Aluminum arrows were a breakthrough in arrow technology that revolutionized the way that we do archery today for both professional and recreational activities. If you're looking for the best aluminum arrows, or would like to know how they compare to carbon arrows, this is the guide for you.
Aluminum arrows were created in 1939 by Doug Easton. Taking the next big step in arrow evolution, Easton aluminum arrows were a game changer and are in frequent demand in archery activities around the world today. The aluminum arrow shaft is designed to be consistent from end to end, creating a much better flight pattern than wood could offer. It is for this reason that aluminum hunting arrows have grown in popularity.
Advantages of Aluminum Arrows
They're a great option to consider when looking for arrows for archery, lets take a look at some of the advantages:
- They can take a lot of abuse, this is an awesome feature for beginners as they tend to be quite rough on their arrows when starting out for the first time. If the arrows are bent they are able to be straightened using an arrow spinner.
- Aluminum arrows require less maintenance than wooden arrows, and with proper care will last a very long time.
- There is a variety of spines that are available.
- An aluminum arrow doesn't splinter or shatter, making them safer than wood. However they will show clear signs of damage if abused.
- Markings on the side of the arrow allow for easy identification.
- It is a very cost effective option when one is looking for quality.
- Longer shafts can be cut to desired length
- Aluminum arrows shoot flatter and more accurately than wood
Downsides of Aluminum Arrows
- The thickness of the arrow directly affects the weight of the arrow. With outdoor shooting the increased surface area can be affected by the wind.
- Alloy is a fairly soft metal and is easily manipulated. This can be both a good and a bad thing for example: when you miss your target and make contact with a solid object such as a tree, rock or bone or, simply incorrectly removing arrows from the target can cause the arrow to bend or break.
- Due to the thicker shaft the arrows are affected more by the wind and have more surface impact. However target shooters would view this as an advantage because being thicker, it is more likely to touch the lines on the target thereby awarding the shooter a higher score.
- Some accessories may be harder to get.
Aluminum vs Carbon Arrows
Are aluminum arrows better than carbon?
Here are a few points to consider when deciding which arrows to get and which are best suited to your archery style:
- Aluminum arrows were once the preferred choice until the development of the carbon arrow, knocking aluminum arrows off the podium. They are however still the best for beginners who are still trying to get into to the sport without having to pay a fortune. They are also easy and cheap for a beginner to repair. Carbon arrows have their own set of challenges depending on the damage. They may require special inserts that a professional will fit for you.
- An aluminum arrow is slower off the bow string, but can travel further because of the extra weight. Carbon arrows are a lot lighter and travel faster off the bow string, but this momentum is shed over a shorter distance.
- Aluminum arrows can be straightened if bent and recycled if the damage is irreparable. Carbon arrows splinter when damaged and not only is this dangerous but they cannot be reused if damage is beyond repair.
- An aluminum arrow with the same sized diameter as a carbon arrow has less spine and weighs considerably more.An aluminum arrow with the same sized diameter as a carbon arrow has less spine and weighs considerably more.
- Carbon arrows are preferred by hunters and experienced archers.
- Both carbon and aluminum arrows alike come in a wide variety of colors. This is a big bonus for target archery, especially when having to look for a lost arrow.
Aluminum Arrows Sizing Guide
Archery has traditionally always been measured using the imperial system, however that is slowly changing as the sport gets more international recognition. I am hoping that you can use this description to help save you time and money when making your next purchase.
What do the numbers mean on aluminum arrows?
What do these random 4 digit numbers on the side of an aluminum arrow mean?
These numbers are commonly mistaken for some random date, but on the contrary, they are used to measure the outside diameter and the thickness of the aluminum wall.
Here's how it works: The first 2 numbers of the four digit number represent the outside diameter of the shaft to the nearest 64th of an inch and the second 2 numbers represent the thickness of the aluminum wall to the closest 1000th of an inch. For example the number 2016 tells you that the shaft is 20/64ths of an inch in diameter and that the wall is 16/1000ths of and inch. This would be considered quite heavy compared to a 1214.
The 4 Best Aluminum Arrows
Here is a list of some of the top aluminum arrows that I have used.
By far the greatest aluminum arrows I have used! With their beautiful purple and black shaft, these come fully range ready and have a remarkably reliable shot. They are perfect for somebody who owns a 15 - 50 pound bow.
- Fully fletched with a right-wing helical offset giving the arrow the ability to spin through the air thus adding extra stability to the arrow giving you better accuracy. The parabolic feathers that come with these arrows have less wind resistance because of the way they are shaped. This makes them the perfect arrow for target shooting. Shield feathers on the other hand have more wind resistance but provide the arrow with more stability. These are better for hunters or archers who use the 'arrow to nose' technique.
