A lot of beginners make the same mistake–buying a high-quality, expensive bow but skimping on the arrows. Once you start shooting, you’ll notice that the arrow makes a big difference in terms of accuracy.

Without good arrows, it doesn’t matter how good your bow is. Arrows are a necessity for archery–not an accessory.

But picking arrows for your compound bow isn’t an easy task. There’s a wide range of options out there, and all the details are enough to make any archer’s head spin.

Whether you’re a beginner, a professional, or somewhere in between, choosing the perfect compound bow arrows can improve your archery experience.

The following guide isn’t all-inclusive, but it will give you a good place to start the search for the right arrows for you. These tips and selections will help you start shooting your compound bow and arrow as quickly as possible.

What Are Compound Bows?

The compound bow is best identified by the system of pulleys at either end of the bow, as well as the multiple strings. It’s used in field archery, target archery, and bowhunting.

There are many styles available, but they all have the same fundamental design.

Each bow has wheels attached to the limbs and bowstring. These store energy as the bow is drawn to reduce the holding weight and make it easier to hold. This means that a compound bow reduces the draw weight by 50 percent or more.

What’s special about a compound bow?

Compound bows are seen as the most recent evolution of archery. The pulley system on either end of the bow is what gives it a unique “let-off” capability.

The let-off is the point during the draw of a bow when the archer can hold less weight. This means that the archer will begin drawing back the spring at the full weight of the compound bow.

Partly through the draw, the archer will reach the let-off point and the draw will be reduced to less than the original weight. The archer stays at this weight until they release the arrow.

This allows the archer to take more time while aiming for greater accuracy.

Compound Bows vs Traditional Bows

While all bows use the stored energy of the flexed limbs to shoot the arrow quickly, compound bows and traditional recurve bows store energy differently.

Recurve bows store that energy directly. When you draw back the string, the further you draw, the more energy transfers to the arrow when you release. The harder it is to pull back a traditional recurve bow, the faster it will shoot the arrow.

The key point of the traditional recurve bow is that when you’ve pulled the string all the way back, you’re holding the full weight of the bow. If the bow has a 60-pound draw weight, for example, you’re holding 60 pounds when you pull back the string.

The wheels on the end of a compound bow are called the cams. They’re designed to create the let-off point, which reduces the total draw weight.

Through these cams, the archer can hold the bow at full draw for longer in order to take more careful aim. They can also hold the bow steadier, which further improves their accuracy.

What to Look For in an Arrow

Before we get into the specific arrows to consider for a compound bow, let’s get into the types of arrows that are available on the market today.

It’s crucial that you can identify which styles and designs will work best for your bow and your preferences.

Wooden arrows

If you prefer to shoot old school, wooden arrows are the way to go. These give the authentic experience of traditional archery and they’re very inexpensive.

They do tend to break easily and not every arrow is the same. They’re also recommended for recurve or longbows, so it might be best to steer clear of these if you’re shooting a compound.

Fiberglass arrows

These are a typical choice of arrows for group archery programs, because they’re inexpensive and good beginner arrows. However, they do have a tendency to splinter, and some shooting ranges may outlaw them entirely.

Another downside is that they tend to be heavier than other arrows. This makes them poor at long distance accuracy and probably best for a recurve bow.

Carbon arrows

These arrows are the best for speed. They’re light, fast, and don’t bend under pressure. Another advantage is that they have less wind drift when they’re shot–which is great for both consistency and accuracy.

They do tend to be more expensive than other options, especially aluminum.

Aluminum arrows

If you’re looking for the best precision to price ratio, aluminum arrows are the perfect choice. They’re cheaper than carbon arrows and they’re very quiet when shot by a bow. There’s also a wide range of spine choices available.

They’re typically heavier than carbon models, so you’ll need to use thinner arrows to get the same level of speed. This means less penetration–which isn’t great for hunters.

One downside is that aluminum arrows often bend. While some can be fixed, others can’t be recovered.

