Top 10 Archery Arrows
In archery, you are going to need more than just one arrow to hunt, train, or compete. Arrows can be expensive, but they are a worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in the sport. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand more about the best options available to you.
Arrow Materials
There are five main materials used for arrows:
- Carbon
- Aluminum
- Composite
- Wood
- Fiberglass
Carbon is recognized as the industry standard for archery arrows. Carbon arrows are lightweight and can withstand tighter tolerances. Carbon arrows produce better speed, accuracy, and penetration than any other shaft.
Aluminum shafts are less common than carbon compositions, but some archers prefer the feel of aluminum. Aluminum is heavier than carbon, which makes the arrow less powerful, but aluminum shafts can transfer a bow’s energy with more efficiency.
Composite arrows are made from a mixture of carbon and aluminum. Olympians and World Champions utilize composite arrows in competition due to their sturdiness, their ability to stay straight, and their extreme accuracy from a distance. Composite arrows are the most expensive type of arrow, but a worthwhile investment for more competitive archers.
Wood and fiberglass arrows are less commonly seen, but are still in production today. Wood arrows are the traditional material, but they are very easily broken. Fiberglass arrows are cheap yet sturdy, but are only used in training and not in competition.
Shaft type is a personal preference, but carbon is the recommended choice for someone new to archery.
Draw Weight
It is important to know the poundage of your bow because certain types of arrows can shatter while being shot if the poundage is too high. High poundage needs an arrow with greater flexibility.
A bow’s draw length is customized to the arm length of each individual archer. However, depending on the draw length, some arrows may be too small or large. If an arrow is of inadequate size, the archer will not be able to pull the arrow back completely, resulting in loss of force.
Always remember not to share arrows with a friend without making sure your bow can withstand their type of arrow.
What are the most popular archery arrows?
- Carbon Exp Maxima Hunter
- Easton Full Metal Jacket
- Gold Tip Hunter XT
- REEGOX Vital Seeker Carbon Arrows
- Carbon Exp Maxima Red
- Easton Aftermath
- Guide Gear Trophy Hunter Arrows
- Carbon Exp Maxima Blu RZ
- Victory XTorsion
- Gold Tip Airstrike
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Carbon Exp Maxima Hunter |
| See on Amazon |
 | Easton Full Metal Jacket |
| See on Amazon |
 | Gold Tip Hunter XT |
| See on Amazon |
 | REEGOX Vital Seeker Carbon Arrows |
| See on Amazon |
 | Carbon Exp Maxima Red |
| See on Amazon |
 | Easton Aftermath |
| See on Amazon |
 | Guide Gear Trophy Hunter Arrows |
| See on Amazon |
 | Carbon Exp Maxima Blu RZ |
| See on Amazon |
 | Victory XTorsion |
| See on Amazon |
 | Gold Tip Airstrike |
| See on Amazon |
1. Carbon Exp Maxima Hunter
Specifications:
- Price: $66.79
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Carbon Express
The Carbon Exp Maxima Hunter is considered to be the industry standard for an arrow of exceptional quality. This arrow is perfect for short and long range distance shots, and is durable enough to withstand several uses. The Maxima Hunter is designed using weight-forward technology. This means the front of the arrow weighs more than the rear to improve stability and distance. The Maxima Hunter’s weight distribution allows for sustained impacts even at long distances.
The Maxima Hunter’s strong frame ensures the arrow will last over time, and this durability makes the Maxima Hunter a smart investment for archers at any skill level. These arrows are great for both practice with and hunting, since they are accurate at all distances. Maxima Hunter arrows are typically priced at $70 or less for 6 arrows. These arrows are more expensive, but their reliability makes them a sound investment.
2. Easton Full Metal Jacket
Specifications:
- Price: $99.99
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Easton
The Easton Full Metal Jacket is another outstanding all-around arrow that can be used for target shooting and hunting. The Full Metal Jacket arrow features a hybrid design of carbon and aluminum. This combination allows for the straightness of an aluminum arrow, and the durability and speed of a carbon arrow. This unique build reduces friction in flight and makes the arrow easier to pull back before firing.
The hybrid build causes this arrow to weigh considerably more than pure carbon arrows. The weight of an arrow is completely up to the preferences of the archer, but usually lightweight arrows are desired because they fly farther and faster. However, the increased weight of the Full Metal Jacket makes the arrow exceptional at piercing through wind. The Full Metal Jacket is great for hunting because the arrow is forceful upon impact, and is a reputable choice in any weather condition. This arrow is also commonly used for target shooting because of its durability. The Easton Full Metal Jacket is priced at around $99 for 6 arrows, making it a moderately priced arrow with exceptional quality.
3. Gold Tip Hunter XT
Specifications:
- Price: $119.99
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Gold Tip
Gold Tip Hunter XT arrows are the most durable on the market. These arrows are designed to withstand years of hunting and target shooting, making them a great set of arrows to purchase for training. Typically target shooting can deteriorate the strength and durability of an arrow after repeated forceful impacts. However, the Hunter XT are created to withstand the impact of repetitive usage, so these arrows are great for individuals who are looking to practice their archery skills.
In addition, these arrows can be used for hunting animals ranging from deer to turkey. The Hunter XT arrow is a great choice for archers looking to try out hunting because the arrow can be used for all types of game. The Hunter XT is made completely of carbon, resulting in a stronger arrow that does not compromise speed. At just over $100 for 12 arrows, the Hunter XT arrow set is very well priced for the quality of the arrows. Given how durable they are, consider this a long term investment.
