Best Crossbow Bolts

Have the perfect crossbow but missing the right bolts? Nothing to worry about. Give this a read to get to know everything about crossbow bolts.

From the best bolts to the anatomy and the important factors to consider, I have covered them all in detail to make it easy for you. Let’s get right into it!

Crossbow Bolts vs. Arrows: Differences & Similarities

There is a lot of debate about the differences and similarities between crossbow arrows and bolts. While the two terms are used quite interchangeably, it really depends on who you ask.

More crossbow enthusiasts tend to prefer calling them arrows, while most other people still call them bolts.

Let’s explore the similarities first. Both bolt and arrow are made from four distinct parts, including the shaft, broadhead, nock, and fletching. The real difference comes in size.

There is no set standard in terms of length either. However, some people believe that anything that falls 16 inches to 22 inches long is a bolt. Anything above 22 inches to 32 inches is an arrow.

This is fairly true as we will see how most of the bolts are 20 inches in length. There is also a difference between their trajectories.

While arrows are longer, they are also lighter than bolts. This definitely impacts their trajectory.

Despite the differences and similarities, they are both good enough to be used for practice and on the field. This is why it is hard for people to define and agree on the main differences and similarities.

Top 10 Best Crossbow Bolts for Hunting

A good crossbow won’t do much for you on the field if you don’t have the right bolt for it. Crossbow bolts come in many different types, materials, and sizes.

Based on your shooting situation, target, and style, you will have to make an informed decision. Before we get into the factors to consider, let’s look at some of the best bolts available in the market.

TenPoint Evo-X CenterPunch Carbon Bolts

Featuring the all-new Alpha Nock by TenPoint, the Center Punch Carbon Bolts are one of the most accurate 20-inch bolts out there.

In addition, the Alpha Nock comes with a deep grove allowing for more précised shots. Thanks to the receiver, it also supports the White Super Bite Omni Nock and has a quick-lighted nock installation.

On the outside, the arrow has been wrapped with a carbon-weave by Lazer-Tech. The inside is made from 33 MSI modulus carbon fiber which gives it lightweight and strength.

For fletching, the arrows have been equipped with 3.5 inch Bohning X Vanes. Center Punch ensures straightness for all its arrows by inspecting them within the 0.001 range.

For the perfect weight, the arrows are matched to 1 weight grain per arrow. The weight of each arrow stands at 1 ounce or 445 grains.

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Barnett 16079 Carbon Crossbow Arrows

Barnet’s Carbon Crossbow arrows are one of the most versatile on the market currently. The length of the arrow is 22 inches and is designed for optimum accuracy.

It is made using carbon shafts which are not only strong but also lightweight. Barnett has also enhanced the wall thickness on its arrows to improve durability.

The arrows come in a five-pack set equipped with moon nocks and alongside a 24F. Barnett has made the arrows at 13.78 grains per inch for superior target penetration and accuracy with a one-hundred-gram point.

The arrows also come with a limited five-year warranty for any workmanship defects or the materials used for your peace of mind.

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Carbon Express PileDriver Bolts

The Carbon Express Pile Driver Bolts come in two variants: 20 Inch and 22 Inch, with 23 and 19 options for each. It is a highly versatile bolt with incredible power potential.

Its heavy grain weight, 1 ounce or 442 grains, allows for maximum knock-down power and greater kinetic energy.

Also, you can easily get a bone-crushing penetration out of this bolt. That’s because the material is constructed with accuracy and precision in mind.

The straightness is praiseworthy as it is sorted out to +/- 0.004 Inches. You can imagine the consistency throughout.

You get a total of six bolts in the package alongside six universal nocks. For fletching, the bolt is rocking 4-inch vanes.

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Black Eagle Executioner Carbon Arrows

The Black Eagle Executioner is a carbon arrow that features a combination of kinetic energy, accuracy, and speed. It is the perfect friend for any hunter looking for superior performance.

You can either get this in a pack of six or twelve. If you get the 20 inch or the 22-inch versions, they come along with 3 Inch Bohning X Vanes. At the same time, the 18-inch version of the arrow comes with 2 inch Blazer Vanes.

You also get two different types of nocks, including Flat Nocks as well as Half Moon nocks featuring a pressed fit instead of being glued.

The weight stands at 4.7 ounces for all versions, reflecting the solid build.

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Barnett 16075 Crossbow Bolts

Barnett never fails to introduce incredible products for the hunting industry, and that is what they did with the 15075 Crossbow Bolts.