Composite arrows

These arrows are the best of both worlds. They’re typically straight and uniformly spined, which is great for accurate shooting long distance. They’re also incredibly durable and they rarely splinter.

They’re often used by high-ranked competitive shooters, so the cost is pretty high. These are great for compound bows but not recommended for beginners.

Vanes or Feathers

The fletchings are the fins found at the end of the arrow. They help the arrow spin and stabilize the flight of the arrow for better accuracy.

Most arrows are fletched with three vanes or feathers. While vanes are made of plastic, other arrows have fletchings made of feathers.

Which type should you pick? Let’s break it down.

Vanes

Vanes are fletchings made of plastic. They’re more durable and capable of withstanding the effect of weather.

They’re often used by outdoor compound archers or hunters because of their ability to handle tough weather without breaking. They also have less wind drift, which makes them great for any outdoor shooting.

Feathers

Feathers on the end of an arrow are often made from primary flight feathers of turkey wings. They’re lighter and more flexible than vanes, but they can hit the bow’s riser, which might disrupt accuracy.

Feathers are often preferred by archers because of their versatility and accuracy for indoor shooting. They’re also used by hunters who are looking for pinpoint accuracy.

One downside is that they can get waterlogged from the rain. This makes them hard to shoot during outdoor weather.

How to Choose Arrow Points

When you’re choosing the type of arrow and deciding between vanes and feathers, ultimately the best choice comes down to your personal archery preferences.

What kind of bow are you using and what will you be using it for?

When it comes to picking out the arrow points, there are a few options to choose from. They can be narrowed down to two categories: Target practice and bowhunting.

Target practice

For target practice, it’s important that you find tips that are designed to be shot into foam or bag targets. Some points can be screwed in, while others are glued over the tip of the arrow.

For greater accuracy, look for arrow points that are narrow around the tip. For greater durability, try the broader, bullet-shaped points.

Hunting

For bowhunting, you’ll want to get broadheads. There’s a wide variety of heads out there, each for different types of bows and game.

If you’re hunting small game, a flat head is great for blunt force. For larger game, pointed heads are more common. Some broadheads have multiple blades and they come in a range of designs.

All of these heads are designed to penetrate skin and muscle–so don’t try using them on any kind of target.

Choosing Compound Bow Arrows

Now that we’ve discussed all of the options, it’s time to get down to the real question: how do you decide on an arrow?

With all of the different options out there, even if you know your preferences it can be hard to choose. Here are some steps you can take.

1. Draw Length

For the first step, you need to find out your draw length. Try going to an archery store or a sports goods store that sells archery items and ask about a draw length measurement.

They’ll give you a special arrow for measurement. All you’ll have to do is draw it back with your bow. Someone will check the scale and note how far the arrow goes back.

Going to a professional will help you get an accurate draw length–plus they can recommend some arrows to try.

If you aren’t able to go to an archery store, instead just measure your arm span from the tip of your left middle finger to the one on your right. Then divide that number by 2.5.

In terms of draw length and arrow length, a good rule of thumb is to take the number of your draw length and add one inch. It’s important that the arrow is just a little bit longer than your draw length so that it doesn’t hit your hand while shooting.

2. Weight

Next, you need to pick the perfect arrow weight.

Remember that the weight includes all the components of the arrows–shaft, point, fletchings, etc. You can determine the weight by:

• Find the weight of the shaft (you can look for a chart based on size/length)
• Find the weight of the arrow point or broadhead
• Add approximately 35 grains to compensate for the other parts of the arrow

For target practice, your arrow should weigh between 5 and 6 grains per pound of draw weight. For hunting, it should be between 6 and 8 grains per pound of draw weight.

This rule isn’t necessarily set in stone. Any arrow between 5 and 8 grains per pound of draw weight will work for a compound bow. Just keep in mind–you should never pick an arrow below 5 grains. This could result in serious damage to your bow.

