For your success as a bow hunter, shooting with the right arrows is important. The best hunting carbon arrows have better performance, good ratings, and are more accurate than traditional arrows, with the end result that you are more effective in the field.
It takes just as much attention and research to pick arrows as your bow. The best bow with a weak arrow can be just as disappointing so you will have to pick a right arrow for your successful hunting. We have put this article together to help you make better decisions, because there are so many choices and prices.
Considering that you are already familiar with the basics of hunting arrows, and that you have calculated your own proper arrow length. The problem now is which kind of arrow is right for you. Well check out the buying guide and choose the perfect carbon arrows that suit your needs.
See also our recommendations on the best hunting tree stands to buy, the best trail cameras, the best tree stand accessories, the best backpack straps.
How to Choose the Best Carbon Arrows for Hunting
There are a few criteria that must be looked when you are selecting a carbon arrow. These criteria make a good carbon arrow. We shed the light on them below.
Spine:
In fact, the word “Spine” refers to the stiffness of the arrow. Carbon arrows are stiffer than arrows made of aluminum. The correct amount of balance in form of stiffness in a carbon arrow is very essential.
And if there’s so much spine, it won’t be able to fly like it should. It sure won’t fly straight. The outcome will be the same if the spine is too little, only the opposite direction can be the same. So, to fly straight and precise for an arrow, the correct ratio of stiffness is very much required.
To verify the stiffness of an arrow, there are a few techniques. Maybe you’re trying to bend an arrow. You will find it difficult to bend if the arrow is stiff.
Weight
When purchasing carbon arrows, weight is a very important factor to remember. An arrow’s weight also applies to grains. It depends on the reason for which you use an arrow.
If target practice is your target, then you can select lighter arrows. The reason for purchasing lighter arrows is that it is more likely that the lighter arrows will fly straight through the air. So, shooting in tight groups will be easier.
If your target is hunting, on the other hand, then you can pick heavier arrows. Since the arrows need to be able to penetrate the target for hunting. For that, more penetration capacity would be required for arrows.
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Straightness
The straightness of an arrow essentially refers to an arrow’s tolerance to straightness. The smaller the measurement of directness, the greater. Straighter arrows are much more effective than other arrows.
Additionally, the straightness is measured in inches. Straightness usually varies from 0.001 inches to 0.006 inches.
The manufacturers test the straightness of their arrows directly after development. On the basis of straightness, each of them categorize arrows.
Premium arrows are straightness of 0.001 to 0.003, mid-ranges of arrows are 0.003 to 0.004 and regular arrows are 0.005 to 0.006.
The frequency of an arrow is very important during a flight. Straight arrows normally have consistent frequency, resulting in a very strong effect on shooting. If the arrows are bent, the frequency varies and the result falls.
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Price
An important factor is price. There are a range of uniquely priced carbon arrows available on the market. They can cost as much as $40 to $100.
$40 minimum and $100 limit. So, make up your mind first on the price you want to spend on an arrow collection. Then search inside your budget for the arrow and we explained what to look for in carbon arrows.
Top Reasons to Shoot With Carbon Arrows
Durability
Modern carbon arrows are tougher than nails. They can take all the punishment you can give them and continue to perform as if they were brand new. This is perhaps their most impressive quality.
Consistent Straightness
Today’s carbon shafts from the best companies are super-straight. Virtually all top companies sell hunting arrows with a straightness of +/- .001-inch, +/- .003-inch and +/- .006-inch. Generally speaking, the straighter the arrow, the higher the price.
See also: Best compound bows for hunting
Raw Arrow Speed
In many cases carbon shafts are lighter than aluminum arrows of similar spine. This, of course, means they will leave the bow faster. And faster arrows are always better than slow arrows, within reason. Modern carbon shafts also come in a wide variety of grain weight/inch, meaning you can select a shaft with the proper arrow spine for your bow/draw length. And, at the same time, get the arrow weight you want.
Wind-Bucking Ability
Small-diameter, carbon shafts with three short, stiff fletches and a mechanical or low-profile replaceable-blade broadhead will definitely buck the wind better than a fatter, aluminum shaft with three, larger fletches. For those of us who hunt the West — where shots tend to be longer and the wind seems to never quit — this is a very big deal.
