The Advantages of Fiberglass Arrow Shafts in Archery

Understanding the advantages of fiberglass arrow shafts helps archers make an educated decision about what type of items to purchase and use. Whether used for target practice or hunting, fiberglass arrow shafts are usually safer, less expensive, more durable and visible at a distance than other materials. Archers commonly use arrow shafts made of wood, carbon or aluminum if they choose not to use fiberglass.

  1. Durability

    • Fiberglass shafts last through thousands of shots. Unlikely to break, it takes extreme pressure to bend fiberglass, and arrow shafts made of this material can sustain a bend up to 90 degrees. A member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) claims a fiberglass arrow shaft would require the force of a 250-pound man standing on it in order to break. The SCA is an organization that focuses on recreating the 17th century's dress, art and events using modern materials and equipment. They painstakingly research their activities and attend and run classes and workshops.

    Price

    • Fiberglass arrow shafts are cost-effective. SCA member Adrius Stone reported that fiberglass arrow shafts cost around $2.50 to $5 per item in 2009. Wood shafts have a lower starting price, at $2, but can run as high as $7 per item and they are less durable than fiberglass shafts. Aluminum shafts cost about $3 to $10 and carbon shafts cost up to $30 each.

    Safety

    • No matter what material comprises them, arrow shafts have the potential to break. Aluminum shafts break into chunks. Fiberglass shafts splinter in a manner similar to wood shafts, but they are less likely to injure archers when they break. Also, fiberglass shafts are far less likely to splinter than wooden ones. To improve their strength and prevent splintering, archers can tape the shafts prior to use.

    Visibility

    • Many arrows come with colored vanes or multicolored fiberglass shafts. This improves their visibility when used in dim or foggy conditions or outdoor for hunting or fishing. Some arrows come with bright orange vanes or are blue in color so that archers do not lose them during use. This is also helpful for identifying individual arrows during competition.