3. Spine

The spine of your arrow is one of the most important things to consider–but also one of the most complicated. Arrow spine comes down to the stiffness of your shaft. The lower the number, the stiffer the spine.

This is important because shooting with the wrong arrow spine for your bow can make it hard to shoot accurately, or even shoot at all.

Picking the right arrow spine can take a lot of trial and error. Especially if you’re ordering online, don’t worry about the spine right away. You’ll need some practice before you can determine the right spine for your bow, style, and technique.

Once you’ve become better acquainted with your bow, then go ahead and get a little deeper into the world of arrow spine. Here’s a chart that can help you crunch the numbers.

The Bottom Line

Selecting the right compound bow arrows is no easy feat. From the different styles of arrows and tips, as well as the measurement of arrow length and weight, it might take some time for you to narrow down the right choice for you.

With this guide, it’s time to get started on the road towards exploring archery and bowhunting through hands-on experience. Don’t worry too much about finding the perfect arrow–the only way to find out what works best for you is to practice.

Remember: there is no perfect arrow for a compound bow. There are only the arrows that are perfect for you.

Ready to get started? Check out our article on buying a compound bow to learn more and start shooting.

Related guides: Best broadheads · How to broadhead tune your compound bow · How to choose compound bow accessories

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing Compound Bow Arrows appeared first on The Best Compound Bows.

Bow-hunting is unlike any other form hunting. It puts you in tune with your body, and the animals you’re going after. Its incredible difficulty also makes it that much more rewarding once you’ve actually recorded a kill.

Hunting with a bow goes back thousands of years, and doing it now puts you in touch with the more primordial side of our ancestry. It’s a refreshing change from the modern lives we all live.

However, just because bowhunting is as old as civilization itself, doesn’t mean that your tech has to be. Bowhunting has undergone tremendous innovation over the years. This is especially true when it comes to bow sights.

If you want to improve your bowhunting performance, check out this list of the best bow sights available in 2018.

But if you’re completely new to bowhunting, perhaps you’ve jumped the gun. Check out our introduction to compound bow shooting first before you start perusing this list.

IQ Define

This bow sight is truly one of a kind. It’s a five-pin sight paired with a built-in rangefinder with a guaranteed accuracy of plus/minus one yard.

With the IQ Define, you no longer have to reach into your pocket or backpack to find your independent rangefinder and risk scaring off your prey.

This sight is light and ergonomically designed to preserve the balance of your bow.

Trophy Ridge React 5-Pin

What makes this bow sight stand out among the rest on the market is its lightness and versatility.

It is made of copolymer materials, making it 25% lighter than primarily aluminum-made sights on the market. Because of this, it is also rust and corrosion-proof. Its lightness also allows it to keep the balance of the bow intact and reduces the vibration of the bow when you shoot.

The sight has several different mounting holes so that you can place it exactly where you want it on your bow. Its bracket is also reversible, meaning it can be used for a lefty or righty.

Garmin Xero A1i

Garmin is most famous for manufacturing GPS systems, so you already know you can trust that this bow sight will have the best range-finding capabilities on the market.

This sight auto-ranges and projects a lighted pin for the exact distance it measured. The A1i also estimated the arrow’s point of impact and sends the information it records to a Garmin-compatible device. If you’re a stats junkie this is definitely one of the best bow sights on the market for you.

AXCEL Sights RheoTech

The AXCEL RheoTech is a powerhouse when it comes to customizability. This sight offers four-, five-, and seven-pin options. Choose whatever you wish.

This sight also allows you to adjust the brightness of the pins by simply turning the sight’s RheoStat Cover.

This AXCEL sight also boasts a diamond-shaped mounting bar which will aid in its sturdiness and durability.

TRUGLO Archers Choice Range Rover Pro Green Dot Sight

This sight sticks out among the crowd because instead of pins, this sight uses a green LED dot for aiming. And with a 700-hour battery, you don’t have to worry about that green dot ever disappearing.

