Do you like to hunt with a crossbow? If so, you are going to want to find the right crossbow bolts for your needs. These bolts will vary in size and shape, so you will need to choose the one that is optimal for the motion that the arrow needs when it is shot.
In this guide, we are going to look at five great crossbow bolts that will work for your crossbows.
The Best Crossbow Bolts on The Market
1. Barnett Outdoors Carbon Crossbow 20-Inch Arrows with Field Points
The first crossbow bolts that we are going to be looking at in this guide are designed by Barnett. They are carbon fiber arrows that are 20 inches in length, and each one has a half-moon nock that will be useful when you are hunting.
These arrows come in a set of five, and each crossbow bolt is only one ounce in weight, which will make it an even more lightweight option. At 13.78 grains, this bolt is a 100-grain option that has the weight to make very accurate shots. In addition, the field points on these arrowheads are designed for optimal penetration and accuracy. This is a product that comes with a warranty, but it is a limited. The five-year warranty is designed to give you the coverage and the durability that you want in your bolts.
Specs at A Glance
| Length: 20 inch arrows | 24F field point and moon nocks |
| Arrow weight: 78 grains, matched with 100-grain point | 1-ounce arrows with strong, lightweight carbon bolts shaft |
2. Carbon Express PileDriver Fletched Carbon Crossbolt with 4-Inch Vanes
This next set of bolts is a set of six that has a stylish look that will be easy to find when they are shot. The shaft of each arrow is black, but there is a logo that is located near the back of the bolt, while the nock and the fletching is a shade of green that will make it easier to see.
These crossbow bolts are 20 inches in length, but they are also available as a 22-inch model. This is a very durable option that is made from carbon fiber, so it is lightweight, easy to fly, and consistent when it comes to accuracy. This crossbow bolt has a weight of 442 grains, and it has a nock that is flat which will make it easier to use with some crossbows. The bolt also has target shooting tips that will not penetrate your target.
Specs at A Glance
| Length: 20 inch arrows | Fletched with 4″ vanes |
| 442 grains, 0.348″ Diameter | Universal nocks |
3. Barnett 16079 Outdoors Carbon Crossbow 22-Inch Arrows with Field Points
The next bolt that we’re going to look at, which is made from Barnett, is a 22-inch bolt. The carbon fiber shafts of these bolts are very lightweight and strong, which helps them to fly through the air and penetrate the target when it hits.
Coming in a pack of five, each bolt has a weight of 13.78 grains. In addition, the point of the arrow is a hundred grains, which is designed to increase the accuracy and the penetration power. These bolts are designed to come with both moon nock and field point tips so that you can take them deer hunting. Aesthetically, these bolts are very pleasing to look at; they are mostly black, and the fledglings are green and black. Finally, the set of crossbow bolts comes with a limited five-year warranty.
Specs at A Glance
| Length: 22 inch crossbow arrowsLightweight carbon fibre arrows with improved wall thickness78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain pointMoon nocks |
4. Ace Martial Arts Supply Crossbow Arrows with High Impact Bolts
The next set of crossbow bolts that we are going to look at in this guide is designed by Ace Martial Arts Supply. These are very short bolts that are designed to leave a high impact strike on your target. In total, each bolt is only about six and 1/4 inches long.
These crossbow bolts are compatible with a 50-pound crossbow as well as a crossbow that is 80 pounds. The design of these bolts is very simple; the shaft of each bolt is made from wood, while the fletchings are made of a plastic that is black in color, and the tips are made from aluminum. If you prefer a more colorful hunting experience, the fletchings on these bolts can also be purchased in multiple colors. Each package that you purchase comes with a total of 36 bolts that you can use.
Specs at A Glance
| Length: 6.5″ Long bolts | Aluminum shaft with a steel head |
| 36 bolts in package | For use with 50 and 80lbs crossbows |
5. ANTSIR Hunting Arrow Carbon Crossbow Bolts
The final set of crossbow bolts that we are going to look at comes from Antsir. Available in both 20-inch and 22-inch options, these bolts come in a pack of 12.
