In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Picks to Buy!
Crossbow is powerful weaponry that takes down the target with the help of powerful bolts. Crossbows are nothing without bolts, as they deliver a reliable source that helps to knock the game with strength, accuracy, and speed. You want a bolt that hunts the target with precision every time.
With many options, buying some can be difficult, but it’s effortless if you have great knowledge about them. Whether its archery or deer hunting without a crossbow and bolt, you cannot shoot the target. Likewise, the wrong choice can leave you with nothing.
So with that, we’re here to walk you into the process and help you in selecting the Best Crossbow Bolts in 2022 for hunting. Here is the list of the top 10 bolts you can get for your crossbow. Without any add-on, let’s begin.
Comparison Chart for Top 10 Crossbow Bolts
| Crossbow Bolts | Size | Weight (grains) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TenPoint EVO-X | 20″ | 445 | View on Amazon |
| Carbon Express PileDriver | 20″ / 22″ | 442 / 479 | View on Amazon |
| Wicked Ridge XX75 | 20″ | 435 | View on Amazon |
| Black Eagle Zombie | 20″ | 425 | View on Amazon |
| Tenpoint Pro Elite | 20″ | 400 | View on Amazon |
| Barnett 16075 Outdoors | 20″ | 396 | View on Amazon |
| Carbon Express Maxima | 20″ / 22″ | 390 | View on Amazon |
| REEGOX Bio | 16″ / 18″ / 20″ | 368 / 380 / 425 | View on Amazon |
| Excalibur Diablo | 18″ | 352 | View on Amazon |
| BLOODSPORT 22-Inch Crossbow Bolts | 22″ | 325 | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Crossbow Bolts In 2023?
1. TenPoint EVO-X CenterPunch Alpha-Brite Carbon Arrows
| TenPoint EVO-X CenterPunch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +- .001″ |
| Weight | 445 grains |
| Diameter (Inside / Outside) | .297″ / .348″ |
| F.O.C | 17% |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Alpha-Brite |
Introducing the world’s most precise arrow by TenPoint, the EVO-X Arrow. It is the most accurate arrow ever and is incited for straightness to within .001-inches. Also, each package weight within 1-grain per arrow.
However, its Alpha nock features a deep bowstring notch, a sizeable small space, and long ears. This deep design nock holds the rope in place to stop a “shoot-over” or “shoot-under” situation. The nocks are so fast yet, embedded with an LED unit that you will get to see super-bright light when you fire your bow.
Other than this, carbon fiber construction delivers high sharpness and safety. The arrow is 20inches long with a 445-grain weight. It also comes with 3.5″ Bohning X Vanes. The Evo-X is a very tough and long-lasting arrow. It comes in 6 packs without flaming nocks and 3 packs with bright nocks.
Reasons To Buy
- Constructed from modulus carbon fiber at 33 MSI.
- 3.5″ Bohning X Vanes.
- Strict and accurate performance.
- The arrow Does not sag.
- Extremely strong.
- Great insertion.
Reasons To Avoid
- Not for beginners and low-quality bows.
- A little expensive.
What’s the bottom line?
This EVO-X arrow by TenPoint is a highly durable crossbow bolt. Its 20-inch length and 445-grain weight make it the world’s most accurate bolt for hunting and target shooting.
2. Carbon Express PileDriver Fletched Carbon Crossbolt
| Carbon PileDriver Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +- 0.004″ |
| Weight | 442 grains |
| Diameter | 0.348″ |
| F.O.C | 14% |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Half moon & universal |
This PileDriver is a 20 inch bolt that ensures better performance while deer hunting. Its name implies who powerful this bolt is. It weighs around 442 grains with a 20 inch length and 100-grain broadhead. This added weight results in 14% F.O.C. that makes this bolt a bone crusher, hence perfect for heavy games.
Moreover, it is very tough and robust thanks to its ample (0.348-inch diameter) build-up. The grain weight, kinetic energy, and higher knockdown power make these bolts a game changer. Its advanced form ensures spine density for greater accuracy. Overall, the hard-hitting penetration of these bolts performs well on the largest games and provides 30 fps of arrow speed.
Reasons To Buy
- Pulldown big-to-big game easily.
- Delivers 30 fps speed.
- Reliable and lasting construction.
- Great penetration result.
- Maximum kinetic energy.
- Proper spine consistency.