They come in 20 inches of length with a 100-grain point and 13.78 grains/inch. In addition, the half-moon nocks alongside a 24F field point allow for greater accuracy and target precision.

It is compatible with almost all crossbows that can shoot a 20-inch arrow. The carbon shafts are extremely strong and durable, thanks to the enhanced wall thickness.

At 8.1 ounces, it is the perfect weight for a 20-inch arrow. You also get five years limited warranty from the manufacturer.

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TenPoing Pro Elite 400 Crossbow Arrows

Rocking the Alpha Brite technology, the 20 Inch TenPoint Elite 400 arrow is crafted out of carbon.

The Alpha Brite nock technology features a nock receiver that supports a combination of an Alpha Brite Nock alongside an LED Unit.

The LED is activated when the crossbow is fired, using the force of the bowstring that compresses the two pieces to remove the gap.

The arrow is 0.91 ounces and is calibrated for straightness up to 0.003 inches and manually sorted by hand for weight tolerance. You can choose to get the Alpha Brite version or the regular Alpha Nock version based on your need.

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Reegox Carbon Crossbow Bolts

The Regex Crossbow bolts are made from carbon and feature a cost-effective design. They are mainly targeted at the young and beginner hunters looking to learn with a good bolt-on the field.

The bolt is fast, accurate, and offers high kinetic energy to make an impact.

The vanes used on this one are 4 inches, and the length of the arrow is 20 inches. The moon nocks that come pre-installed make it easier to shoot at the desired target.

You can get this in four exciting colors: orange, green, yellow, and blue. The orange even comes in 16 inches and 18 inches versions. However, the remaining three are only offered in 20 inches.

Moreover, the weight for the 20-inch model is 0.97 ounces or 425 grains, 18 inches is 0.87 ounces 380 grains, and the 16 inches one is 0.84 ounces or 368 grains.

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Ravin R138 Carbon Crossbow Bolts

The Ravin R138 crossbow bolts are made out of lightweight and durable carbon that lasts you a long time. These bolts are not only accurate but hit hard wherever you shoot them.

The stability of flight reflects the calibrated weight and straightness. That’s because the use of one hundred percent pure carbon allows for a hard-hitting performance like none other.

These bolts are 0.91 ounces or 400-grain and can be used with the Ravin crossbows only. In addition, the overall length of the bolt is 20 inches and comes along with 20-inch offset vanes.

The nocks included are made from aluminum, and the arrows also feature brass inserts. You can also use the Ravin clip-on nocks with the bolts.

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Yorker Carbon Crossbow Bolts

This is a complete package from Yorker with 12 carbon bolts measuring 18 inches each alongside 12 broadheads and 12 field points.

The carbon used to make these bolts is a premium grade that offers great durability. The low 0.95-ounce weight of the bolt makes it easier to carry.

The broadhead features three blades and is 125-grain. The 4-inch feather makes it suitable for accurate and precise hitting.

Given that these bolts are made for beginners, you won’t have to spend much to get your hands on them.

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Killer Instinct Hypr Crossbow Bolts

The name of the Killer Instinct Hyper Crossbow bolt comes from its ability to hit harder. It has been designed to offer enhanced knock-down, penetration, and stopping power.

The top-grade carbon used makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. You can benefit from the 3-inch fletched vanes that come installed with moon nocks.

All bolts are calibrated to precision when it comes to weight and straightness, so you can expect some good accurate shots. You get this in a pack of six bolts, making it ample ammo to take down a target.

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Crossbow Bolts Anatomy

Now that you know some of the good crossbow bolts available on the market, let’s dive into the bolt anatomy.

If you don’t know what each feature or component does, you won’t be able to make the right decision when bolt shopping.

Getting the wrong bolts can be the difference between a good and a bad day on the field.

So give it some time and try to understand the easy definitions I have put below for your convenience:

The Nock

The nock is the component on a bolt that helps keep it in its place when lining it up for the shot. Nocks are usually made out of plastic or, more commonly, aluminum.

The string basically goes into the nock that is situated at the end of the shaft.

The nock itself comes in different styles and shapes, of which the most popular are the flat nocks and half-moon nocks.

You can go for either style or any other based on your personal use. Moreover, even manufacturers recommend buyers to use certain types of nocks with bolts on their crossbows.

For instance, Barnett always suggests the use of half-moon nocks.