TRUGLO sight owners also benefit from being able to use their Zero-In Adjustment Dial, which delivers stunning accuracy and allows you to easily dial your shot for windage and elevation.

This sight also has 40 yards of pre-marked yardage so short range-finding is made simple.

CBE TL-3

This innovative sight boasts some innovative tech called the ArmedGuard Fiber Management System. The pins on this bow are powered with fiber optic cable. This makes them so bright that you can see them clearly in the pitch-black dark of night or the gray, obstructive fog of early morning.

This bow also sports several mounting holes and has stainless steel bolts so rust should be a thing of the past.

HHA OL-5519 Optimizer Lite

This movable-pin sight might be the best in its class. It’s good for both lefties and righties, is rust- and corrosion-resistant, and has pins powered by fiber optic cable.

It also sports a rheostat light that allows you to adjust the brightness of your pins. The only downside of this sight is that since it is single-pin, making measurement adjustments on the fly may take longer than other sights on the market.

Trophy Ridge 1 Pin .010 RH React-One Sight

This is the second Trophy Ridge bow sight on this list and it’s for good reason. They make good bow sights, and this is the single best single-pin sight on the market.

This sight boasts Smart Pin Technology, so the sight can calculate the pin gap up to 100 yards on its own. It also has second and third-axis adjustments so you can really key in on your prey from any height or distance.

It’s also made of 100% aluminum, which while heavy, makes this sight extremely durable.

Hoyt PRO XCEED

This is another single-pin sight. It’s not as intricate as the aforementioned Trophy Ridge single-pin, but its simplicity is the appeal here.

Single-pins allow you to dial in exact distances and this has never been simpler on the Pro XCEED.

Also, if you like to put a little flair on your bow, this sight has interchangeable sight rings of different colors.

Spot Hogg Double Pin — Double Pointer

This sight boasts an aiming system know as the Double Pin – Double Pointer. This system involves two pins and allows you to calculate the distance of both pins no matter where the dial is set.

The benefits of this are huge, and should drastically cut down your time calculating your shot. With this simple system and an uncluttered sight-window (who needs all those pins anyway), this sight is a breeze to use.

Now That You’ve Seen The Best Bow Sights…

If you don’t want to skimp on getting a bow sight, you shouldn’t skimp on getting an actual bow either.

Check out our review of the top 3 best compound bows on the market and see if any of them are to your liking.

Related guides: How to choose compound bow accessories · How to aim a compound bow · When hunting gadgets go too far

The post Review: The Best Compound Bow Sights for 2018 appeared first on The Best Compound Bows.

There are a variety of great accessories and tools out there made by brand name retailers and aftermarket businesses. It can be confusing to look at all of the accessories if you aren’t sure what you’re after.

However, once you know and understand your options, it will be a piece of cake! Let’s take a look at the different types of accessories you can purchase and how they will improve your hunting experience.

Compound Bow Accessories

There are a bunch of accessories you can choose from including a bow sight, peep sight, bow quiver, arrow rest, and more. If you’re doing research, reading forums about the performance track record of these accessories is helpful.

Bow Sights

The sights for bowhunters on compound bows are different than shotgun or rifle sights. Most high-quality bow sights include a fiber optic sight pin. This allows the hunter to see in dim or low light.

Most sights for bows have three to five sight pins. They can be set at different distances. If your sight does have fiber optics, having a pin guard is necessary to protect it.

You can get a single pin sight as well. These sights allow you to figure out the distance of your target and adjust the sight to match. Single pin sights are more adjustable than multiple pin sights.

Peep Sights

Bow sights are not the only available as compound bow accessories. Peep sights are common and used by most bowhunters. Having the right aperture on your peep sight is the first thing you need to consider.

An aperture of at least a quarter-inch in diameter is going to let a sufficient amount of light in. This is needed if you’re going to be shooting in low light or dim conditions.