- Affordable.
Reasons To Avoid
- Field tips not included.
What’s the bottom line?
It is the best bolt if you want to knock down the big game easily. Its high-quality construction adds balance and kinetic energy to gain what you want in the field.
3. Wicked Ridge by TenPoint 20-Inch XX75 Crossbow Arrows
| Wicked Ridge XX75 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +-.003″ |
| Weight | 435 grains |
| Diameter (Inner) | .305″ |
| F.O.C | 7-9% |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Nock | Alpha Nock |
Here comes another product from TenPoint, the Wicked Ridge 20-Inch Aluminum Crossbow Arrows. These crossbow arrows are amazingly realistic and consistent. This 20 inch aluminum arrow with Alpha-Nock technology delivers a 33% accuracy over traditional ones. Also, it comes arranged with OMNI-BRITE 2.0 lighting nock that features 6 micro-notches. These notches make three bowstring channels that reduce the indexing problem linked with the moon and capture nocks.
With this bolt with omni nock, you will get shot-after-shot sharpness and consistency. With the precision-engineered by Easton, shafts are examined for straightness within +-.003-inch straightness and two grains per dozen weight tolerance. Also, the bolts hold 7% F.O.C. (front of center).
Reasons To Buy
- Tough construction.
- Reusable design.
- Fly straight and give sharp penetration.
- Good for target, field practice, and hunting too.
Reasons To Avoid
- Once the carbon gets started splitting, the arrow is of no use.
What’s the bottom line?
This Tenpoint Wicked Ridge 20-Inch arrow offers reliable performance in this price range. The construction of this arrow by Tenpoint is incredibly excellent thanks to its 2.0″ Easton Bully Boattail Vane, aluminum casing, and more features that help knock down the big games.
4. Black Eagle Zombie Slayer Crossbow Arrows
| Black Eagle Zombie Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +- 0.001″ |
| Weight | 425 grains |
| Diameter (Inner / outer) | .300″ / .346″ |
| F.O.C | – |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Half moon |
This 20 inches Zombie Slayer crossbow is more rigid and tougher than old traditional ones. As its name implies, it allows better diffusion. The carbon covering on the arrow delivers a way better shot than aluminum arrows. If you are looking for an arrow able to hunt big to the small game, then go out with this one for your next hunt.
This bolt is built for exactness as well as penetration. These are a great companion of a crossbow with the tightest straightness (+- 0.001″) tolerances and weight (425 grains). The strength allows you to shot and use it again and again. The arrows are well tested and passed through a ¾-inch pressure-treated log and a variety of other materials. These bolts are certified as one of the most special and the best crossbow bolts in the market!
Reasons To Buy
- Tough construction.
- Reusable design.
- Fly straight and give sharp penetration.
- Good for target, field practice, and hunting too.
Reasons To Avoid
- Once the carbon gets started splitting, the arrow is of no use.
What’s the bottom line?
This Black Eagle’s Zombie Slayer carbon arrows come with optimized accuracy for a long-distance target. They deliver great penetration and unmatched strength. These arrows are suitable for all speeds and types of crossbows.
5. TenPoint 20-Inch Pro Elite 400 Carbon Crossbow Arrows
| Tenpoint Pro Elite Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +-.003″ |
| Weight | 400 grains |
| Diameter (inner / outer) | – |
| F.O.C | 14% |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Alpha nock |
These arrows are created to give you shot-after-shot with accuracy. These 20-inch long bolts come with a 400-grain weight fitted with a 25-grain aluminum enclosure and Alpha-Nock. The construction of these bolts combines premium carbon material that delivers true flying paths and hard-hitting impact. The pack of 6 bolts is ready to hit your target after and after once you open the pack.
Also, these arrows hold +-.003″ straightness tolerance, and each bolt in the pack is hand filed with 2 grain per dozen weight tolerance. Each arrow comes equipped with 3.5-inch Bohning X Vanes that give better flying. You can use these best crossbow bolts with 400 fps crossbows for knocking down medium to large animals.
Reasons To Buy
- Shot-after-shot accuracy.
- Consistent performance.
- Carbon constructed shaft.
- Flies at high speed with 3.5-inch Bohning X Vanes.
- Great penetration.
- Reusable.
- Equipped with LED nocks.
Reasons To Avoid
- Be careful with nocks, they fall off easily.
