Dead Straight – The Best Hunting Arrows

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What’s a good hunting arrow and what makes a good hunting arrow? What are some of the best ones you can buy?

Hunting, specifically bowhunting is ever popular in countries where you can legally do it. It’s one of the most challenging experiences you can enjoy with a bow. The thrill of the hunt, tracking, waiting. Finally getting in close proximity to your prey, being able to smell them and hear their sounds, see their breath on the air. If the hunt doesn’t get your heart racing (or you live in one of those places where it’s illegal) then maybe the competition of a 3D tournament is more your thing. If that’s the case you may want to check out our guide on the best target arrows instead. Hunters… read on.

We’ve looked high and low to compile this list of some of the best arrows for hunting on the market today. Here are our findings.

Our Top Hunting Arrow Picks

Note: Our individual reviews are below, but you can also click any of the links above to check current prices on Amazon and other retailers

What makes a good hunting arrow?

Toughness / Durability

When you miss, who knows where your arrow is going. Trees, rocks and the dirt are all good resting places. For a hunting arrow to survive a life like this, is has to be tough.Carbon arrows are amongst the strongest and most durable arrows made today.

Accuracy

Accuracy of arrows depends really on the quality of the build and the archer! How straight and uniform are they. Are they given weight and spine tolerances so you know the batch you have will all be similar?

Price

Always a concern for most of us but an enthusiastic hunter will see the value in buying and maintaining good arrows. Good arrows cost a little more but will last longer and perform better.

Penetration (Weight gpi)

The heavier an arrow is, the more punch it packs when it hits. That ‘punch’ is technically called kinetic energy and a heavier arrow has more of this than a light one. The harder an arrow hits the target the further it will penetrate and the more chance there is of a clean kill.

Arrow weight is measured in GPI (grains per inch). A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. 0647 grams. The reason arrows are measured in grains per inch is because a good arrow is manufactured at maximum length (32”-34”) and then cut to the size of the archer. If you know the GPI and you know the arrow length you can work out the weight of the arrow shaft when cut.Before you decide whether a heavy arrow is better than a light one, ask yourself what am I going to hunt with it? A heavy (9-9.5 gpi) arrow would be good for Elk or Deer but for just hunting Turkey you’d be okay with around 7 gpi.

Wind Drift (Surface Area)

The fatter the arrow spine and the larger the fletchings the more of the arrow that is exposed to the elements and can be blown by the crosswind. A skinnier arrow with a low profile fletching will help to reduce this effect.

Fletchings / Vanes

You’ll find nearly all hunting arrows come with short 2” vanes. A shorter lower profile vane won’t slow the arrow as much as a larger one. A faster arrow packs more punch. An arrow with a short vane also won’t make as much noise through the air. Some animals can hear arrows in flight and react accordingly! Hunting is also usually done outdoors and the lower the profile of the vane the less it will be affected by a crosswind.

The Best Hunting Arrows

Carbon Express Maxima Red

There’s a lot of buzz around the Carbon Express Maxima Reds. It’s one of their flagship products. Maximas are supposed to help control dynamic spine. This is the flex of the arrow introduced in flight. With a broadhead fitted this is dynamism is exaggerated and the dynamic spine management of these arrows helps to get it back under control.

Carbon Express Maxima Reds come in 250 or 350 sizes, apparently that’s all you need with these arrows, 350 covers everything right up to 29” 92 lbs draw. These are fletched with 3x Blazer vanes, which are reckoned to be one of the best vanes on the market. All these arrows come in a matched set (minimum 6) and these sets are matched with a weight tolerance of +/- 1 grain. You can be sure they are straight because they’re laser checked to within 1/10,000 of an inch. The nocks on these come with proprietary collars called ‘Bulldog’ collars that help to protect the arrow against impacts and feature ‘Launchpad’ nocks that are self centering on the shaft.

