Types of Arrows for Target Shooting

Target archery requires archers to shoot paper targets at different distances. In order for a target archer to succeed in a competition, they must have skill, patience, consistency, and the correct tools of the trade. Beginning archers will find that there are a number of different types of target arrows to choose from.

  1. Wood Arrows

    • Wood arrows were the first arrows to be used by early archers. Today, traditional wooden arrows can be used by target archers who are looking for an inexpensive arrow to shoot. Wood arrows don't have the structural integrity of aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber arrows, and should generally be upgraded if the archer would like to improve their shooting.

    Aluminum Arrows

    • Aluminum arrows were the target archer's first alternative to wood arrows. The first aluminum arrow was created in 1939, and two years later archer Larry Hughes won the American National Archery Championship while using aluminum arrows. Aluminum arrows were sold to the general public in 1946, providing a more consistent weight, balance, and arrow flight in comparison to their wooden predecessors. Aluminum arrows became a go-to arrow for target archery after the invention of the compound bow in 1969, because they could withstand the force of the powerful bow. Aluminum arrows are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, lengths and alloys and can be straightened if bent. Although they are expensive, they are the most popular choice among target shooting archers.

    Fiberglass Arrows

    • Fiberglass arrows are more durable than wooden arrows and can easily be fitted to an archer's draw length. These arrows give archers a consistent shot and are manufactured straighter than wooden arrows, but can be brittle and break more easily than aluminum arrows. Fiberglass arrows can be used for both hunting and target shooting, and are more affordable than aluminum arrows.

    Carbon Fiber Arrows

    • Carbon fiber arrows first arrived on the target archery scene in 1983, and after years of development they have become a go-to arrow for hunters and target shooters alike. Although carbon arrows are the most expensive, their unique carbon fiber-wrapped and cross-weaved design makes these arrows incredibly strong. Carbon fiber arrows will not bend like aluminum arrows, and will provide target archers with years of durable performance.