There are two types of peep sights you can consider when you’re shopping for one. The first type of peep sight doesn’t use tubing and relies on the peep to center between the bow and bowstring strands. The second type of peep features rubber tubing that stretches when you draw the bow and pulls the peep back into the correct alignment.

Arrow Rests

Arrow rests are crucial compound bow accessories. There are two types of arrow rests for compound bows. They include the full capture and the drop-away.

The full capture arrow rest keeps the arrow in place by using a circle of stiff bristles around the shaft. The bristles do wear out over time and will need replacement in the future as this affects accuracy. Full capture arrow rests are best for shooting medium or short distances.

The drop-away arrow rest holds the arrow in arms that rise and drop. These arms launch the arrow by rising when the bow is drawn and falling away quickly so it doesn’t get in the way of the fletching. These types of arrow rests don’t erode, are more expensive, but have a long lifespan.

Bow Releases

A bow release is an important addition to your compound bow accessories. A release helps to fire arrows with precision and accuracy. There are several different types of these releases.

One type is a handheld release. These use your thumb or pinky finger to release the trigger while the other fingers are used to draw back the string and hold the bow.

The handheld releases are typically smaller and more difficult to maneuver. Many hunters are wary of buying this release because of the learning curve, but once mastered, they are pleased with the system.

Another type of release is the caliper release. This release is also known as the wrist release and is the most popular type. Attaching to your wrist, it is similar to the trigger on a shotgun or rifle and is shot using your index finger.

The ability to use the wrist keeps the shot sturdy and secure because it supports the draw weight. Your index finger and thumb get to relax as they aren’t holding any of the weight.

Quiver

Another important tool to add to your compound bow accessories arsenal is the quiver. You may not need this if your compound bow came with a quiver attached. There are manufacturers that allow you to purchase with your bow or to purchase a detachable quiver.

When hunting from a tree stand, a detachable quiver provides benefits. You can remove it from your bow and hang it on the tree or off of your stand. It will be out of your way and you don’t have to hold it on your bow. If you aren’t a tree stand hunter, using a quiver attached to the bow will be better.

There are different sizes of quivers, but be sure to select one that holds at least four arrows. The best hold four to six arrows. Any more than that and it begins to weigh your bow down.

Stabilizer

Having a good compound bow stabilizer can make or break your hunt. They help to balance the bow and prevent vibration from occurring. Stabilizers come in all shapes and sizes but are typically 4-6 inches. Some of them are up to a foot long.

They are helpful because the less vibration you have, the better your shot will be. Accuracy is a major benefit of purchasing a stabilizer.

Choose Your Accessories

This isn’t all of the compound bow accessories you can use, but now you know a bit more about a few common ones.

These accessories can help enhance your shooting, accuracy, precision and overall compound bow experience. Whether you’re performing in a competition or going out for a hunt, having these accessories will benefit you. If you’re interested in learning about how to find the best compound bows, read this article now!

The post How to Choose Accessories for Your Compound Bow appeared first on The Best Compound Bows.

If you’ve already been introduced to the sport of compound bow shooting, you may feel you’re ready to start assembling your first kit. With everything that goes into a full kit, it’s easy to forget that the devil is in the details.

Ready to determine which bow sight is right for you?

Types of Sights

While every aspect of the bow is important, it is argued that if there is a place to invest a little extra money, your bow sights are the right candidates. To that end, a brief rundown on the more common varieties of sights and their use would be valuable.

The sights on a bow consist of two parts. First, there are the compound bow sights themselves, which get mounted on the riser just above the grip. The bow sight works in conjunction with the peep sight, which served into the bowstring.

The archer looks through the peep sight and lines up its aperture with the bow sight. Seems simple enough, right?

Peep sights are simple. Most are just a basic circle used as a reference point used in conjunction with the bow sights.

In this primer, we’ll be looking more in depth at the bow sights. Specifically, the two most common variants on the market today.