Difference in Aluminium and Carbon Hunting Arrows
Carbon arrows are way better than aluminum due to their durability, strength, and weight. Aluminum arrows are cheaper than carbon, yet they are not nearly as resilient or effective. Therefore, when choosing arrows for archery, carbon is the best option.
Aluminum Hunting Arrows
The best precision-to-price ratio of any arrow construction is available for aluminum arrows. The XX75 remains the best selling shooting arrow shaft of all time, but hunters needed a lighter arrow as bow makers began producing faster bows. An aluminum arrow will still be thicker with the same spine as an all-carbon arrow. But they have to use an arrow with a smaller diameter and thinner walls for guys who still want to shoot aluminum, but get more speed. Of course, as the arrow’s aluminum wall grows thinner, the power decreases. Some prefer the heaviness of an aluminum arrow as it moves the momentum of the bow to the shot more effectively.
| PROS | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost | Not as “flat” shooting as other arrows |
| Precise weight and spine specs | As weight decreases, so does strength |
| Arrows can sometimes be straightened if bent | Accessories can be hard to find |
| Deadly quiet out of hunting bows | |
| More spine choices |
Carbon Hunting Arrows
It appears more hunters are loading their quivers with carbon arrows these days. There’s so much to like. Weight is the main reason hunters turn to carbon arrows, but the choice is also helped by enhanced penetration due to a smaller diameter shaft and durability. Carbon doesn’t flex like aluminum, so issues of straightness are not an issue. In range measurement, the higher velocity of carbon arrows helps solve mistakes.
| PROS | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less wind drift | Velocity accelerates quickly, but also sheds quickly |
| “Flatter” shooting | Costs more than aluminum |
| Arrows can sometimes be straightened if bent | Accessories can be hard to find |
| F.O.C. can be easily manipulated with accessories | |
| Advancements in arrow manufacturing are leading to more precise weight and spine specs |
Best Carbon Hunting Arrow – Reviews
The most common type of arrows in use currently are carbon arrows. The better arrows are marketed to have straightness tolerances from 0.001 to 0.006 inches, and the more effective they would be, naturally, the straighter the arrows.
Each arrow is closely measured by producers as they come off the assembly line and then, depending on their straightness, are separated into classes. Arrows are defined by this straightness, with luxury arrows falling within the range of 0.001-0.002, mid-range arrows falling within the range of 0.003-0.004 and 0.005-0.006 regular carbon arrows.
1. Carbon Express Maxima Hunter
One of the fastest and most reliable hunting arrows is the Maxima Hunter which is developed by the carbon express. If you are looking for a carbon arrow to purchase for hunting then this is the perfect choice.
For shooters who want to carry arrow momentum and impart more destructive results on their target at longer ranges, this is excellent news.
The revolutionary dual spine architecture called “weight-forward” technology is endowed with Maxima Hunter arrows. The front of the arrow, which is intended to contribute to tighter groupings, is heavier than the rear.
We just like the style of these arrows. Over 2/3ths of the shaft, they have a sturdy Mossy Oak finish, and 2″ bright red Blazer vanes that help them appear like a pretty badass arrow. Our recommendation as the best hunting arrow for the money is won by the Maxima Hunter.
2. Carbon Express Maxima Red
One of the top Carbon Express hunting arrows is the Maxima Red carbon arrow. The arrows are developed with a state-of-the-art architecture, specially designed to provide enhanced broadhead efficiency and precision. This is accomplished by utilizing rigid ends containing the arrow’s in-flight flexing (the dynamic spine).
In order to reach draw weights of 40 to 81 pounds, the dynamic spine is effectively controlled to the point that only 2 spine sizes are required. The straightness of the shaft is laser measured and sorted to only +/-0.0025 inches of tolerance region.
3. Easton Full Metal Jacket
For hunters who prefer a heavier arrow, the Easton FMJ is a robust small diameter arrow. They fly straight, and very well, they shed wind. A smaller diameter, combined with a thicker carbon fiber wall, is used for Easton Full Metal Jacket arrows. “The shaft is covered with a metal tag, creating the “metal jacket. The premise is that the metal lowers flight drag and makes it easy to pull. You might hear random arrow bending concerns, but a lot of these individuals are shooting targets and not using an arrow puller. A strong arrow with a strong name is a Full Metal Jacket.
