Several factors come into play when one is shopping for bow hunting arrows. Choosing the right bow hunting arrow can depend on the type of game being hunted, the type of bow used, and the length of the draw. All must be considered when trying to decide on the right arrows to use for bow hunting.
The type of game being hunted has more of an effect on the type of arrow head used than on the arrow choice. However, considering the different prices charged for arrows of different sizes and compositions, this should be a serious point of consideration. Arrows used to hunt small game are far more likely to be fired into the ground or into a tree. The odds of losing or breaking the arrow are extremely high. Therefore, it is not really a good idea to use the most expensive arrows available to hunt small game.
The type of bow used is important because some materials can stand up to the pressure that a compound bow or a crossbow can apply in a very sudden manner when fired. Wood and fiberglass may not be the best choices for use with these bows because of the chance of the arrow splitting when fired. Aluminum and carbon are the two best materials for use in these more powerful bows.
Different people come in different sizes. Bows can also come in a variety of sizes. The draw length of different bows can vary from 28 to 36 inches. For this reason, arrows are available in different lengths from 31 to 40 inches. One does not want to take a 40 inch arrow and attempt to use it as a bow hunting arrow with a bow that only has a 28 inch draw because the arrow would not be positioned or balanced properly when fired.
Another feature that bears consideration when searching for the perfect bow hunting arrow is straightness. The absolute straightest arrows manufactured today are made of aluminum. Models such as the Easton xx75 have been mainstays of bow hunting arrows for over 50 years. Aluminum does have one major drawback however. If one is not extremely careful when removing the arrow from a target or an animal that has been shot, the arrow can be bent. Sometimes, the bend is not even noticeable, yet it will affect the way that arrow flies from now on.
Carbon arrows are not quite as straight as aluminum. Their advantage lies in the fact that they can not be bent further out of true without breaking. Of course, this does lead to a lot of broken arrows that must be replaced. In recent years, attempts have been made to produce the perfect bow hunting arrow by combining a core of aluminum with a sheath of carbon to provide an arrow that is straight and more difficult to bend. The results are a little mixed. These arrows are more durable than either material alone, yet still not as straight as aluminum alone, and they can be bent.