Key Features
Price Range: Medium/High
Material: Carbon
Color: Black/Red
Straightness Tolerance:+/-0.0035″
Weight Tolerance:+/- 1 grain
Spine Tolerance:+/-0.0025″
Assembly:Need to be cut to size and finished
Specifications
SizeSpineShaft DiameterWeight (GPI)
2500.417″ 0.295″ / 7.49mm8.11
3500.342″0.300″ / 7.62mm9.07

What we liked:

  • Dynamic Spine Control
  • Matched Set
  • Accurate
  • Launchpad Nock
  • Blazer Vanes
  • Bulldog Nock Collar
  • Low Manufacturing Tolerances

What we didn’t:

  • Cost

Gold Tip XT Hunter

The Gold Tip XY Hunter arrow is designed for archers and bowhunters that marvel at precision and ingenuity. These carbon hunting arrows are laser inspected for straightness and then hand-sorted to ensure every arrow shipped from the manufacturer are within a straightness tolerance of +/- .003” and weight tolerance of +/- 2 grains per dozen arrows. 

This type of precision increases accuracy and consistency. This accuracy and precision have been favored by hunters since 1997. Each arrow includes the Accu-lite insert, a GT series nock, and 2” vanes. Find the Gold Tip XT Hunter arrow at Cabela’s sold by the dozen at the 32” shaft length and the weights of 300, 340, and 400 grains. 

If you are the type of hunter who finds themselves in the woods every free moment that they have, then the Gold Tip XT Hunter arrow is your match. These arrows will last the entire deer hunting season, even if you hunt every day while shooting the arrows hundreds and hundreds of times for target practice. Even after all that use, these arrows will still provide the same accuracy as when they came out of the box.

What we liked:

  • A trusted brand known for precision design and quality manufacturing since 1997.
  • Extremely accurate providing excellent groupings throughout the entire hunting season.
  • Includes Accu-lite inserts, GT nocks, and 2” vanes.
  • Contains a straightness tolerance of +/- .003” that is laser inspected.
  • Possesses a weight tolerance of +/- 2 grains per dozen arrows.

What we didn’t:

  • Not much!

BlackOut X5 Envy Carbon

The BlackOut X5 Envy Carbon arrow is designed for bowhunters who are often shooting in heavily wooded areas and that need an arrow that is indestructible. These 100% carbon arrows are constructed to be extremely tough, to weather a beating, and to keep on performing like they did when they were brand new.

You can depend on these BlackOut X5 Envy Carbon arrows to deliver tight groups, to last a long time, and to maintain a straightness factor of +/- .005”. These arrows come in shaft sizes ranging from 26” to 31” and weights of 340, 400, and 500 grain. 

A few other important factors to consider that make the BlackOut X5 Envy Carbon arrow a top choice for hardcore hunters is not only do these arrows last a long time, but they are an affordable arrow. Purchase in quantities of half a dozen or a full dozen for an incredibly reasonable price at Cabela’s and they will install the GT nocks on each arrow for you. Also included are inserts and 2” vanes.

What we liked:

  • 100% carbon construction creates an almost completely indestructible arrow. 
  • Excellent for heavily wooded areas or areas where your arrows may strike dense obstructions.
  • Delivers tight groups every time with a straightness factor of +/- .005”.  
  • Long-lasting performance.
  • Includes installed GT nocks, inserts, and 2” vanes.
  • Available in a range of shaft lengths and grain weights.
  • Weight tolerance of +/- 2 grains.
  • Incredibly affordable.

What we didn’t:

  • Must be purchased in packs of half a dozen or a full dozen.
A simple and quick overview of the BlackOut X5 Envy Carbon arrow

Carbon Express Mayhem Hunter

This is one of the most popular arrows Carbon express have made to date. They have designed this arrow with build in ‘weight-forward’ technology. In simple terms that means that the balance point of the arrow is forward of center and the back end of the arrow is light and stiff. This improves recovery out of the bow and increases speed. These are claimed to have the ultimate combination of speed, accuracy and penetration all in one arrow package.

Mayhems come in 250 or 350 size and are fletched with 3x Blazer vanes. Available in a matched set (minimum 6) with a weight tolerance of +/- 1 grain. Laser checked to within 1/10,000 of an inch for straightness. The nocks on these come with proprietary collars called ‘Bulldog’ collars that help to protect the arrow against impacts and feature ‘Launchpad’ nocks that are self centering on the shaft.

