Getting the best out of your crossbow is as easy as picking the right bolts for the job. To be a difference-maker on the search, crossbow bolts need to build a reliable blend power, speed, and accuracy. You want a bolt that zeroes in on the kill zone and each time it hits the target with accuracy. This guide will cover anything you need to learn while finding the right crossbow bolts for your bow. See also our recommendations on best hang-on tree stands, best climbing tree stands, tripod tree stand, and also ladder tree stands.
Picking the Right Crossbow Bolt
Check Manufacturer’s warranty & crossbow requirements
The first step in choosing the right bolts for your crossbow is to verify the warranty given by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers provide instructions for choosing the bolts to be used in each specific crossbow. For several reasons, it is important to follow the specifications set out in the owner’s manual or product warranty.
- The manufacturer is the main expert for their product. They want you to succeed, so they even realize what kinds of bolts in their unique crossbow would fit better.
- Your warranties may be invalid when utilizing a bolt that does not follow the recommended specifications of the manufacturer. Most warranties on products are valid even if you follow their guidance. If you use their equipment outside of intended use, the insurance does no longer cover the damage that occurs.
- Your crossbow risks personal injury and damage. You can only shoot bolts that follow the requirements set out in your user’s manual for your protection and the safety of others. A crossbow is also a costly investment. If you use your crossbow with an incompatible bolt you risk damaging it. That could lead to expensive repairs or an irreparable crossbow
Decide if you want to use carbon or aluminum bolts
Crossbow bolt shafts are generally built from aluminum or carbon fiber. If you are better at aluminum or carbon shafts is largely a matter of personal preference.
Many shooters choose aluminum shafted bolts because they tend to be cheaper than carbon. The biggest problem with bolts made from aluminum is that they bend easily and are usually less long-lasting than carbon. If you are just going to look to get into some decent archery practice without wasting too much money, however, they are a perfect option.
Carbon fiber shafts are better and tend to bring deeper penetration. Carbon fiber shafts enable more flexion, too. This means it is less likely to stress the shaft when the bolt comes to a sudden stop as it hits the target and causes it to weaken. That transforms into a more sustainable brand that can be constantly shot without sacrificing the integrity of the material. For hunting, it is recommended to use carbon bolts.
Determine the desired weight of your crossbow bolts
The weight of the crossbow bolts is measured in grains per inch (GPI) as is typical bows. Lighter weight bolts usually travel quicker and potentially more straight, at least under ideal conditions. Heavier bolts have more kinetic energy, are lighter and wind drift resistant.
With a readily available lightweight, medium weight, and heavyweight crossbow bolts, working out which will work best for a shooting or hunting position is only a matter of understanding the choices. Let’s take a closer look at the functionality and suggestions of the various weighted arrows.
Lightweight Bolts (less than 350 grains)
The use of a lightweight bolt increases speed and the trajectory flattens. A lighter bolt, therefore, passes energy to the crossbow arms. This results in unnecessary vibration, louder shooting, and possible wear-and-tear on your weapon. A lightweight bolt can quickly hit the target, but it may be more sensitive to downrange wind, rain, and debris. A bolt that is easily blown off course by a light crosswind is going to be less accurate.
Uses: Whether your crossbow can support the shooting of a lightweight bolt (check the instructions of the manufacturer), there are situations in which it can be useful. Lightweight bolts are excellent for target shooting, particularly competitive shooting. Also, if you are hunting in open areas where it is difficult to judge distance, a bolt with a flatter trajectory can help to compensate for the distance overshot. Hunting with lightweight bolts in wooded areas even during inclement weather is not the preferred choice. Just be aware that when shooting a lightweight bolt, the extra noise your crossbow generates could spook fidgety game.
Standard-Weight Bolts (350-400 grains)
A perfect all-purpose bolt, standard weight bolts have good kinetic energy and speed balance. Standard-weight bolts often meet the requirements of most manufacturing companies and are less likely to cause bow injury. With this slight increase in bolt weight, more energy is passed from the string to the bolt. This reduces noise and improves the penetration of the target. A typical weight bolt would, therefore, be less affected by wind and weather, thereby increasing accuracy in shooting situations outdoors.
Uses: A perfect “all-purpose” bolt, a standard-weight bolt at most crossbows fits well. Such bolts also make the perfect choice for hunting, with low noise vibration, good penetration and energy, and less susceptibility to the elements.
