Table of Contents
- 1. KESHES Archery Carbon Hunting Arrows for Compound & Recurve Bows
- 2. BARNETT 16075 Outdoors Carbon Crossbow 20-Inch Arrows with Field Points
- 3. PointDo 30 – inch Carbon Arrow Fluorescence Colour Targeting and Practice and Hunting Arrows for Compound Bow and Recurve Bow with Removable Tips.
- 4. PG1 Archery 30 -inch Carbon Arrows with 4-inch shield Turkey Feathers Fletching and Removable Points Tip
- 5. Tiger Archery 30-inch Carbon Arrow Practice Hunting Arrows with Removable Tips for Compound and Recurve Bow
- 6. Musen 30-inch carbon archery arrows, Spine 500 with removable tips, Hunting and Target Practice arrows for compound bow and recurve bow
- 7. Reegox Archery Hunting Practice Arrows for Compound and Recurve Bows – 30 inch Carbon Target Arrows for Youth and Adults with Removable Tips
- 8. MS Jumpper Archery Carbon Arrows, High-percentage Carbon Fibre, Arrow Spine 400, With Real 4-inch Feathers, 100 Grain Points for Hunting/Targeting, Compound, Recurve, Longbow.
- Handy buyer’s guide to choosing the best arrows
- What factors to consider while buying your arrows
- Final tips and conclusion
Choosing the most appropriate arrows for your bow is one of the most crucial aspects of archery, whether it is for target practice or hunting. It is even more critical for compound bows because of the specific balance it demands. Regardless of the make and quality of your compound bow, your choice of arrows will largely determine how you perform. You may own the most expensive compound bows, but without the appropriate set of arrows, it will not amount to much.
This compact but comprehensive guide will give you a unique insight into the best target arrows for your compound bow. We have curated and organized this article so that it caters both to beginners as well as experienced practitioners. For the beginner, this guide should get you started on with good choices of arrows. For our more experienced readers, it will polish and refine your knowledge of arrows.
There are a lot of factors and variables that go into making and choosing the right arrow set. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming just thinking about the spine, balance, shaft, weight, etc. To save you the extra hassle, have compiled this list of the best picks with all the essential factors considered. So without further delay, here are the best target arrows for your compound bow.
1. KESHES Archery Carbon Hunting Arrows for Compound & Recurve Bows
These carbon hunting arrows made by Keshes, are among the most popular options that are available today. Their wide popularity maybe because of the versatile usability they offer. These arrows are suitable not just for your compound bows but for recurve bows too. Also, the fact that they are safe for both adults and kids to make them an easy first choice for a lot of archers.
A 30-inch shaft and weighing about 35 grams, the Keshes carbon arrows give you balance and control. The stability also comes from the material that makes up these arrows. Each arrow is 100 % carbon-material that is designed to be more durable in any situation.
- Adjustable nocks for more control and better grip
- 100 % carbon body makes it durable and strong
- Suitable for both adults and younger archers, as well as compound and recurve bows.
- Nock-ends are not glued as securely as they should be.
- The balance on recurve bows may not be as good as on compound bows.
2. BARNETT 16075 Outdoors Carbon Crossbow 20-Inch Arrows with Field Points
Barnett’s carbon arrows are an excellent choice, especially for outdoor scenarios. Now because these arrows are designed for crossbows, they are usually referred to as ‘bolts.’ Bolts are generally shorter and lighter than arrows. The Barnett carbon bolts are 20 inches and may weigh up to 400 grams if you include the nock, tip, and vanes. The 100-grain point is designed for maximum accuracy as well as penetrative power. The standardized bolt size makes it compatible with a wide range of other crossbows that use the same bolt types.
The Barnett bolts are widely used because of their cross-brand compatibility as well as the lightweight and convenient handling.
- Compatible with the Penetrator, Ghost – 350, Wildcat C- 5, Whitetail Hunter II, Jackal, Raptor FX3, and other similar models.
- High accuracy in short-ranged targets.
- Bolts come with a Five-year warranty.
- The bolts loose accuracy on longer-range shots beyond 30 yards or so.