What’s the bottom line?
This Pro Elite 20 inch arrows come crafted with durability and heavy-hitting property that pulls down any game with a 400 fps crossbow. These bolts are hand-sorted with great and straightness that makes it deal with any target even at night, thanks to its fast lighting nock installation.
6. Barnett 16075 Outdoors Carbon Crossbow Bolts
| Barnett 16075 Outdoors Carbon Arrows Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +- 0.003″ |
| Weight | 396 grains |
| Diameter (Inner / outer) | – |
| F.O.C | – |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Half moon |
Barnett Arrows are very popular with crossbow users. It is a suitable option for hunters on a budget and offers high-quality accuracy. These Barnett arrows come with a 20 inch length and carbon covering that add thickness to their performance. At 13.78 GPI, it paired with 100 grain points and is ready to shoot right out of the package. These arrows provide the best skill and penetration. However, it includes 24F Field Points And Moon Nocks that fit with the following Barnett crossbows –
- Ghost 350
- Penetrator
- Wildcat C-5
- Jackal
Moreover, these Barnett bolts are affordable for those who want target practice or field practice. Its well-made body lets you have a perfect result, as it travels in a straight line without any bend.
Reasons To Buy
- The product includes a limited five-year warranty.
- Strong, lightweight carbon shafts.
- Wall thickness with added strength.
- Optimal sharpness and target penetration.
- The best option for beginner archers and target hunters.
Reasons To Avoid
- Compatible only with Barnett crossbows.
- Not for big size game hunting.
What’s the bottom line?
These 16075 Outdoors Carbon Arrows from Barnett are almost the finest bolts with lightweight carbon shafts. Also, the bolts come with wall width and amazing strength. Its 20-inch length and 24F field point and moon nocks make it fly true and high.
7. Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Fletched BuffTuff Plus Carbon Crossbolt
| Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +-0.0025″ |
| Weight | 390 grains |
| Diameter | 0.343″ |
| F.O.C | 15% |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Half moon |
The Maxima Hunter Crossbolt is the most proven and secure 100% carbon bolt from the Carbon Express lineup. It offers a faster and tighter limit than old carbon bolts. The weight and the design make it provide more speed and improved performance.
The Camo Mossy Oak Treestand design on each of the bolt with 3″ Fusion vanes helps to make them the true bolt in the market. All Maxima Hunter cross bolts are laser verified and comes in different sizes like 20″ (390 gr. w/100 gr. point) and 22″ (416 gr. w/100 gr. point).
Besides passing all the tests, it also helps increase entrance and fast spinning to maintain the speed over a continued distance. This is an best crossbow bolts by Carbon Express that stays true to its traits.
Reasons To Buy
- Uses premium-grade 100% carbon fiber.
- Faster and tight end design.
- Bolts spin 20% sooner.
- Deliver unique accuracy and speed.
- Come with laser eye-lighted nocks.
Reasons To Avoid
- No practice field-tip added.
- Vanes can get loose after wide use.
What’s the bottom line?
To enjoy hunting, this Maxima Hunter Crossbolt is right here for you. The design and specifications stand on the price, so you receive what you pay for. It delivers great penetration, fast spin, and speed for long-distance without any bend.
8. REEGOX Bio Crossbow Bolts with Moon Nocks
| REEGOX Bio Crossbow Bolts Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +-.006″ |
| Weight | 425 grains |
| Diameter (inner / outer) | 0.300” / 0.346” |
| F.O.C | – |
| Length | 20″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Moon |
Reegox Bolts is designed for beginners in archery and hunting. It is high-cost effective that brings you better kinetic energy, speed, and accuracy. It ensures extraordinary durability for more extended usage. The bolts are 20″ in length, and the arrow bolt shaft material is composed of carbon. The bolts come with a strong carbon shaft with 4″ T.P.U. Vanes and inserted moon nocks.
More than this, Bio crossbow bolts from Reegox work well and are highly durable. The weight of these bolts is not so light nor very heavy. That means you will get very great penetration results. You will get both speed and energy with perfection.
Reasons To Buy
- Highly cost-effective.
- Designed for youth and beginner hunters.
- Constructed with durable material.
- Best crossbow bolts for the price.
- Standard nock, tips, and other accessories.
- Solid and long-lasting.
- Ensure faithful performance.
Reasons To Avoid
- You can’t beat the target for the money with these arrows.
