How to choose arrows for archery novices？
Feb 21,2025 | CHN Archery
Hey there, future archers and archery enthusiasts!
One of the most important things to do before you start archery is what arrows to choose.
The most common types of arrows today are carbon arrows, aluminum arrows, bamboo arrows, and wooden arrows. Other options include "carbon-aluminum arrows," which combine carbon-coated aluminum or aluminum-coated carbon composite structures. Bamboo arrows also come in "three-in-one" variations, and wooden arrows may feature traditional shuttle-shaped "digger arrows" or designs with different woods in the front and back sections. Additionally, there are fiberglass arrows.
| Performance | Weight | Accuracy | Bending Resistance | Durability | Applicable scenarios |
| Fiberglass Arrows | Light | Medium | Strong | Durable | Indoor or low wind speed |
| Carbon Arrows | Medium | High | Strong | Durable | High-precision and long-range target shooting |
| Aluminum Arrows | Heavy | Medium | Strong | Durable | Short to medium range shooting |
| Carbon-aluminum Arrows | Medium | High | Strong | Durable | Suitable for a variety of shooting |
| Bamboo Arrows | Medium | Poor | Strong | Durable | Suitable for traditional archery enthusiasts |
| Wooden Arrows | Varies greatly | Poor | Poor | Poor | Suitable for traditional archery enthusiasts |
Fiberglass arrows have no significant advantages other than their affordability. They are often recommended for beginners as their shooting performance is significantly influenced by factors like wind resistance and bending. Fiberglass arrows are generally used in outdoor environments with low wind or indoors.
Carbon arrows, aluminum arrows, and carbon-aluminum arrows are more consistent and accurate. Carbon arrows are lighter, while aluminum arrows are slightly heavier.
Bamboo and wooden arrows are typically cheaper at the entry level but tend to have lower accuracy. Higher-accuracy bamboo and wooden arrows are more expensive. Additionally, bamboo and wooden arrows are heavier than carbon arrows.
Beyond material differences, one of the most important performance indicators of an arrow is its deflection. A higher deflection means the shaft is softer, causing more twisting during flight, while a lower deflection indicates a stiffer shaft.
Draw weight of your bow, as well as the archer’s draw length. The type of bow dictates whether it’s suited for heavier or lighter arrows (for example, traditional Chinese bows are better suited for heavy arrows, while modern competitive recurve bows, American hunting bows, Korean bows, and Turkish bows are more suited for lighter arrows).
The draw weight and draw length help determine the required arrow deflection (generally, for higher poundage, choose arrows with low deflection; for lower poundage, opt for arrows with higher deflection). Once the weight and deflection are determined, you can select the appropriate arrow.