If you’re a hunter or the type of person who likes shooting a bow and arrows, you’re definitely going to want to find the best options. There are so many arrows out there that it can be difficult to figure out just which one is going to be best for you and how to set up your bow properly.
But we’re going to take a look at some of the best arrows for compound bow, so you don’t have to.
Reviews of the Best Arrows for Compound Bow
1. Carbon Express Maxima RED Fletched Carbon Arrows
Best Overall
Straight to 1/10,000 of an inch
Weight-matched to 1.0 grain
Launchpad precision nock
Fletching is not always the same color
Weight difference one package to next
The key to getting a good shot is that besides you have to get the best compound bow, you also have high-quality arrows and these arrows offer plenty of features to help you with that.
These Carbon Express arrows are made by a company that’s well known in the archery world and are laser checked for straightness to 1/10,000 of an inch. They’re also weight-matched to 1 grain, so each arrow will fly just like the last.
There’s dynamic spine control that helps even broadheads fly much better, and Carbon Express uses a different carbon in this area as well. What Carbon Express calls the ‘Red Zone’ uses this separate carbon to help control the flex of the arrow.
Each arrow is made using a 100% diamond weave carbon that’s made with a 100% low modular carbon weave. This creates an outer layer that is strong, consistent, and still lightweight enough to fly wherever you point it.
2. Musen Carbon Archery Arrows
Best for Versatility
100-grain tips
Draw weight up to 55 lbs.
Tight groupings
Not as straight
Metal tips not sturdy
Designed for both hunting and for target shooting, these carbon arrows come in a set of 12 that makes sure you’re ready to go anywhere. They come with black and white fletching, to create a simple but classic style for your equipment.
Each arrow is made with carbon and precision checked for straightness and weight. They are designed to increase accuracy for any type of shooting, including practice and hunting. Each of the vanes is made with rubber to enhance this, even in less than ideal weather conditions.
The field points that are included are made with stainless steel to prevent corrosion and to improve target penetration. They are 100-grain tips, but could also be replaced with others that you prefer because they’re made in a standard size.
These 30” arrows have 500 spines and create a tight group while shooting, which is important even when you’re just shooting for fun. They also have soft fletching that moves during flight to create a more unique look.
3. GOLD TIP HUNTER XT ARROWS
Best for Consistency
Weight matched to 2 grain
Straightness checked to 0.003”
Smart carbon technology
Colors are not guaranteed
Nocks not always included
The Gold Tip Hunter XT arrows feature plastic fletching that’s 2 inches long. These ‘raptor vanes’ come in different colors and create a slight accent to the look of your equipment. You’ll get a dozen arrows in a pack, which gives you enough for anything you might be doing.
Each arrow in the pack of 12 is weight checked to 2 grain, which keeps each one consistent, so you don’t have to worry about which arrow you shoot or how it’s going to fly. Each is also straightness tested to 0.003 inches, which gives you even better accuracy.
Gold Tip uses a Smart Carbon technology to create arrows that are stable, fast, and strong, which is important when you’re expecting them to last. They even come with nocks, so you’ll be ready to use them as soon as they arrive.
They can easily be cut down to size to fit whatever bow you have and can also be fitted with your own nocks and either field tips or broadheads. This gives you more versatility when it comes to using the arrows or even swapping them between different uses.
4. ANTSIR Archery Target Arrow
Best for Youth Archers
Replaceable nocks and tips
3” plastic fletching
Good for youth
Nocks not secure
Not really for hunting
You can use these arrows with your youth bow or an adult bow, which provides better versatility and allows your child to get into the sport. They are good for practice and especially target shooting, which also provides for a whole lot more fun.
Each nock can be adjusted with a coin to fit your bow configuration. This also means that they are easier to replace than nocks that have already been secured into the bow. They also have standard practice tips that can be replaced.
The arrows themselves are 30” in length with 3” fletching to provide even more aerodynamics and better flow through the air and to the target. They are possibly the best target arrows for a compound bow. This helps them get a better grouping and makes them more predictable when you’re shooting.
The company that makes these arrows is also highly responsive and works to fix problems as needed. This ensures that you can trust you’ll get what you expect and that you’ll be able to continue shooting however you prefer.