Fixed Versus Adjustable: The Two Basic Compound Bow Sights

Fixed Pin

The fixed pin variant is the most common, with beginner and intermediate level archers.

The simplest of all the designs, the fixed pin variant consists of a ring with between three and seven pins representing different distances from the archer.

The biggest benefit here is ease of use. All the archer needs to do is gauge their approximate distance from the target and use the corresponding pin to find their mark.

Beginners can use a range finder to assist in estimating their distance. After some practice, most archers can learn to gauge their distance from a target with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Moveable Pin

The second most common variant is the moveable pin sight. Rather than having a stack of pins, each relating to a different yardage, the movable pin sight only has a single pin. The pin of a moveable pin sight is affixed to a slider that allows the archer to adjust the sight on the fly.

Whether or not the moveable pin sight is worth mastering is a point of contention. Some archers swear by the movable pin sight, others say that whatever advantages it might hold are offset by its drawbacks.

Arguments in Favor of the Moveable Sight

Proponents of moveable pin compound bow sights point out that they provide a less cluttered view than that of a fixed pin sight. An archer using a fixed pin sight with five or even seven pins would find that up to 45% of their sight picture may be obstructed.

Even ignoring the sight obstruction, the added clutter can make it easier to make simple mistakes. When using a sight with more than three pins, it’s easy to accidentally use a 50-yard pin when you meant to use the 40-yard pin.

The high speeds that modern bows are able to reach make matters worse. Many launch arrows at speeds in the neighborhood of 350 feet per second. At these speeds, the yardage gaps between the pins on a fixed pin sight are rather small, and differentiating between them is more difficult.

The primary advantage of the movable pin sight over the fixed pin variant is that it allows for a higher degree of accuracy when determining your distance from a target.

If a hunter is sighting a buck at 50 yards, but their fixed pin sight only has pins for 40 and 60 yards, they would be forced to compensate by eyeballing the difference and hope for the best. With the aforementioned high speeds of modern bows, the margin of error allowed to them is slim.

A moveable pin sight remedies this by allowing the archer to make quick and precise adjustments down to the yard. If a hunter determines their quarry to be exactly 57 yards away, all it takes is the twist of a knob or slide of a lever to perfectly sight their target.

Even archers who admit their bias against moveable pin sights admit that virtually every archer is more accurate when they are able to hold their aiming pin dead on target rather than having to make estimates.

Arguments for the Fixed Sight

Criticism of moveable pin sights center on two main aspects: the high degree of precision required when sighting a target, and the amount of time it takes to do so.

The issue of sighting is not unique to single pin sights of course. In order to maximize the benefits of the adjustable sight, you need to be able to sight your target down to the exact yard. As fixed pin sights require an element of estimation as is, in a sense they are somewhat more forgiving to novices.

The bigger issue is the time it takes to adjust a moveable sight, and how this applies to trying to hit a moving target. A hunter cannot count on their quarry to hold still while they line up a perfect shot.

Often the only shot afforded to a hunter presents itself when their quarry is either approaching or moving away from their position. This can prove problematic if the target diverges from its path, comes to a stop, or makes any number of moves that the hunter was not counting on.

In this situation, the hunter would be forced to estimate the difference between where they expected the target to be and where it actually ended up, or make a hasty adjustment to their sight and risk missing their only opportunity for a clean shot.

If you have an outfitter or a more experienced friend helping you select your first bow set-up, they will more then likely recommend you a fixed-pin sight. While difficult to achieve the same level of precision with one, they are generally perceived as being easier to learn with, and therefore better suited to beginners.

No Right or Wrong Answer

Between the two, both have their positives and negatives. And of course, proper form and technique are required to get the most out of either.

What any aspiring archer needs to do it take their time when assembling their first kit. Only by experimenting with both variants on the range will you find the natural fit for you.

Naturally, the sight will only be as effective as the bow it is affixed to. Remember to check our guide to assembling the best bow for your price point before making your purchase.

