Gear up for archery season with high-performance arrows and crossbow bolts from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Choose from the industry's most trusted brands, including Easton®, TenPoint®, Carbon Express®, Victory® and more. If you find a better price on arrows or bolts from another qualifying retailer, we'll match it with our Best Price Guarantee.
Quick Guide to Buying Arrows For Compound Bows
Consider the following points before selecting your arrows.
- Material: At DICK'S, you'll find arrows made with the following materials:
- Carbon: Carbon is often considered to be the most popular arrow material, offering durability and consistent accuracy.
- Aluminum: Aluminum arrows have stood the test of time, providing accurate, hard-hitting performance at an affordable price.
- Composite: The choice of most competitive shooters, composite arrows are often considered to be the most accurate type of arrow.
- Fiberglass: Given their extreme durability, fiberglass arrows are a popular choice for young shooters.
- Spine: Spine indicates how much the arrow flexes when it is shot from the bow. You'll notice that the spine (sometimes listed as "size") will be in the form of a number like 250, 400, etc. The higher the number, the greater the flex.
- Length: Your arrow needs to be a bit longer than your bow's draw length so that it extends slightly beyond the arrow rest. Many experienced shooters prefer an arrow that is around one inch longer than their draw length, but it varies by the individual. If you're not sure, stop into your nearest DICK'S Sporting Goods location and check out our in-store Archery Services. Our archery specialists will make sure you're properly fitted for the best arrow.
- Weight: You'll see the arrow's weight listed as grains/inch (GPI). Optimum arrow weight coincides with your bow's draw weight a high-poundage bow will typically perform best with a heavier arrow. Some hunters prefer heavier arrows because they have greater kinetic energy.
- Diameter: Diameter refers to the arrow's thickness. In general, a thinner arrow promotes speed and straight flight as it faces less wind resistance. Arrows with smaller diameters are also known to be more effective at penetrating game.
- Straightness: You'll see the straightness of an arrow listed with figures like +/-.003, +/-.006, etc. The lower the number, the straighter the arrow is.
Quick Guide to Buying Crossbow Arrows & Bolts
On the DICK'S website, the projectiles designed for use with crossbows are categorized as "bolts" and not "arrows." While it is widely accepted to use the terms interchangeably, crossbow owners will want to search for "bolts" when shopping on DICK'S.com.
See above for guidance on choosing material and weight, as the same general principles apply to both crossbow bolts and compound bow arrows. One notable difference between the two is length, as crossbow bolts are shorter than arrows for compound bows. Check your crossbow manufacturer's recommendation for bolt length to get the right fit.
You'll also want to consider the following when purchasing crossbow bolts.
- Fletchings: The fletchings, also called vanes, are the wings on the back of the bolt. These wings help keep the bolt on a straight trajectory while en route to the target. Most crossbow bolts feature three fletchings made with plastic.
- Nocks: The nock, located at the back end of the shaft, holds the bolt in place on the string until the crossbow is fired. The two most common types of nocks are half-moon and flat. Some crossbow manufacturers recommend a specific type of nock, so you'll want to verify before use.
Don't forget to stock up on broadheads from the brands you trust.