What’s the bottom line?
With these REEGOX Bio crossbow bolts, you can experience non-stress target practice. However, these are not meant for hunting, as they are only created for practice and fun shooting. But as for the youth and beginners, these bolts are a great choice. They are more agreeable with most of the bows in the market.
9. Excalibur Diablo Carbon Arrows
| Diablo Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | ±.001″ |
| Weight | 352 grains |
| Diameter (inner / outer) | . 300″ / . 346″ |
| F.O.C | – |
| Length | 18″ |
| Material | Carbon |
| Nock | Flatback insert (no need for nocks) |
Excalibur comes up with arrow creator Easton to develop the top quality bolts for the latest crossbows. The Diablo Carbon cross bolts are meant especially for the compact recurve bows. These bolts feature a carbon shaft with a flat nock that delivers solid contact of arrows with strings.
Moreover, these bolts are fine to pick that can only be used for target training and for hunting small games, not whitetail. It boasts a pack of 6 arrows, each bolt with 18 inches in length and features 2 inches vanes. They also measure 352 grains weight and have ±.001″ straightness tolerance.
Reasons To Buy
- Durable and accurate bolts.
- Designed for small to medium games.
- Fly straight.
- Great value for money.
Reasons To Avoid
- Not for experts and intense hunting.
What’s the bottom line?
This Excalibur arrows pack of six is designed for providing the blistering rate you want for your hunt. These bolts are for shooting practice and hunting small to medium games like Deer and pronghorns.
10. BLOODSPORT 22-Inch Crossbow Bolts
| BloodSport Crossbow Bolts Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Straightness | +-.003″ |
| Weight | 325 grains |
| Diameter (Inner / Outer) | .300″ / .344″ |
| F.O.C | – |
| Length | 22″ |
| Material | 100% Carbon |
| Nock | Half-moon |
Get more speed and sharpness to shoot your target with Bloodsport 22-Inch Crossbow Bolts. These bolts come with .003 straightness and 20 inches long, along with 9.0 gpi. The pack of 6 bolts flies very well and straight without bending. Its more durable look gives an overall weight of 325 grains for delivering maintained energy and final performance.
The Bloodsport crossbow arrows don’t reduce quality or precision at the cost of value. This arrow is an example of a perfect mate of any crossbow to hunt whitetail. The carbon fiber body works excellent with today’s high-speed bows. However, Bloodsport bolts come in two sizes with industry fletched w/ 4″ vanes.
Reasons To Buy
- The bolts travel straight and fast.
- Best crossbow bolts for a whitetail hunt.
- The bolts are well crafted and give perfect precision.
- Sharp penetration.
- It provides consistent performance.
Reasons To Avoid
- It is a bit costly.
What’s the bottom line?
This Bloodsport Hunter crossbow bolt is a perfect example for target shooting and all-around hunting. With its durable construction and accurate performance, you can take these arrows on any crossbow hunt.
How to Choose The Best Crossbow Bolts?
Picking a crossbow bolts isn’t an easy task. With this buyer guide, we will help you find the best quality bolts. The bolts should be sized correctly to get better speed, precision, and momentum.
The weight of the bolt measures in grain and combines the crossbow fletched shaft, insert, nock, crossbow broadheads or field point. The weight plays a crucial role as heavier bolts generate more energy, which offers better penetration. Many others also play a role in selecting the crossbow. Here we will explain each characteristic one by one.
Before choosing the bolts for your crossbow make sure to read the manufacturing specifications that came with your weapon.
Bolt Length
First, you need to consider your crossbow brand as different brands have different length specifications. The normal length of the crossbow bolt is 20 inches. However, the length of the bolt varies from 16″ to 22″. In case you are using a different arrow for the crossbow model, you can use slightly longer bolts. If the bolts are too short, then tip can interfere with the rail while shooting the bolt.
Weight
The archers use a lighter bolt weight to hit the game smoothly at the farther distance easily. On the other hand, hunters use heavy bolts that ensure better penetration. The heavier bolt may be able to strike the targets in shorter distances and have in-flight stability. You can also go with the manufacturer’s recommendation to know the proper length and weight you needed for your crossbow. The light-arrows are susceptible to wind resistance. The lighter bolts are used by the archers that easily helps to hit the soft target and reach even at farther distances.