- Some users complain of durability issues.
3. PointDo 30 – inch Carbon Arrow Fluorescence Colour Targeting and Practice and Hunting Arrows for Compound Bow and Recurve Bow with Removable Tips.
The PointDo Carbon Arrow makes this list because of its well-rounded qualities, which make it a safe choice in many situations. These arrows come in the standard length of 30 inches, making it ideal for a wide range of bow users. The external diameter measures around 7.8 mm, in line with usual standards.
The brightly colored spine and fletcher make it easy to spot in any environment. All in all, it’s a good choice for beginners who are starting out. It’s also a good choice for experts who do not want to experiment too much just yet.
- Well-balanced features that make it suitable for multiple scenarios
- 6-piece nock set that comes for free and are adjustable.
- Nocks are secured with Bohning double-lock.
- No single feature makes it stand out (But still as safe bet for most users)
- Not the best choice if you are a beginner and on a tight budget.
4. PG1 Archery 30 -inch Carbon Arrows with 4-inch shield Turkey Feathers Fletching and Removable Points Tip
The PG1 Archery arrows are a good choice if you want compound arrows for your compound bow. That’s right! These arrows are made with mixed carbon materials that give it extra durability. You also get an extra set of replacement tips (100 grain), which makes them very useful for target archery. The fletching is made from real turkey feathers that measure up to 4 inches each, giving it a refined and authentic look. The PG1 Archery arrows have an inner diameter of 6.2 mm and an outer diameter of 7.4 mm. This balanced combination makes it one of the most suitable options for compound bows of any brand.
- Ideal choice for compound bows of all types.
- Mixed carbon and glued nocks give it more durability
- Appropriate for target shooting, which requires long-lasting tips.
- Arrow tips get easily damaged if shot at hard surface targets.
- Budget Arrow that may not have as fine finishing as other brands.
5. Tiger Archery 30-inch Carbon Arrow Practice Hunting Arrows with Removable Tips for Compound and Recurve Bow
The Tiger Archery carbon arrows are known for their flexibility as both practice and hunting arrows. The outer diameter of these arrows measures a robust 0.309 inches (about 7.8 mm). They have a draw weight of about 40 – 60 pounds, which means they can just as easily fit recurve and longbows too.
Nickle-plated tips are made of stainless steel, which gives them extra durability. The durable tips make the Tiger carbon arrows a popular choice for not just hunting, but extended practice use as well. The full length of the arrows measures up to 31.5 inches, including the tip and the nock, which makes it slightly longer than some other stocks. Apart from the standard 12 pieces of arrows, you also get six replacement nocks at no extra cost.
- Nickle-plated tips cause less friction with air and, thus, more accuracy.
- Well-placed fletching also makes the arrows more balanced.
- Not the best choice for actual hunting.
- Not very balanced for recurve bows
6. Musen 30-inch carbon archery arrows, Spine 500 with removable tips, Hunting and Target Practice arrows for compound bow and recurve bow
Musen carbon arrows have shafts that are stronger because of grade-level carbon. This feature makes it perform well for compound bows, as well as recurve and longbows. The fletching comes in a 3-inch vane that alternates between white and black colors, which add to its aesthetic value. Apart from appearance, the fletching also gives it a more stable trajectory at longer distances. The TPU rubber vanes ensure that it flies with stability even in the windy or rainy weather. The field point is made of stainless steel and is removable. The tips are securely in place, but you can replace them if necessary.
Aside from the TPU, the vanes are also available in turkey feathers in another variant. This variant, however, may cost more than the TPU model. We leave the choice up to you. But all in all, the Musen carbon arrows are one of the best options on our list. Their strength lies in their all-round built and performance.
- Exceptional balance and stability across different bow variants.
- Reliable performance under different weather conditions
- Adjustable nocks fit well in compound bows, recurve, and longbows too.
- They may not be as accurate in longbows over 70 inches
- Turkey feather vanes are more expensive but offer no extra stability.