Flat Nocks

The flat nock is the traditional nock design that has been in the industry for the longest time. It is also quite a simple design with just a flat disk at the bottom end of the bolt.

You can align the string in any configuration since it is a flat base. You can also move the string in slight vertical movements at the time of the shooting.

Half-moon Nocks

Half-moon nocks might not be the oldest, but they certainly are the most popular. With a concave curvature shape at the end, these nocks make it quite easy to rest the bowstring in the depressed cavity.

The main purpose of the half-moon nock is to keep the string in place without letting it slip out. If you are using a half-moon nock, it can only work with the vanes either pointing down or pointing up.

Hybrid Nocks

Hybrid bolt nocks are a fairly new introduction to the market. These primarily work in the same manner as half-moon nocks.

The only difference is that instead of having a single concave depression, these nocks have multiple cutouts at every 120 degrees.

The main purpose it serves is allowing you to mount the bolt in multiple vane configurations as in the flat nock.

Capture Nocks

Capture nocks are a variant of the popular half-moon nock. These have the same groove as the moon nock; instead, it is deeper.

These nocks are usually used by hunters shooting with a compound crossbow type. Like the half-moon nocks, capture nocks also allow a single configuration for the vanes with them either facing down or up in the vertical position.

Illuminated Nocks

Illuminated nocks are made out of plastic and have no major difference in the way they look or work.

However, the interesting thing about illuminated nocks is that a piston or other actuator mechanism lights up the LED as soon as you fire the bolt.

This is very helpful if you need to see the arrow’s impact, especially in the dark.

Fletching

Fletching is the little wings you see at the bottom of the bolt near the nock. They are small in size but play a major role in the bolt trajectory when it is in the air.

First and foremost, fletching help stabilizes the bolt while it’s in flight. Secondly, they help keep the bolt stay in the right direction.

Lastly, fletching makes the bolt spin around its axis to increase balance and stability.

You will normally find a total of three fletchings on most modern bolts. I have been referring to vanes, which in fact, is another name for fletching.

Traditionally fletching was made out of bird feathers. However, modern fletching is made from plastic. They come in different sizes; however, there is no good size.

Generally, the longer the shaft, the longer the fletching is.

The Shaft

The shaft is the major component of the arrow because it is the main body. All other components, including the nock, fletching, and head, are attached to the shaft.

Most modern shafts are made from carbon or aluminum. Both these materials are durable as well as lightweight making them perfect for a bolt.

Some bolt shafts are made from a combination of aluminum and carbon.

You can get shafts in different degrees of stiffness. A stiffer shaft makes it harder to bend a bolt.

Another way to refer to the stiffness of a shaft is the spine of the bolt. The harder it is to bend an arrow, the greater the spine it has.

The Head

There are two head types for a crossbow bolt. One is field points, more commonly known as target points, and the second one is broadheads which are further categorized into three types.

Field points are the simpler heads that have no sharp edges. They cannot be used for hunting. However, they are sharp enough to dig into the practice target, so you will be good with that.

Broadheads, on the other hand, are made for hunting. The first type is the fixed blade broadhead that is equipped with sharp blades that cannot be removed.

The second type is the removable blade broadhead. In this one, you can remove and replace the blades as per your convenience and need.

Lastly, the expandable broadheads are the deadliest. The blades on this broadhead only open once the bolt hits the target leading to maximum damage.

How to Choose the Best Crossbow Bolts Weight

You can find a varying variety of crossbow bolts in different weights. There are three weight categories, including lightweight bolts, standard weight bolts, and heavyweight bolts.

Let me tell you how each differs and why you should go for each.

Lightweight Bolts

Any crossbow bolt that falls in the weight range of 350 to 399 grains is lightweight. These bolts are best for competitive shooting, such as 3D archery.

The reason being that the lighter the weight of a bolt, the faster it travels. The fast traveling speed also allows the bolt to stay flattered for longer and drop closer to the target in case you miss.

Standard Bolts

Standard weight bolts are in the weight range of 400 to 459 grains. These are heavier but not as heavy to be termed as heavyweight bolts.

Due to more weight, these bolts travel less fast as compared to lightweight bolts.

As a result, they are good for hunting even though the flight trajectory won’t be as flat. The reason for it is that these bolts take away greater kinetic energy.

So the more the kinetic energy, the greater the impact on the target, making them suitable for hunting.