Heavyweight Bolts (more than 400 grains)
Heavyweight bolts retain the maximum amount of kinetic energy, making terminal quality hard-hitting. This type of bolt can create the highest possible amount of wind penetration. Heavyweight bolts often provide the best durability in air, making them less susceptible to deflect in windy conditions. They lose downrange trajectory, however, dropping rapidly at longer distances, so it’s essential to properly evaluate target distance.
Uses: Hunting the largest game requires a heavyweight bolt, especially species with tough hides such as elk, moose, and bear. Whether you are going to be hunting in harsh conditions, a heavyweight bolt is a wise option. These bolts offer quiet shooting, but to accurately judge target distance you should consider hunting with a rangefinder.
Ensure that you pick a good nock compatible with your bow
The crossbow nock is a piece inserted inside the shaft of the bolt. The nock, which is usually made of durable plastic or aluminum, provides the connection between the string and bolt. It’s important to have a good, quality nock to ensure maximum energy transfer. Usually, you would not be in situations where the exact nock you like can be cherry-picked. You also want to make sure the nock of the bolt you are purchasing fits the needs/recommendations of the maker for the crossbow. If it works with your crossbow, we recommend a half-moon hybrid for day hunting and archery or a lighted-nock for hunting at night. The reasoning behind this is explained below:
Flat – This simplest nock design is also the most ancient and traditional one. That nock design, as the name suggests, is a simple flat disk. This design allows the arrow to be positioned in nearly any position on the arrow. Special care must be taken with this nock style to ensure that the string does not slip from the nock and causes a dangerous dry fire.
Half-moon – This nock pattern features a groove on the string to ensure a safe bolt position. This concave depression prevents the string from slipping in during firing from the nock. It also ensures the fletchings of the bolt are properly positioned along the rail designed to allow for a smooth trajectory and greater precision. Most crossbows suitable with this nock style will have you loading the bolt straight down into the groove with one vane.
Half-moon Hybrid – This relatively new nock design features multiple grooves to make it easier to fletch multiple positions. This nock style gives you the flat nock ‘s freedom of positioning with half-moon nock ‘s string stability. That nock essentially gives you the best of both worlds.
Lighted Nocks – A relatively recent advance in the field of archery, many hunters turn to the lighted nocks. These shot-activated nocks produce a lighted glow that will help you see your bolt ‘s flight path, pinpoint where it hit the target, and make it easy to collect your shots.
Make sure your crossbow bolt has the correct length
Many crossbow bolts average 16 to 24 inches long. Keep in mind that your bolt ‘s length will affect the overall weight since the bolts are measured in grains per inch (GPI). Theoretically, a shorter bolt can move quicker than a longer bolt with the same spine and GPI.
Aside from the arrow speed, when fired, how a bolt fits into your crossbow will determine whether it will perform precisely. The bolt must be long enough for the nock to come into contact with the string while the tip at the end of the rail is free of the interface. The length will differ based on the type of crossbow you use to hunt, so make sure to review the bolt size advice from the manufacturer.
The best crossbow bolt ultimately depends on your crossbow requirements and the intended use. Here are our picks selected by hand to help you narrow down your choices and select the best match for your shooting device. Such approved bolts are now compliant with most crossbows available on the market.
Best Crossbow Bolt to Buy in 2020
There is no need to be more tensed when searching for the best crossbow bolts. We combined to do the homework for you through hundreds of customer comments and articles and combined what we find with our own field knowledge to compile a list of 10 crossbow bolts that you should be using this year.
1. Parker Hunter Crossbow Arrows
One thing you will see immediately with these 20-inch bolts is their dependability. Parker has made a bolt that remains constant lead after shot. It flies straight, goes quick, and with next to no drop off in infiltrating power before it arrives at the proposed target
Each bolt highlights catch nocks and are sufficiently tough to withstand repeated use on the hunting range. They have lightweight rods at 15 grains for every inch and their top in-flight speed after discharge is best in class. These bolts are strictly for hunting. They do not come with field points to use for target practice.
2. TenPoint Pro Lite Bolts
No bolt is a better match than these beauties for the “lightning quick” description. At a stunning speed, they zip along downrange. The great thing is that the quality of that speed also isn’t sacrificed. TenPoint has a bolt here that stays consistent with any shot to reach the target. You are satisfied with the results that you are getting.