7. Reegox Archery Hunting Practice Arrows for Compound and Recurve Bows – 30 inch Carbon Target Arrows for Youth and Adults with Removable Tips
The RReegox Carbon arrows do not score much on fancy features, but it is one of the most budget-friendly sets available today. It comes with an economical design, and the price tag is pretty easy on the pockets. The arrow shafts come in standard 30-inch shafts. This makes it an ideal size for the drawing length of compound bows and recurve bows. Manufacturers recommend 45-pound bows for optimum performance.
The outer and inner diameter measures 0.307 inches (7.79 mm) and 0.244 inches (6.2mm), respectively. These diameter lengths are also suitable for most bow sizes.
Reegox arrows are known for their excellent after-sales services. So you should be able to get these arrows without having to worry about follow-up products and services.
- An ideal choice for Beginners
- Gives the best performance when used for practice shooting
- Budget-friendly
- Heavier than other arrows (It may affect balance and stability when shifting to other arrows)
- Durability is not as consistent as other more expensive brands.
8. MS Jumpper Archery Carbon Arrows, High-percentage Carbon Fibre, Arrow Spine 400, With Real 4-inch Feathers, 100 Grain Points for Hunting/Targeting, Compound, Recurve, Longbow.
These MS Jumpper carbon arrows come in 30-inch shafts (28 inches without the nock and points). This standard size means it is versatile enough for both compound and recurve bows. Also, if you are a fan of longbows, the Jumpper carbon arrows should be an appropriate choice. The shaft diameter comes at a decent 7.4 mm, which means it should be stable enough for most bow types. The tip comes with 100-grain stainless steel which makes it durable enough for target practice too.
- Safe choice if you need arrows that are usable in compound bows, recurve, and longbows.
- Hand-shock is minimum with ergonomic design.
- Fletching binding has been replaced with plastic sheath to cut costs
- Not very suitable for draw weight beyond 65 pounds.
Handy buyer’s guide to choosing the best arrows
Buying arrows or bolts can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, because of all the attributes you have to consider. And we don’t blame you. The right set of arrows can be tough to find when there are so many brands and features in the market. Fortunately, apart from this list of the best target arrows, we also want to empower you with the right information for buying on your own.
What’s in an arrow?
The first thing we have to cover is the arrow itself. It’s hard to buy the right set when you don’t know precisely what makes it an arrow. To this end, let’s take a quick scan of what makes up an arrow/bolt.
The Shaft
The shaft is basically the length of your arrow. You’ll find different materials mentioned when you browse for arrows. These materials may include carbon, wood, aluminum, or even a carbon-aluminum mix. Depending on the material, arrows depict different balance and stability. Our list covers arrows made of carbon because these are more suitable for composite bows and target purposes.
The arrowhead or arrow point
The arrowhead is the pointed/sharp end of your arrow. The arrow point can also be of different materials as well as various types.
Fletching
The fletching is one of the most iconic and recognizable features of an arrow. They are the vanes that are at the bottom of the shaft where you hold the arrow. The materials of fletching are traditionally feathers, but modern arrows can have plastic ones too. Each type has its use and significance.
The Nock
The nock is the tip that is fitted at the very end of the arrow, behind the fletching.
So those are the essential components of an arrow. These parts work together to give the arrow balance, stability, durability, etc. It’s important to know these parts because arrows are usually described with these parameters. So, in order to make a good selection, you have to be familiar with these terms.
What factors to consider while buying your arrows
Now that we know what makes up an arrow let’s dive into the elements to consider while buying one. Making the right choice depends on several factors. These factors can range from spine, length, etc. to weight and tip of the arrow. Let’s break down these factors one at a time.
The spine
The spine of the arrow is one of the most important and confusing aspects of archery. To put it simply, the spine is the wiggle/wobble movement that arrows make after they’re shot. As wrong as it sounds, the wiggling and bending are what give the arrow its stability and accuracy too. But too much of bending isn’t good either (Neither is too less). If the bending is too much, the spine would be ‘weak.’ And if it doesn’t wiggle as much as it’s supposed to, it has a ‘stiff’ spine. So there’s an optimum degree of bending that your arrow needs to keep it balanced and precise.