Key Features
Price Range: Medium/High
Material: Carbon
Color: Mossy Oak Obsession Camo
Straightness Tolerance:+/-0.0035″
Weight Tolerance:+/-1 grain
Spine Tolerance:+/-0.0025″
Assembly:Need to be cut and finished
Specifications
SizeSpineShaft DiameterWeight (GPI)
2500.481″ 0.303″ / 7.69mm8.8
3500.347″0.300″ / 7.62mm9.8

What we liked:

  • Durable
  • Accurate
  • Weight Forward Technology
  • Precision Nocks
  • Low Manufacturing Tolerances

What we didn’t:

  • Cost

Gold Tip Ted Nugent

Gold Tip are a respected and popular arrow manufacturer and just in case you didn’t know ‘Ted Nugent’ is a bit of a ‘ledge’ (legend to anyone over 40) in the world of rock and roll, everyone’s favorite uncle and a strong supporter of preserving outdoor heritage. Ted asked Gold Tip to create these signature series arrows for him. Love him or hate him, the result is a great arrow, good for both hunting or 3D.

They come in 3 color choices, each with a zebra print design on the shaft. You can get them ‘fletched’ with 2” raptor vanes or shaft only. They need to be cut to size and inserts added. These have GT Nocks, which are Gold Tip push-in nocks and each weighs about 11.5 grains and also come with Accu-Lite inserts at 12.1 grains each.

Key Features
Price Range: Medium
Material: Carbon
Colors: Pink, White, Purple
Straightness Tolerance:+/-0.006″
Weight Tolerance:+/-2 grain
Assembly:Need to be cut to size and finished
Specifications
Size/SpineShaft DiameterWeight (GPI)
300 0.313″ / 7.95mm10.8
4000.301″ / 7.64mm9.3
5000.297″ / 7.54mm8.4

What we liked:

  • Eye catching
  • Durable
  • Good balance of price / performance

What we didn’t:

  • Branding (for some)

Easton 6mm FMJ

Easton are a name you’ve probably heard of. Find a group of hunters and I’ll bet at least one of them has shot or is shooting Easton arrows at some point. The Easton 6mm FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) are a carbon core arrow encased in a 7075 alloy metal jacket. Manufacturers love to quote tech stuff at us… 7075 alloy…. It’s a an aluminium alloy with zinc as the primary element. Has a strength comparable to steel and high corrosion resistance. 7075 gets used in aviation and marine applications amongst other things. That full metal jacket adds arrow weight, and weight adds kinetic energy.

You can get FMJ’s in 4mm, 5mm and 6mm diameter. We’ve picked 6mm as it’s the newest of the 3 diameters and provides the heaviest arrow. These come with pre-installed H nocks.

Key Features
Price Range: Medium
Material: Carbon Core/7075 Alloy Jacket
Color: White/Black
Straightness Tolerance:+/-0.003″
Weight Tolerance:Unknown
Assembly:Need to be cut and finished
Specifications
Size/SpineShaft DiameterWeight (GPI)
320 0.236″ / 6mm10.6
3900.236″ / 6mm9.7
4700.236″ / 6mm8.8

What we liked:

  • Quiet
  • Designed For Ease Of Target Removal
  • Good Weight

What we didn’t:

  • Aluminium Jacket May Bend

Aluminium Hunting Arrows

Easton Game Getter XX75

The Easton Game Getter XX75 is a well known arrow. It’s an aluminium arrow. 7075-T9. T9 is a heat treated and cold worked alloy. Cold worked to improve strength. This arrow has been around for some time and is a tried and trusted bow hunting favorite. It’s also relatively well priced.

These arrows come with uni-bushings that allow you to adjust the nock alignment, nocks and inserts but they aren’t cut to size. They have a hard-anodized black finish.​

Key Features
Price Range: Low/Medium
Material: 7075-T9 Alloy
Color: Black
Straightness Tolerance:+/-0.003″
Weight Tolerance:Unknown / not specified
Assembly:Need to be cut to size and finished
Specifications
Size/Spine
Available in 300, 340, 400, 500

What we liked:

  • Low price
  • Good weight

What we didn’t:

  • Aluminium construction

Budget Hunting Arrows

ANTSIR Outdoors Carbon Arrows

Great value arrows for target practice, beginners or hunting with a lower draw weight bow. ANTSIR don’t supply manufacturing tolerances or weights for these arrows so you aren’t getting the quality you’d get from the well known manufacturers. However, you can’t argue with the cost. These were on sale as a pack of 12 last time we looked and the cost per arrow is exceptionally good in comparison to the others listed here.