Each 20 inch bolt features a significantly offset fletching carbon shaft. Bolts are also fitted with aluminum inserts of 25 grains and neon-green nocks. The kit contains 100-grain field tips.
3. Horton Carbon Bolts
If you’re searching for a powerful, accurate bolt, this Horton product should suit the bill. It is shot after shot with precision. Those 20-inch bolts deliver a punch as well. This means that in addition to consistently hitting it in the right place, you will get excellent absorption on a goal.
This isn’t the only thing that goes with the bolt. Each bolt maintains itself during regular use. The carbon shafts are strong and sturdy. May bolt comes with 3-inch offset fletching, an aluminum insert, and a neon nock. We give suggestions for 100 grains of the field
4. Carbon Express PileDriver X-Bolts
X really marks the spot on these 20-inch carbon bolts. You get continuity of the spine to guarantee exceptional accuracy even with the weight tipping about 440 grains on the scales. The heavy carbon shaft generates a bolt of kinetic energy, with incredible force dropping a target. It pumps lots of strength through a huge match.
With this bolt, it is easy to use the half-moon nocks or flat nocks. 100-Corn field points are not used in the buying process. You are going to enjoy the strength of the bolts. The heaviness ensures that you will sacrifice up to 30 fps of arrow speed but in penetration, it makes up for it.
5. TenPoint Magnum XX75 Aluminum Bolts
This bolt achieves reputation as the finest crossbow bolt in aluminum is needed. It is just what you need if you want a hard-hitting bolt that can withstand a pounding and yet yield reliable performance. Aerodynamic aluminum shafts, 4-inch fletching, composite inserts, and Omni-nocks design such 20-inch bolts. The packet often contains 100-grain field samples.
Every bolt is built to get the job done. They fly straight and precisely penetrate a goal. The bolts hold up well to intensive usage without enduring a deadly accuracy drop off.
6. TenPoint Carbon Pro V22
Going with a bolt of 22 inches will mean a drop in speed, Which certainly is the case here. Carbon Pro V22 bolts experience an in-flight speed decrease of almost nine percent. These are robust and strong on the other hand, which can give you the best bang for your dollar. Each bolt is accurate and consistent in reaching its desired target. And, after repeated usage, they stay strong and powerful.
The 22-inch bolts feature bright orange Omni-nocks that have six microgrooves defining three channels of string alignment. They do have aluminium inserts with 24 grains, and slightly offset fletching. It’s a dynamic package that every hunter would enjoy.
8. Barnett Field Tip Carbon Bolts
If your attention is on small game and target practice, this quality carbon bolt should help Barnett fulfill your needs. Field points may be exchanged with broadheads, and the bolts operate for big matches too, but the better choice is a smaller game. They fly straight, are precise in hitting the target at the right location, and can well stand up to repeated usage.
Every 20 inch bolt comes with a long-lasting carbon shaft, 100-grain field points, and moon nocks. The weight of the shaft is 13 grains per inch and includes 4-inch offset fletching. How you get is a decent value bolt for new bowhunters and a great entry-level bolt.
9. Excalibur Diablo 18 inch Bolts
Good stuff pops up in shorter packages. This 18 inch bolt does not really sacrifice quality and reliability. It provides amazing speeds, and the lightning-fast flight is combined with excellent downrange precision after activation. With little or no difficulty at all, you may reduce large game on intermediate distances.
Diablo bolts feature 2-inch fletching on the carbon shaft and increased weights at the front of the center. Often, they sell flat-back inserts to eliminate nock requires. This configuration is intended to make contact with the string more stable when pulling back and releasing the bolt.
10. EVO-X CenterPunch
Consistency is the game term for those bolts. They ‘re built specifically to boost performance and deliver on the promise. Every bolt uses a state-of-the-art blend of Lazer-Tech carbon fiber to minimize spine variation by 80 percent and increase shaft strength by 40%. The end effect is an improvement in the precision of 25 percent relative to the standard carbon bolt.
Breakage is not a concern with these bolts, because the carbon fiber is valued at 33 million pounds per square inch. Each bolt of 445 grains has Omni-nocks, brass inserts, and 3 1⁄2 inch fletching. They may even use moon nocks.
Final thoughts:
Bolt quality makes all the difference between hunting well and hunting bad. Using bolts that strike a good balance between speed, strength, and accuracy sends your chances of bagging through the roof of big or small game. This guide will offer a helpful drive towards finding the best bolts for your crossbow in the right direction.