To elaborate further, the spine is also affected by the weight of your bow. Also, the length, material, and weight of the tip also affect the spine.
- Weight of your bow: If you’re using a bow that has a heavier draw weight, you’d need an arrow that’s stiffer than others. This balance keeps your shooting stable. Naturally, a lower draw weight would need an arrow with a weaker spine.
- Length of the Arrow: The laws of physics dictate that longer sticks tend to bend more easily. This applies to arrows too. So, your arrow length should be selected based on your draw length.
- Tip of the Arrow: The weight and shape of the tip can have a significant effect on the dynamics of the arrow’s movement. More substantial tips will move with more force. And broader tips may gain greater traction with the wind. These elements have to be considered when choosing your arrow.
- Arrow’s material: As mentioned earlier, the material of the arrows come in different types. And each type has its own effect on the spine. Aluminum arrows are better for beginners because they bend slightly more than carbon arrows. Carbon arrows are stiffer compared to other materials and are preferred by most archers.
Length of the arrows
The arrow’s length is one of the most basic but crucial factors you have to consider. You can determine the appropriate length for you based on your draw length. For beginners, you can use a draw-length indicator to find out your length (It’s usually a simple pole with measurements on it). This will show you the length of arrows you should buy.
Arrows that are too long beyond will affect your control and accuracy. Arrows that are short compared to your drawing length are dangerous. You run the risk of pulling the arrowhead beyond the bow and injuring your hand.
Diameter of the arrows
The width or thickness of your arrow also influences your archery. Different diameter sizes are useful in different contexts, so you should know what you’re buying them for. For example, participants in an archery completion prefer thicker diameters. The reason is that the thicker arrows have a higher chance of touching the contour lines on a target board. Hunters, on the other hand, would prefer thinner diameters. These thinner arrows give less friction with the wind. They’re also able to pierce into the skin of game animals better than thicker ones.
If you’re purchasing arrows for competitions, make sure you look up regulations. Competitions usually have restrictions of the size and type of arrows you can use.
Straightness of the arrow
The straightness of an arrow usually means the shaft in particular. Crooked arrows will obviously not do much for control and stability. It will also affect the pace at which you improve because there’s no consistency with crooked arrows.
However, the straightness by itself isn’t as important as the spine and material of the arrow. Most carbon arrows today are manufactured with precision. This means you don’t have to worry too much about it, especially if you’re a beginner.
Weight of the arrow
The weight of your arrow is a crucial aspect to consider when buying new arrows. How much an arrow weighs comes down to a combination of parts. The most significant determinants are the diameter (thickness), the material, and the arrowhead. Outdoor hunters typically prefer heavier arrows. Heavier arrows convert the bow-tension into kinetic energy better and faster. This means the arrows don’t lose much force when released.
However, if you are a beginner, you need to focus more on the uniformity of weight. Your arrows all have to weigh the same, especially during practice. Shooting arrows of different weights can have a disastrous effect on your stability and skill. Arrows of the same weight will give you control and familiarity every time you shoot, thus improving your ability and accuracy.
Final tips and conclusion
Let’s go through a few final pointers to help you make sense of all the facts that have been discussed here:
- Do not hesitate to begin with cheap arrows, especially for target practicing. Arrows can wear out over time, and it makes sense to save up before you invest in more expensive sets.
- Arrows are available in ‘shaft-only,’ too. This means you have to attach the nocks and tips yourself. If you’re a beginner, get a set that comes pre-assembled.
- Vanes can come both in plastic or feather materials. Go for plastic ones if you shoot outdoors. They give good balance and stability. Feather vanes can be better indoors because they can lose shape in rain and inclement weather.
Finally, we want to add that arrows can be confusing at first because there are so many things you have to consider. IF you’re just beginning, don’t get bogged down by spine, materials, etc. and other more intricate details. Go for arrows with uniform size and weight. Once you’ve progressed more on the skill front, you can then think of paying more attention to the smaller details.
Archery is a sport, as well as art. And like any other art, it takes time and effort. Be patient. Keep practicing and shooting till you get the right groove that fits you best!
Last update on 2020-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