5. Tiger Archery Carbon Arrow
Best Practice Arrows
Several color combinations
30” arrow length
Up to 60lb. draw weight
Not precision weight-matched
Tips need additional support
Designed for both compound and recurve bows, these Tiger Archery arrows come in a pack of 12, so there are always plenty for any tasks you want. You can use them for target practice or competition with field tips, or you can swap for broadheads and go hunting.
The fletching gives you two matched colors and one odd feather that makes it easier to direct your arrow while shooting. It’s also stiff, which keeps it from getting broken down too quickly, allowing the arrow to fly where you direct it.
Each arrow is 30” in length and can be used with bows that have a draw weight of up to 60 pounds, which means they’re not designed for your 70 lb compound bow. This combination helps you get a straighter flight and better quality out of each shot and makes sure the arrows last even longer.
Nocks are included, and there are also replacement nocks available, or you can swap in your own. You’ll also be able to add your own tips for the type of archery you’re planning to do. Each of the tips included is made with nickel-plated stainless steel.
This provides you with added durability and makes sure each arrow is strong enough to pierce whatever it comes into contact with. The arrows themselves are well made but inexpensive, which makes them a good pick for budget hunters.
Choosing Arrows for a Compound Bow
When it comes to selecting the best arrows for compound bow, you want to look at several different features. These features will help you choose something that works specifically for your needs, either as a target shooter or a hunter.
So, what are the best arrows for compound bows? Here we’re going to talk about everything you need to know about arrows to help you decide.
Tips
The tips that you choose are going to play a role in the type of shooting you do. Field tips are designed for target practice or competitions, but not ideal for hunting any type of game. Broadheads, on the other hand, are good for game but could tear apart any target.
Nocks
If you’re shooting a compound bow, nocks are relatively standard, but you may want to look into lighted versus non-lighted nocks. Lighted nocks are primarily for those who will be hunting or shooting in dim light and want to track their arrows or find them more easily.
Length
Many arrows are actually adjustable, meaning they can be cut down to fit a specific bow. Others are already finished (complete with nocks and tips) at a set length. Your length must work with the draw length of your bow.
Material
What are the arrows made of? Carbon arrows are durable and strong but can be a little heavier. Aluminum arrows are lightweight but more susceptible to damage. Each has benefits, but it’s up to you, which is the right style.
Poundage
Arrows are made to work with a set poundage or draw weight for a bow. If you have arrows that are too light for your bow, they could shatter. Arrows that are too heavy for your bow may not fly properly.
Straightness
Look at the overall straightness of the arrow and especially look for laser tested arrows, like the Carbon Express Maxima Red above. This is important for those who want to shoot for fun but even more important in competition shooting or hunting. You need your arrows to go where you aim them.
Fletching
There are two different types of fletching, which are feathers and vanes. Feathers are made with individual pieces of material, so they look (and fly) more like true feathers. Vanes are made with plastic or rubber, which makes them more durable, but not always as accurate.
Speed
Not all arrows will tell you their speed or their loss of speed over distance, but higher quality arrows generally do. If speed is important to you, this is something to look at more closely so you can better plan for each shot.
Accuracy
Separate from straightness, accuracy is an important piece because it lets you know just how accurate the arrow is when fired. This is usually expressed as a percentage drop over a set distance and is also something you’ll find with higher quality arrows.
Weight
You want to know not only the weight of the arrow but also how closely matched each of the arrows is in a pack. The pack that you buy should be precision matched so that they fly approximately the same from one to the next. The Carbon Express Maxima RED Fletched Carbon Arrows may be the good one you should consider
FAQs
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best arrows for compound bow, you need to look at a number of different features. If you’re still not quite sure, we’ve narrowed it down for you to just two that we think are the best choices overall.
The Carbon Express Maxima RED Fletched Carbon Arrows are the top pick we have because they provide precision engineering and excellent straightness and weight balance. They also come from a company that’s well-known in the industry for high quality.
The Musen Carbon Archery Arrows are our second pick because they’re extremely accurate and provide excellent features. They don’t have a lot of color options, and they aren’t quite as strong or quality as the Carbon Express version, but they do offer tight groupings and precision engineering.