screw-in mechanism while the nocks are designed for an easy insert that does not need glue. The shaft is pre-fletched with two black and one white TPU canes.
The arrows are compatible with 20-60-pound compound, long, and recurve bows. They can be used for both target practice and hunting by both seasoned and novice hunters. You can choose between 30 and 28 inches in arrow length. Each pack contains 12 arrows.
Features
- Length: 28 or 30inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 35g
- Spine: 500
- 3 TPU van fletches
- Removable nock
- Field tip
PROS
- Well-built
- Affordable
- Pre-fletched
- Come with easy to fit field tips
- Compatible with recurve, long, and compound bows
- Versatile as they can be used for both target practice and outdoor hunting
- Comes as a pack of 12 pieces
CONS
- Nocks come off or bend easily
4. Archery Sharly 31Inch Carbon Arrow
The shafts of the Sharly archery arrows are made of carbon which is lightweight and stiff for a straight shoot even over a long distances. They are ideal for both target and practice shooting. The 31inch arrows are compatible with 35-50 pounds traditional, recurve, and compound bows.
Each arrow comes with a replaceable broadhead tip that fits well into the shaft. The shaft is also fitted with 3 pieces of 5-inch real feathers and a light green glued nock. The arrows are available in packs of 6 or 12.
Features
- Length: 31inch
- Material: Carbon
- Weight: 25g
- Spine: 500
- 3 real feather fletches
- Glued nock
- Broadhead tip
PROS
- Lightweight and durable
- Pre-fletched with real feathers
- Come with easy to fit broadhead tips
- Offer low hand shock
- Compatible with recurve, long, and compound bows
- Versatile as they can be used for both target practice and outdoor hunting
- Available as packs of 6 or 12 pieces
CONS
- Higher pricing
In Conclusion
The best arrows on the market are versatile. They can be used for both target archery practice and hunting. They are also compatible with the different types of hunting bows including long, compound, and recurve bows.
Carbon arrows are quite popular as they are stiff, lightweight, and offer flight precision. When determining which type of arrow to buy, consider your type of bow, the purpose for which you will be using the bow, and the suitable tips, nocks, and fletches.