4. REEGOX Vital Seeker Carbon Arrows
Specifications:
- Price: $32.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: REEGOX
REEGOX Vital Seeker is a fully carbon fiber arrow at a low cost.For under $35, you can purchase a 12 pack of Vital Seeker arrows. This is considerably less expensive than other options, but it does not mean lower quality. In fact, REEGOX prides themselves on producing the highest quality archery arrows at one of the most affordable prices on the market. These arrows are 30 inches in length with a spine size of 400 and 3 inch quality vanes. They come field ready with pre-installed inserts, another benefit of these great arrows. The Vital Seeker comes in 6 colors, allowing you to choose your favorite look before purchasing your set.
5. Carbon Exp Maxima Red
Specifications:
- Price: $83.41
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Carbon Express
The Carbon Exp Maxima Red arrow is a carbon arrow designed for speed, and is largely considered to be one of the most accurate arrows on the market. These arrows are constructed with stiff ends that increase the flex of the arrow in the middle, and this in-flight flexing ensures straightness and accuracy. Maxima Red arrows are an excellent choice for hunting bigger animals such as elk. This is in large part because, when hunting large game, speed is the most important factor when deciding which arrow to purchase. The Maxima Red is exceptionally fast and quite strong due to its stiff ends.
However, Maxima Red arrows are not recommended for targeting shooting since they are not designed for repeated impacts.
These arrows are very precise and are ranked as top quality in the market. Priced at $85.00 for 6 arrows, the Maxima Reds are an expensive product targeted towards advanced archers who have experience hunting.
The Carbon Exp Maxima Red is comparable to the Blu RZ, but the Maxima Red has stiffer ends causing the arrow to have greater flexibility.
6. Easton Aftermath
Specifications:
- Price: $53.49
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Brand: Easton
The Aftermath is an extraordinary arrow that can be used efficiently for both hunting and target shooting, even on larger game animals. These arrows are designed for durability, while also being affordable. The Aftermath can withstand repeated shots to targets with little deterioration. On top of this durability, these arrows also have a slick coating that makes removal from a target easier. This special coating reduces friction resulting in a fast and accurate arrow.
Most arrows on this top 10 list are praised for durability and performance, but what differentiates the Aftermath from the others is its unique size. The Aftermath is one of the smallest arrows on the market. If you are an experienced archer debating switching to the Aftermath arrows, keep in mind your bow may need adjustments to accommodate the smaller size arrow. Priced at $50.00 per 6 arrows, the Aftermath is a sleek arrow with enhanced durability measures.
7. Guide Gear Trophy Hunter Arrows
Specifications:
- Price: $57.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Victory Archery
Guide Gear Trophy Hunter Arrows by Victory Archery are another great choice for anyone looking to try out a new model. The arrows are made from modulus carbon and come with 2” Bohnig Blazer vanes, as well as a Bohnig Double-Lock Blazer nock. At just $57.99 per dozen arrows, the Guide Gear Trophy Hunter Model is a great choice for anyone trying to get the best bang for their buck.
8. Carbon Exp Maxima Blu RZ
Specifications:
- Price: $169.99
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Carbon Express
The Carbon Exp Maxima Blu RZ arrow is a more expensive arrow that yields high performance. It has the highest speed of any arrow on the market. These arrows are exceptional for hunting, as quick shots are necessary to strike animals such as deer. The Maxima Blu RZ arrows are specifically for hunters and are not well equipped to handle target shooting. The speed of these arrows make them a great choice for hunters of all levels.
The Maxima Blu RZ is composed of carbon that is cross weaved along the shaft to increase strength and stiffness. The stiffness of the Maxima Blu RZ generates an incredibly accurate arrow. They are considered to be the top standard of quality in the marketplace, and are accordingly priced at $169.99 per dozen. Experienced archers with aspirations of hunting should consider purchasing the Maxima Blu RZ.
9. Victory XTorsion
Specifications:
- Price: $189.99
- Brand: Victory Archery
The Victory XTorsion arrow is an incredibly strong arrow that is designed for increased durability. The Xtorsion is made of layers of 304 stainless steel that is then encased within carbon fiber. The carbon fiber is woven together to increase the strength of the arrow. This design technology, along with digital spine alignment, improves the accuracy of the arrow. The Victory Xtorsion has an ice nano-ceramic coating to boost penetration upon impact. The nano-ceramic coating also makes the arrow’s removal from targets an easy process.
The Xtorsion is great for hunting since the arrow is very quiet. It is difficult for live animals to detect this arrow approaching, and the location from which it was shot. In addition, due to the strength of the Xtorsion, the arrow has an incredible impact upon hitting a target. This makes the arrow great for hunting large animals. A set of 12 Xtorsion arrows is priced around $180, putting this arrow on the expensive side of the market.
10. Gold Tip Airstrike
Specifications:
- Price: $109.99
- Brand: Gold Tip
The Gold Tip Airstrike is composed of an ultralight weight carbon frame, and was designed with a front-of-center weight displacement. The front-of-center design increases the stability of the arrow while traveling through the air, making the Airstrike arrow great for long-distance shooting. The extraordinary speed of the arrow allows it to maintain a stable flight, even at greater distances.
The Airstrike’s carbon frame helps to maintain the performance of the arrow over time and usage. In addition, the Gold Tip Airstrike has a special Dyna-Tek Shield coating that produces deeper arrow penetration, while also making the Airstrike’s removal from targets very simple. This technology makes the Gold Tip Airstrike a great arrow for long-range archery.
The Airstrike has a price range between $120 and $200 per dozen arrows, depending on the different choices for customizable features.