Heavy Bolts

Heavy bolts are specifically designed for hunting. All bolts that weigh 460 grains or higher fall under this category.

They carry the greatest kinetic energy, allowing for maximum damage upon impact on the target.

While they won’t travel as fast or as far, these bolts are enough to take the animal down if shot in the right direction.

Since they carry greater energy, these bolts also make less vibrating noise and reduce the amount of wear and tear on the crossbow.

Best Crossbow Bolt Shaft Materials

Crossbow bolt shafts are made from different materials. Even though the most commonly used material is carbon, you can find bolt shafts made from wood, fiberglass, and aluminum as well.

Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks and is used for different purposes. Let me explain to you one by one!

Carbonfiber Shaft Bolts

Easily the most commonly used material for a bolt shaft, carbon fiber is lightweight and strong. There are different qualities of carbon fiber available that manufacturers use to make bolt shafts.

The better the quality of the carbon fiber, the greater the price, build, and performance.

You can also find a wide variety of carbon bolts that are used for different purposes.

For instance, there are target carbon bolts, traditional carbon bolts, and hunting carbon bolts. You can go for the one you need.

Aluminum Shaft Bolts

Beginner hunters more commonly use aluminum shaft bolts. They are not as expensive and offer great value for the money spent.

The best part about an aluminum shaft bolt is that you can straighten it in case it bends.

Most people prefer aluminum shaft bolts over wooden shaft bolts as it is lighter and stronger than wood.

However, one drawback of an aluminum shaft is that it is hollow from the inside. As a result, it has to be used with different nocks made for hollow tubes.

Fiberglass Shaft Bolts

Fiberglass shaft bolts might not be as common, but they do have promising strength and stability. These shafts are not hollow and are durable.

However, fiberglass is not as strong as carbon fiber. Moreover, not many manufacturers focus on making fiberglass shaft bolts, so you won’t find much variety.

Wooden Shaft Bolts

Traditional archers use wooden shaft bolts. The wooden shafts used in the bolts are not hollow. They are made from a rod of wood, and so the usual nocks can work on them.

The quality of the bolt depends on the quality of the wood. Pinewood is used to make the cheaper version of shafts, whereas the better quality and cedar is used to make the more expensive ones.

Other Important Factors To Consider

Now that you are familiar with a crossbow bolt’s anatomy and the different types of components it comes with, you can easily choose the right one for yourself.

However, there are still some factors that you must keep in mind before making the final decision.

The Bolt’s Head Tip

As mentioned earlier, the bolt’s head tip can either be broadhead or field point. It is up to you whether you need the broadhead or field point.

This decision is important as the head tip is going to make the first touch upon impact and can be the difference between a good or bad day on the field.

Broad Heads

If you are going out to hunt, you will need broadheads. However, you can get fixed blade broadheads if you are only going to use the bolt for hunting.

The removable blade broadhead works best if you do the type of shooting where you both need and do not need the blades.

The expandable broadhead blades are best for hunting. You must go for these if you want to have the maximum damage upon impact.

Field Points

If you are fairly new to the hunting world and need to practice shooting, field points are for you. They are cheaper, don’t do much damage, and are sharp enough to stick to the target.

Bolt’s Length

The normal range for crossbow bolt’s length is between 16 inches to 22 inches. The most popular or commonly used bolts are 20 inches long.

It is vital to consider the length as each crossbow works best with a certain range of bolt length. If you don’t use the recommended length and go shorter, it could damage the crossbow.

The Spine

The spine of the bolt is also essential, especially if you are out hunting. More spine refers to greater stiffness, and the stiffer a bolt is, the more damage it will make.

Conversely, if a crossbow is not as stiff, it might bend a little upon impact and fail to damage the target animal.

Bolt’s Shaft Diameter

Just like the length of the shaft, the diameter must be in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you use a smaller or larger diameter, it will not fit perfectly and might damage the crossbow as well as you.

There are not a lot of variations in the diameter as it is already a small value, but you still must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Nock Type

Choosing the right type of nock is vital for the health of your crossbow. Using a flat nock on a crossbow that supports a half-moon nock can damage the crossbow by causing a string jump leading to dry fire.

Therefore, you must figure out what nock your crossbow supports and only get that.

The Cost

The final consideration is the cost. If you are a new entrant in the hunting world, spending too much on bolts is unnecessary.

Instead, you must first focus on practicing with cheaper versions, which are not bad at all, and then move on to the more expensive ones for the game.