The bolt weight is measured in grains per inch. The lightweight bolts weigh less than 350 grain and are suitable for hunting and shooting in open areas where judging distance is difficult. Standard bolts weight lies between 350 to 400 grains. However, the heavyweight bolt weighs more than 400 grains for a big size game with tough hides.
Bolt Diameter
The diameter of the bolt is an essential factor in penetration. The small diameter will cut down on wind drag at the time of the release of a bolt. It enhances the durability, boosts in penetration-power as compared to standard diameter bolts.
Shafts
The shafts are composed of aluminum and carbon materials and are lightweight in the material. The aluminum shafts are less expensive as compared to carbon. The one drawback is that it bends easily and are less durable than carbon. The carbon shafts wind drift better and shoot flatter. The carbon-fiber shafts are stronger but expensive.
Spine
The spine is broadly categorized into two static and dynamic. A shaft with greater spine weight provides more resistant to bending. It is composed of carbon or aluminum bolts. The static spine is the stiffness of the bolt, whereas dynamic spine refers to how much a bolt bend when it’s fired. It is vital to control the spine on a bolt as bending will impact consistency, accuracy.
Bolt Heads
There are two points of crossbow heads used for different purposes that are the target or field points and broadheads. Field points are used for small game and target practicing. In most game these are not recommended as they possess a pointed tip without sharp edges. This bolt can be used to hit soft targets and don’t have sharp field tips. It weighs 125 to 150 grains.
Broadheads are used for animal hunting. It is divided into three: fixed blade, removable blade, and expandable blade. It has razor sharp blades that can hit the target through penetration. It is attached to the tip of the shaft like the field points. It wounds an animal rather than providing a kill shot. The broadheads are easy to remove and replaced when damaged.
Nocks
A nock is made from aluminum and plastic and keeps a bolt in place while targeting the shot. The types of nocks are flat nocks and half-moon nock. Half moon nocks are slightly concave at the edges that make sure that the strings are aligned before firing. It also provide secure bolt placement on the string.
Flat Nock
The conventional nock consists of a single flat disc that allows for the contact with the string in any position. It carries a risk of dry fire if you have a crossbow with a heavyweight draw.
Lighted Nocks
Lighted Nocks is an advancement in the field and highly recommended by the archers. It emits light glow and is easy to find when hunting at night. It helps to find the path of your bolt and pinpoint where your bolt struck animals and make your bolts easy to rescue.
Fletchings
It is the fins or the wings near the back of the bolt, and the crossbow has three fletchings made from plastic. The longer fletchings fit better with long shafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Shafts are Better Carbon Bolts or Aluminium Bolts?
Aluminum shafts are less expensive than Carbon bolts. The aluminum bolts bend easily and are less durable. If you want bolts for practice, then it is a reliable option. The carbon bolt is expensive, no doubt but provide better precision and accuracy. Many archers also go with aluminum crossbow bolts for target practicing as they are affordable. In case of deep-penetration, use a carbon-bolt instead of aluminum.
2. What Size Bolts Do I Need for my Crossbow?
The average length of the crossbow is 20 inches, and mostly crossbows arrows are 16 to 22 inches length. The crossbow does come with the recommendation as to what arrow length one must use. While making the purchase make sure it is of the same length as recommended.
3. What is the Grain of an Arrow?
The grain is the weight of an arrow measured grains per pound. The light arrow has finished G.D.P. of 5 to 6.5 grains for draw weight of each pound. The heavy arrow weighs 8 grains whereas a mid arrow weighs between 6.5 and 8 grains. The arrow’s total weight is divided by the bow’s poundage for shooting the arrow.
4. What Do You Mean by Spine of an Arrow?
The spine of an arrow is a measurement of its stiffness. Easton Arrow comes in a variety of stiffness. The lower the number of the spine, the stiffer the arrows.
5. How are Arrows Measured?
The standard measurement of an arrow is the distance between the bottom of the groove of the nock to the end of the arrows. It doesn’t include a tip or insert.
6. What are the Four Parts of an Arrow?
The arrows have four parts that include a shaft, Fletching, Arrowhead, Nock.
- Shaft: It is the spine of an arrow.
- Fletching: It is the plastic veins or feathers of an arrow.
- Arrowhead: It is the point of an arrow with the target point.
- Nock: It is located on the rear end of the arrow which holds the arrow in a position.