The feather or the fletching on the back of the bolt is four-inches, which is ideal for deer hunting or practicing in your backyard. These fletchings are blue in color, which makes them even easier to see. In addition, the nocks on the bolt are half-moon designs that are black in color. The tips of each of these bolts are quite standard; in fact, they are sharp and will penetrate your target with ease.
Specs at A Glance
| Length: 20 inch crossbow arrows | Carbon bolt shaft with 4″ feather |
| Nocks: Half-moon | Packing: 12pcs |
Features to Consider When Looking For The Best Crossbow Bolts
When you are ready to buy the best crossbow bolt for your crossbow, you will need to know what to look for, especially if this is your first time making the purchase yourself. You may believe that bolts or arrows are very similar, but the slight differences in their build are what change the flight that they can achieve. Some of the features to consider include:
The Best Crossbow Bolt Materials
In general, there are two types of material that a bolt can be made out of. The first is aluminum. It is a less expensive material to use when you hunt a lot. They tend to be more accurate because of the weight of the arrows, but they are also less durable.
In addition, these models tend to fly best with a fixed blade. The other material that you can have the best crossbow bolt made out of is carbon fiber. This is the lighter option of the two; it is also faster and has a good level of penetration power to consider. Most of these models use mechanical broadheads for the best flight.
Consider the Arrow Shaft Weight
The weight of the crossbow bolt is important in determining how well it files, especially in windy conditions. A lightweight bolt is going to be under 300 grains, while heavyweight bolts will come in at over 400 grains. Heavyweight bolts are also easier when it comes to penetrating an animal that has thicker fur and skin.
Remember that you’re not going to want the heavyweight bolts to weigh a ton. Mid-weight is a great option for most crossbow hunters who are learning how to balance the weight of a bolt.
Length of Your Hunting Arrows are Important
The length of the crossbow bolts is important when it comes to deciding which option is going to fit in your crossbow. Most of the bolts that you will encounter in this area are about 16 to 24 inches long. You will need to make sure that you have a good bolt that connects to the nock.
Longer hunting arrows can maintain speed for longer periods of time. So determine the length that you need based on the weight that you have selected to find the ideal match.
What Type of Bolt Head Do You Need?
There are a few different types of bolt heads that you can purchase. The first option is designed for target shooting practice, and the tips of the heads are not sharp so that you can easily hit the target without penetrating it at all.
The second option is designed for hunting, so it is a broadhead that can easily penetrate the flesh of an animal. These will have a stronger impact, but they will be a bit more expensive to purchase.
Flat Nock or Not?
When you are purchasing a bolt for your crossbow, you are also going to want to consider the type of nock that you are going to want on the back of the shaft. There are two main types of nocks that are becoming increasingly popular today, which includes the half-moon nock and the flat nocks.
If you are used to using a crossbow that is heavier in the front, then a half-moon nock could be what you need. Smaller crossbows that have a weight of less than 175 grains will work best.
Don’t Forget to Consider the Fletching
The other part of the bolt that you are going to need to consider is the fletchings. These wings that are positioned on the back of the shaft can help stabilize the arrow as it flies. Most bolts tend to have three fletchings that are made out of a plastic material.
They can also vary in length, so the longer the bolt is, the longer the fletchings should be. The overall length will depend on your preference.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best crossbow bolts on the market that we have looked at in this guide, it is clear that they are all great options and are all worth considering. However if we were to select the best one out of the bunch, the Barnett Outdoors Carbon Crossbow 20-Inch Arrows with Field Points comes out on top.
It comes in a pack of five, it is a lightweight option and has great penetration power. If you need more than five crossbow bolts, you can always purchase a few packs of the same bolts, which makes the experience very convenient and will get you ready for your crossbow hunting experience.
I’m Nebojša, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience. My writing covers a diverse range of topics, from technology and gaming to app development and automobiles, all while delving into the intricacies of SEO optimization. Beyond the digital realm, I find solace in nature, inherited from my father’s love for the outdoors. His passion for hunting has influenced me, adding another layer to my appreciation for the natural world.