Arrows & Shafts

Arrow shafts are the raw, unfletched components that allow full customization of your arrow build — including vane type, fletching configuration, insert system, and nock. Pre-fletched arrows, on the other hand, come ready to shoot with vanes already installed, making them ideal for archers who want consistency and convenience without doing their own builds. If you’re new to building arrows or want to streamline your setup, pre-fletched arrows are a great option. More advanced users often prefer shafts so they can fine-tune every detail to match their bow and broadhead setup.

Arrow spine refers to how much the shaft flexes during flight and must match your bow’s draw weight, draw length, point weight, and shooting style. Too weak of a spine (underspined) can lead to erratic flight or contact with your rest, while too stiff (overspined) may limit tuning and accuracy. Most arrow brands offer spine charts to help you match your specs to the correct shaft. Proper spine is one of the most important elements of accuracy and should be dialed in before broadhead tuning or long-range practice.

Carbon arrows are lightweight, durable, and the most common choice for hunting due to their speed and impact resistance. Some advanced shafts, like Easton’s FMJ (Full Metal Jacket), use a carbon core wrapped in aluminum to increase penetration and offer easier arrow removal from targets. These hybrids are slightly heavier and more expensive but can provide tighter tolerances and added downrange energy. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed, penetration, or ease of tuning and component compatibility.

Total arrow weight — measured in grains — affects your arrow’s trajectory, kinetic energy, and penetration. Heavier arrows carry more momentum and penetrate deeper, which is especially important when hunting larger game like elk or moose. Lighter arrows fly faster and flatter but may lose energy at longer distances or with poor shot placement. Most hunters aim for a total arrow weight in the 400–550 grain range depending on draw weight, arrow length, and target species. It’s all about finding the balance between speed and punch.

Building custom arrows allows you to control every detail — including vane type and orientation, arrow wrap, insert weight, and spine consistency. This helps improve broadhead flight, achieve better front-of-center (FOC) balance, and match your setup to your exact specs. Custom-built arrows also make it easier to replace individual components or tune around specific rest or nock issues. While pre-fletched arrows are faster to get on the range, custom-built arrows often perform better for serious hunters chasing tight groups and long-range confidence.

Arrow manufacturers sort shafts by straightness tolerance, weight, and spine. To ensure consistency, buy matched dozens (not mixed lots), and if building your own, weigh and spine-test each shaft before fletching. Use jigs or tools that keep fletching angles and orientation uniform, and pay close attention to nock alignment and insert depth. Even small differences in arrow construction can affect broadhead flight or groupings at longer ranges.

You should replace arrows whenever they show signs of damage or flight inconsistency. Cracks, splinters, or bent shafts can lead to poor accuracy and pose a safety risk. Even arrows that look fine can develop subtle issues after hitting bone, rocks, or hard targets. Inspect each shaft regularly, especially after a miss or pass-through shot, and retire any arrows that show visible wear or start grouping differently than the rest.

Properly tuned arrows should group consistently and fly straight from various shooting positions and distances. If your arrows show tail whip, inconsistent grouping, or poor broadhead flight, it may indicate an issue with spine selection, nock alignment, or insert seating. Paper tuning, walk-back tuning, and bare-shaft testing are all useful methods to confirm your arrows are leaving the bow cleanly. A well-tuned arrow will fly true and require minimal correction downrange.