Carbon fiber’s strength and light weight make it a favorite arrow material for most archers and bowhunters. Carbon is extremely durable, and returns to its original shape when it bends. That means your arrows stay straight no matter how much you abuse them.

Manufacturers offer budget-friendly carbon arrows that are ideal for beginning archers.

*Safety Tip: During hard hits to rock or metal, carbon arrows can sustain small cracks. If you miss the target or hit something hard, carefully inspect your arrow for damage. Then, flex it while listening for cracking noises. If your arrow makes noise or breaks, throw it out or turn it into an arrow pen.

Aluminum arrows are as straight and consistent as carbon arrows, but cost less. Their biggest downside? They aren’t as durable as carbon. Aluminum can bend from mishandling or hard impacts. But if you’re on a tight budget and take care of your arrows, aluminum is a great option.


Choose the arrow shaft material that’s best for your type of shooting. Photo Credit: World Archery

Archers have used wooden arrows for thousands of years. They’ve been used to hunt wooly mammoths and to wage wars, like the Battle of Agincourt. Many archers like the nostalgia of wooden arrows in a well-oiled back quiver. They embody archery’s romance and mystique.

Unfortunately, wooden arrows aren’t as durable as carbon or aluminum arrows, and wood is less consistent and prone to warping. But for some archers, the traditional look and feel of wooden arrows outweighs the negatives. If you’re a purist or you want to step back in time, give wooden arrows a try.

The standard way to measure arrow length is from the back of the point to the throat of the nock. Your draw length and arrow spine influence your arrow length. If your draw length is 28 inches and you want an arrow that ends at the front of the riser, your arrow length would be around 27 inches. Your arrow length can be longer, however, if you need to weaken the arrow’s spine. For safety reasons, don’t cut your arrows too short. Your archery shop’s pro ensures your arrows are the proper length.

You have a lot to think about when choosing arrows. If you feel overwhelmed, the expertise at archery shops makes the process easy. Just tell the technician your budget, your bow specifications, and the type of shooting you enjoy (field, 3D, indoor or target).

Your archery shop will build your arrows to your specifications. Photo Credit: ATA

Arrow Spine

Arrow Length

Nock Fit

Spine is the measurement of an arrow’s flex or bend. You’ll find the arrow’s spine number on its label. Some examples are 350, 400, 500 and 600. The higher the number, the greater the arrow’s flex.

Once you choose an arrow spine that works for your bow, stick with it. The only exception is when you make changes to your bow, such as increasing its draw weight. A bow with a heavy draw weight needs a stiffer arrow, and a bow with a lighter draw weight needs a more flexible arrow.

Many variables – bow design, arrow length, and point weight – affect arrow spine. Your archery shop professionals consider these factors when selecting your arrow shafts.

The fit between your arrow nock and bowstring is important, but often overlooked. The ideal fit clicks audibly onto the bowstring, and the arrow comes off the string with a light tap. Your nock is too tight if it won’t cleanly release from the string, which can hurt accuracy. If your nock is too loose, the arrow might come off the string while you draw, which is unsafe.