They come supplied with 5/16 screw in, nickel plated fields points. Fixed nocks (which can be rotated if you’re willing to get the pliers out). The vanes are plastic and depending on the packaging they may be bent out of shape. Apparently you can rectify any bent or out of shape vanes by simply using a hairdryer to warm them up.

These are, without doubt good value for money. Probably not for the professional hunter though.

Key Features
Price Range:Low
Material:Carbon fiberglass mix
Color:Black
Straightness Tolerance:Unknown / not specified
Weight Tolerance:Unknown / not specified
Assembly:None needed, complete arrow
Specifications
Size/SpineShaft DiameterLength
400 0.307″ / 7.8mm30″

What we liked:

  • Low price
  • Good weight
  • Field tips included
  • Great for practice

What we didn’t:

  • Durability
  • Quality
  • Fixed  length (30″)
  • Not for high poundage bows

Guide Gear Trophy Hunter Arrows

Guide Gear did well when they created the Trophy Hunter arrows. If you are looking for an arrow that is versatile, dependable, and long-lasting, these Trophy Hunter arrows are perfect for both target shooting and hunting. 

The arrow itself is constructed from 100% standard modulus carbon and it comes equipped with 2” Bohning Blazer vanes and a Bohning Double-Lock Blazer nock. Each arrow is spine aligned and comes with a weight choice of 350, 400, or 500 grains. Also, the shaft length is 31”, however, you can always get custom arrow cutting to make the shaft whatever length you want.

Includes an 11-grain insert and are sold in packs of 12 at an incredibly affordable price. 

What we liked:

  • Versatile, dependable, and long-lasting.
  • Available in 350, 400, or 500 grains.
  • Can be used for target shooting and/or hunting with no issue.
  • Constructed from 100% extra-strength carbon.
  • Includes an 11-grain insert.
  • Packs of 12 are sold at affordable prices.

What we didn’t:

  • Only sold in 31-inch shaft length.
A quick overview from the Sportsman’s Guide

MAK Hunting Arrows (M.A.K)

More target and practice arrows from M.A.K. These come with nickel plated field points and the last we looked they were also being supplied with 3 free broadheads. We wouldn’t however encourage you to hunt larger game with these. They aren’t designed for high poundage bows. Small game, you’ll be fine. These have nocks that are removable and adjustable and a colored or ‘cock’ feather so you know which way is up when nocking your bow.

Good value for money. Again probably not for the experienced or large game hunter, but great otherwise.​

Key Features
Price Range:Low
Material: Carbon fiberglass mix
Color: Black
Straightness Tolerance:Unknown / not specified
Weight Tolerance:Unknown / not specified
Assembly:None needed, complete arrow
Specifications
Size/SpineShaft DiameterLength
Unknown 0.307″ / 7.8mm30″

What we liked:

  • Low price
  • Good weight
  • Field tips included
  • Great for practice

What we didn’t:

  • Specifications Unclear
  • Fixed  length (30″)
  • Not for high poundage bows

Speciality Hunting Arrows

Gold Tip Twister Flu-Flu

The Gold Tip twister Flu-Flu is a feather fletched arrow that has been specially designed to minimize flight distance and ensure easy arrow recovery. These are best for hunting small game or shooting aerial targets. Times when you aren’t sure where your arrow will end up and bright colorations will help you find it. To quote the manufacturer they are designed to ‘put em down and still be found’. If you’re shooting aerial targets with these, they aren’t designed to fly further than about 100 yards, even when you fire them into the air. Again this means you can get them back.

They’re a durable arrow, well made, however the speciality nature of the feather means the price is higher than some other hunting arrows.

Key Features
Price Range: High
Material: Carbon
Color: White/Black
Straightness Tolerance:+/-0.003″
Weight Tolerance:Unknown / not specified
Assembly:Need to be cut to size and finished
Specifications
Size/SpineShaft DiameterWeight (GPI)
400 0.204″ / 5.2mm9.5

What we liked:

  • Easily Locatable
  • Enforced Short Flight
  • Best for small game/aerial targets
  • Durable Feathers

What we didn’t:

  • Expensive

Hi there! I'm a passionate bowman and a fan of all target sports in general. You'll often find me at my local archery and shooting ranges honing my skills.

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