Related guides: How to choose compound bow accessories · How to aim a compound bow · Best compound bows of 2026

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There’s a science to getting a good, clean kill.

And, at the heart of that science? The question of which broadhead you put on your arrows.

In today’s article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best broadheads available for bowhunting.

From fixed blades to mechanical, we’ve prepared a five point list to truly transform the way you hunt.

Choosing The Right Broadhead For You

“The best broadheads” is a hot topic among bow hunters.

Everybody’s got their preferences, whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who’s only just started out.

From fixed blade training models to more advanced mechanical broadheads, for improved accuracy. Whatever level you’re shooting at, you need a head that matches your skill level and your budget.

Our list, today, contains two fixed blade and three mechanical models.

Essentially, there are two categories of broadhead most bow hunters will use, in their lifetimes:

Fixed Blade Broadheads

Fixed blade broadheads are what you picture when you imagine a classic arrowhead. A pointed end, with three-to-four bladed edges tapering outwards from it, to create a cone.

There are no moving parts, and nothing is detachable in any way.

The blades are supported along their entire length, making them sturdier than mechanical models. These are considered, by many, to be the best broadheads for hunters looking for strength over versatility.

This often includes beginners and, more specifically, elk hunters.

The only concern when using this kind of broadhead is that they can influence the aerodynamics of your arrow. The bladed edges function as rudders, during a shot, and will often veer your arrow off target.

Still, with proper bow tuning and the right person shooting, there’s a lot to be said for fixed blade broadheads.

Let’s take a look at a few of the top performing models in this category:

• NAP Thunderhead: This is often touted as the strongest competitor on the fixed blade broadhead market, and it’s easy to see why.This is a three-bladed model, boasting expert construction and high-quality materials. Micro grooved ferrules improve accuracy, and Diamize Sharpened Blades are remarkably sharp.This second point, specifically, is what’s remarkable about these broadheads. Sharpened blades knock animals down quicker, encouraging hemorrhaging immediately. This translates into a quicker, less messy kill, ultimately improving your entire hunt.
• Muzzy 4 Blade Broadhead: If what you require is a fixed blade broadhead with four blades instead of three, the Muzzy 4 has design where it counts.Interlocking, removable blades can be swapped out at a moment’s notice. This makes it easy to change out from hunting to practice configurations.Hardened steel Trocar Tips, help to improve penetration. These are also handy for mitigating the effects of wind planning, creating an overall much more stable flight path for each arrow.

Mechanical Broadheads

Mechanical broadheads are designed with blades that move in and out, instead of sticking out, permanently. These edges retract, during flight, and then open once the arrow hits its target.

One of the biggest benefits of this type of head that, because the blades move in and out, they can be designed larger than fixed blades. These don’t influence the direction of the arrow as much, and are actually able to correct their course more reliably, mid-flight.

As with any piece of sports equipment, there are problems with a mechanical broadhead that can’t be avoided.

These heads, on average, aren’t as strong as fixed blades, owing to all of their moving parts and hinges.

If the blades open up out of sync, when hitting their target, this head can deflect the arrow off of its target.

They’re also more expensive, on account of their design.

• WASP Jak-Hammer SST: One of the most consistently highly-rated broadheads on the market, the Jak-Hammer is a high-quality product with a lot to offer.The Neoprene O-Ring deployment system pushes out three Razor Sharp .036″ blades upon contact. These blades are perfectly honed and aligned, and follow behind a Stainless Steel Trocar Tip, hardened to Rockwell 46C.With its ultra sharp edge, this is a mechanical broadhead that jams itself right into bone, easily. Open up a clean wound and kill more efficiently, with the WASP Jak-Hammer.
• NAP Spitfire 3 Blade: New Archery Projects’ flagship model is, unquestionably, their most popular model.And it’s easy to see why. This is a bowhead that comes, standard, with razor sharp accuracy and ultra-sharp Diamize blades. Added to that is a tough-as-nails construction, making this a broadhead that hits all the right notes.This bowhead’s reputation for flying “like a guided missile” from a bow is well deserved.
• Ramcat Broadheads: Topping lists of bowheads people switch to when they’re wanting to make a change, the Ramcat is a highly sought-after product with a great design.This is, hands down, one of the most accurate mechanical arrowheads in the world. Strong, fast, and affordable, this is quickly becoming one of the most popular broadheads on the market.