- 100 grain steel screw in points. This is a great feature as you can change the points to suit your preference.
- The arrows arrive range ready. There is no need to learn how to fletch your arrow correctly or glue in the noch, or figure out what length to cut the shaft. This can be a very overwhelming experience especially for a beginner, not to mention the added expense and time wasted sourcing the accessories and tools needed. Make sure you order the correct length.
- Arrows are suited for bows rated between 15 and 50 pound draw. Most beginner to intermediate archers use bows within that range. Depending on how quickly you move up the ladder these arrows will be with you for a while.
Another great product to consider would be the Easton Genesis V2 Arrows
- They are cheap but do not compromise on strength and reliability and shoot true despite their plastic vanes that have an unfortunate track record of warping over time. The vanes however, can be removed and replaced when this starts to happen. It also a good way for the shooter to get experience with refletching their arrows.
- Come range ready being fully fletched and with points that are glued in. (Just another massive reason why this is an exceptional product!)
- These arrows are remarkably cool to practice with. Their reliability, and consistency far outweigh the price you pay for them.
- Shafts are constructed from 7075 alloy, this alloy is harder and has more tensile strength than your standard alloys
- It is the only arrow that is approved for NASP competitions (National Archery in the School Program), giving students that partake in these competitions the upper edge when they compete.
- Made from 7075-T9 aerospace alloy (Tough stuff!) with a hard anodized finish. This means that the surface of the product is hard wearing and won't get scratched easily. This keeps the product looking good for longer.
- This product does not come range ready, but rather requires an experienced archer to assemble all the components for you.
- This product comes in a wide variety of sizes for you to choose from, allowing you to choose which arrows best suit your shooting style.
- Components are all sold separately, this may not be a problem for some, but to a beginner this can be very overwhelming experience.
- Recommended for the more experienced archer who enjoys the technicality of placing their own components. This also gives the shooter freedom to customize the arrow as and how they wish.
- The stealthy and quiet nature of the aluminum makes them the perfect hunting arrow without compromising on price.
- Because the shaft and components are sold separately this will unfortunately incur an additional cost to acquire the needed components.
- Very stiff spine giving you a straighter shot with little deflection. The Platinum Plus has an astonishing straightness tolerance of approximately 0.002 of an Inch.
- This product carries a heavy price however as it comes as a set of 12.
Another must get product for beginners is the Easton Tribute, some features include:
- Like the platinum plus, the product consists of a set of 12 shafts made from 7075 alloy and coated with a hard black anodized finish, again making it one tough and wear resistant product.
- The black finish makes the arrow look super slick and smart, making your arrows stand out among the rest. (Now you just need to make sure you can shoot straight!)
- It has a straightness tolerance of approximately 0.005ths of an inch.
- It has a wide variety of sizes for you to choose from, particularly for bows on the lighter side with a shorter draw length, making it a good choice for beginners.
- This product is good value for money, once again making it a very attractive product.
Writers Recommendations
Archery is a skill that is learnt by spending as much time as possible on the range practicing arrow after arrow, day after day, fine tuning your skills. It is rarely a sport that comes naturally to people.
It is not something that can only be taught in a classroom but requires hours and hours adjusting your form, learning your equipment, adapting your technique and trying out a variety of different styles and accessories.
Every archer has their own personal favorites and will always turn to what they are most comfortable using. I would suggest that a beginner should start with the cheaper option before moving on to some of the more expensive best aluminum arrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are aluminum arrows better than carbon?
The short answer is: No, but that also depends on what your shooting preference is. I personally like the weight and cost effectiveness of aluminum arrows. When shooting distance, you will get more penetration over a longer distance. Carbon arrows are lighter and have a thinner shaft tending to be more accurate for short distance but losing their power over longer distances.
2. What is the best material for arrows?
The best material for arrow shooting in my opinion is neither aluminum or carbon arrows but are a hybrid of both materials. They are very pricey but extremely strong, hard wearing and deadly.
Better suited to archers who are more experienced or professionals who are less likely to lose their arrow.
3. What do the numbers mean on aluminum arrows?
These numbers represent the diameter of the arrow and wall thickness. (See above for more details)
In short the thicker the shaft the slower the arrow will travel, and the thinner the shaft the faster the arrow will travel.
4. Which is better, aluminum or carbon crossbow bolts?
Crossbow shooting is a different discipline of archery that uses a trigger release system as opposed to the finger release that is used with bow shooting. The weight makes a big difference on penetration. The heavier the bolt the deeper the penetration.
Crossbow manufacturers should have specifications on which bolts are better suited for that particular bow. Heavier bolts are not a major issue, but lighter bolts may cause damage to the bow. The same applies to the length of the bolt. Shorter bolts can be potentially dangerous to you or bystanders. Always check the manufacturer's specifications when purchasing a crossbow.