4. Carbon Express Maxima Blu RZ
A lighter hunting arrow made by Carbon Express is the Maxima Blu RZ. The Blue RZ will be a great choice if you’re searching for the best possible speed in addition to accuracy. A specialized cross-weaved carbon material called Diamond Weave is used to create the arrow shafts. The carbon weave makes an incredibly stiff arrow of similarly good accuracy in the spine.
The majority of the arrows are also high in consistency. You get a straight tolerance of +/-0.0025 inches and a weight tolerance of +/- 1 grain out of the package. To protect significant consequences to the ends, the arrows come rigged with Carbon Express special Launchpad nocks with BullDog collars. The Blu RZ is also pre-fletched with blue and white Blazer vanes.
Those who love the finishing look of the arrows of the Maxima Blue Streak. On top of the BuffTuff finishing coat over the carbon fiber, the metallic blue looks fantastic. Overall, this is a hunting arrow of high prices with premium features and reliability.
5. Easton Aftermath
Relatively newer improvements to the Easton lineup are the Aftermath arrows. They have a straight tolerance of .005 inches, placing them in the same category as the arrows of the Cabela brand name. For low friction and fast removal, the shafts are manufactured in the USA and have a slick finish. The Easton Aftermath can make your hit list if you are searching for a cheaper arrow with decent momentum that still maintains high energy.
6. Gold Tip Hunter Pro
Relatively newer improvements to the Easton lineup are the Aftermath arrows. They have a straight tolerance of .005 inches, placing them in the same category as the arrows of the Cabela brand name. For low friction and fast removal, the shafts are manufactured in the USA and have a slick finish. The Easton Aftermath can make your hit list if you are searching for a cheaper arrow with decent momentum that still maintains high energy.
7. Gold Tip Hunter XT
Among the top-selling hunting arrows produced by Gold Tip is the Hunter XT. The XT’s are considered to be a rugged and accurate bowhunting arrow and one that can survive both deer hunting seasons and practice sessions. The Hunter XT 400 has a grain weight of 8.2/inch, with a grain tolerance of +/-2 per pack of twelve bows.
Moreover, the XT’s are hand-sorted and laser-inspected to a +/-0.003 shaft tolerance. These weapons are pre-fletched with 2′ Blazer vanes, and then all you must do is cut the shafts in the accessories that come with the kit down to the shooting length and epoxy.
8. Easton Bloodline
Bloodlines are very strong arrows for hunting, particularly if you want a lighter shaft (8.7 and 7.7 gpi). In rpm, the tradeoff in weight is compensated for, offering you a perfect combination for bowhunting. The shafts have a good tolerance of .004 inches, and the weight tolerance of 0.5 grain is also solid. The shafts are manufactured in the USA, like most Easton arrows, and feature the popular HP inserts.
With both the red H nocks and the red/white Blazer vanes, We really think these arrows look really good. One of the better mid-range options for affordable carbon hunting arrows is the Bloodline arrows. For the price of 6 premium arrows, you effectively get 12 arrows, without sacrificing all that much in performance.
Bottom Line:
In the most competitive market, we have a large variety of options in our hands when we try to buy anything. If you are trying to buy a carbon arrow, with this article, we have tried to help you to pick the right one. Your needs can not be fulfilled with all the choices arrows on the market. You’ll know how to pick the right carbon arrows and which are the best arrows on the market.
We hope this article was helpful, and you are sure about which carbon arrow you would want to purchase. Thank you for spending time to read the article till the end. It was our pleasure to write about these affordable best carbon arrows for hunting.
Our suggestions above are what we found the best carbon arrows for hunting available in the market. These are the best carbon arrows for hunting to buy in every price range for you. We have analyzed the features and functions of each product and reviewed our best for the buyers.
See also:
- Best Tree Stand Umbrella
- Best Tree Stand Accessories
- Best Tree Stand Backpack Straps
- Best Tree Stand Blinds
- Best Hunting Safety Harness
- Best Hunting Gloves