Choosing The Best Broadheads: A Question of Taste

Ultimately, the type of arrowhead you settle on comes down to a question of what you want to do with it.

We hope you’ve gotten something rewarding out of this in depth look at the best broadheads on the market, right now.

From fixed blades to mechanical, and everything in between, there’s a world of possibilities out there.

For those of you trying to find something for your first hunt, there’s no beating the stability of a fixed blade.

For those with some mileage on their bows, maybe you want to make a change to the way you’ve been doing things. Perhaps you’re a perfect candidate for a shiny new mechanical broadhead.

Whatever the case, remember to prioritize aim and strive for a more efficient kill.

From bows to broadheads, your choice of equipment is a reflection of you.

It’s important to get it right.

For more on the often-complicated world of bows, both compound and traditional, visit us today.

Related guides: Guide to choosing compound bow arrows · How to choose compound bow accessories · Target vs hunting bows

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Archery is one of the oldest and most loved sports, dating over a century. Initially, it was applied in warfare and hunting, but nowadays, sports and recreation take the center stage. If you already have a compound bow, then it is not complete without its accessories. These accessories gives your bow a unique look and feel while also improving your performance and shooting accuracy. This article will provide a guide on available compound bow accessories to help you make the right choices based on sufficient information.

Arrow Rest

This accessory holds your arrow in position and guides it safely out of the bow just before the string is released. A good arrows rest will assist in making accurate and consistent shots. It comes in different types: Drop Away, Shoot-Through and Containment.

Quiver

Quivers are usually attached near the handle to aid the hunter access the arrows quickly. They come in different styles and shapes. Initially, they were little bags that hold arrows inside, but the newer ones have a top and bottom and can hold up to six arrows.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers help the bow to remain balanced. Some of them have dampeners to allow hunters adjust the weight of the bow and thus finding the best spot that works in their favor.

Bow Sling

Bow Slings eliminate the burden of hunters carrying the bow with their hands. Most of them are ergonomically design which reduces the pressure applied to the shoulder and other joints. They are also waterproof to cater for the unpredictable weather.

Bow Case

This accessory helps the hunters keep their bows in good shape when not in use. A good one will keep the bow and other accessories in good shape even in a dusty environment. Modern bow cases are plush lined, impact-resistant and have spots designed for arrows.

Sights

These accessories help the hunters make a target appear closer as a result becoming easier to make an accurate shot. The fixed pins in the sights make it easier to spot the target; it enables the hunter to estimate how far the target is. Experienced hunters best utilize the movable pin, pendulum and target sights.

Arrows

Arrows are an essential part of the accessories; otherwise, the whole hunting will be useless. They come in different sizes based on the bow, the draw height and the game. Most of the arrows are made by the hunters using a bolt, a fletching device and a broadhead.

Release

Releases make it easier for the hunters when they draw the string and arrow back. When the draw force is greater than what the hunter can handle, the release will save the fingers and the upper body muscle; it protects the fingers from stiffness as a result of drawing the string. A release can be used on any bow.

String Wax

Strings need frequent waxing. String wax helps the string from drying out.This ensures that it does not break when pulled.

A majority of the above accessories will help you perform better while a few of them are just for cosmetic purpose. When choosing the accessories to use on your compound bow, take into consideration the type of hunting and your budget. While you might want to spend hundreds of dollars on accessories such as sights and arrow rests, there are also many economical alternatives that work just as well.

Related guides: Guide to compound bow sights · Best broadheads · Guide to choosing compound bow arrows

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