If you want low-maintenance, highly-effective arrows, you might wonder which are better material: carbon vs aluminum arrows, and how they perform in the field.
This guide compares aluminum and carbon arrows, including their pros and cons, to help you find the best for indoor shooting, stumping, and outdoor hunting.
Heres’ the deal:
What Are Carbon Arrows?
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Carbon arrows have shafts made of carbon fiber or a carbon composite. They are the most common material today.
What are they good for?
Carbon arrows are manufactured reasonably well and effective for most activities, including target shooting and tournaments.
Most people claim carbon arrows are great for hunting and target practice since they forcefully hit the target.
They’re the best option If you’re getting better at target practice and want to venture to more distant targets.
What Are Aluminum Arrows?
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Aluminum arrows are lighter, cheaper, and less resilient than carbon arrows. They are more accurate and have the lowest possible cost of construction.
What are they good for?
Aluminum arrows are great for high-level indoor shooting and for beginners who need a more durable option.
They have more kinetic energy and momentum than other arrows, allowing them to move farther.
It’s easier to tune aluminum, which is great for both new and experienced archers.
Aluminum Arrows Vs Carbon Comparison:
Here are carbon and aluminum arrow characteristics to help you choose the best one for your activities:
Weight
Aluminum arrows are considered sturdy and heavy, which means they have higher power, penetration and are good for practicing target shooting and hunting.
Because carbon arrows are lighter than aluminum arrows, they cover more distance at a higher speed. They make it easier to aim at a target and shoot faster.
However, the velocity is also determined by your bow. If you have a good bow and carbon arrow, you may get much better results from the twin action.
Verdict
Carbon arrows will fly faster because they are lighter, but a heavier arrow will hit a target with much more power.
Performance
Carbon arrows perform better than aluminum arrows. For starters, they penetrate further into the targets thanks to their smaller diameter shafts.
Carbon doesn’t bend easily like aluminum, so it remains sturdy throughout its life, and you can use it severally.
Aluminum shafts are excellent for indoor shooters since they have generous more options, allowing easy tuning.
They’re consistent and precise. Thanks to aluminum arrows, Mike Schloesser, an archer from the Netherlands, shot the first perfect 600 60X using the Easton X23.
Verdict
Overall, carbon arrows outperform aluminum arrows since they’re stronger.
Durability
Aluminum arrows are better than most other arrows because they last longer, so you won't have to buy new gear as often. However, they are not durable.
Carbon arrows last longer than aluminum or wood arrows. That means you don't need to maintain them.
They don't bend when they hit targets. So, you can reuse arrows, saving money for extra arrows for hunting.
Verdict
If you need an arrow that won't break easily, lasts longer, and can be used several times, then the carbon arrow is a great choice.
Accuracy
Aluminum arrows are great for beginners or archers who only shoot occasionally.
They used to bend easily, but the new arrows are strong, yet they still bend a little after being shot, changing their trajectory slightly.
Carbon arrows, like ZSHJG, have a more precise flight, making them an ideal choice for the short-range shooting of small targets.
Verdict
If you have trouble with accuracy when shooting at targets or in competitions, try carbon arrows, and your results may be different.
Reusability
Since carbon arrows last so long, they may be used multiple times, which is a huge money saver. However, they require special care.
Aluminum arrows can bend if they take a hard hit or are handled incorrectly, making them less likely to be used again.
Hitting a hard surface is unfavorable for any arrow: carbon shafts will shatter and splinter, while aluminum shafts will bend.
You can increase the number of times you can use aluminum arrows by taking good care of them.
Verdict
If you don’t have time to maintain your gear and want to reuse the arrow, you can use carbon arrows. They rarely crack and can take a strong hit.
Cost
Carbon arrows cost more than aluminum arrows. But the long life of carbon equipment makes up for the cost.
For example, SHARROW 30Inch Archery Aluminum Arrows cost $xx per dozen, while a 6-pack of Carbon Express Maxima Hunting Arrows cost 2x.
Aluminum is cheaper than carbon, but the expenses can increase quickly since you must buy in large volumes.
As aluminum arrows have a low reuse rate, you must buy replacements for every hunt or lesson.
Verdict
Aluminum arrows are great for practice and for beginners. They’re cheap and easy to use.
Although carbon arrows are expensive, they last longer, meaning you can reuse them several times.
Pros and Cons:
Let’s highlight their pros and cons.
Pros | Cons | |
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Carbon Arrows |
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Aluminum Arrows |
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Final Pick:
It is up to you to pick the better material: carbon vs aluminum arrows, for hunting and target practice.
Carbon arrows are the best for hunting, while aluminum arrows are good for practice.
Using carbon arrow shafts may improve your shooting game and get more mileage out of your gear.
Carbon in these arrows is made from high-quality materials that can withstand being fired repeatedly without losing strength or effectiveness.
