Which arrow is right for me?
Most arrows are built to three main inside diameters or ID. The three most common sizes are .246" (6.5mm), .204"(5 mm), and .166"(4mm). Read each section below to learn more about each size, and to lean which one may suit your needs the best.
.246" or 6.5mm
The .246" ID arrow shaft is considered the standard diameter arrow. Here are some of the positives and negatives of .246 arrows.
POSITIVES
- Durability - A .246" arrow shaft uses inserts that allow for field points and broadheads to be screwed directly into the arrow shaft. They use an insert that has a collar that aligns with the end of the shaft, and creates a very strong system.
- Adjusting FOC - These arrows allow for many different options when it comes to inserts and FACT weights which allow you to adjust the weight at the front of the arrow. This helps create a better tune of the bow, and helps to increase Front of Center or FOC which aides in accuracy and penetration.
- Vane adhesion - Because these shafts are larger in diameter than the others that will be mentioned here, they feature increased surface area and make for easier vane adhesion and increased helical of the vanes.
- Cost - .246" arrows are hands down the most economical option. A dozen arrows will cost you around $100 for the least expensive option.
- 3D Archery - A .246" arrow has the potential to score better in a 3D archery situation than does a smaller diameter arrow. This is the largest diameter allowed for most "bowhunter class" competitions.
NEGATIVES
- Wind drift - A larger diameter arrow will be moved more by wind than a smaller arrow shaft, but how much is up for debate. We believe that a broadhead on the front of an arrow is going to be affected by the wind more than the diameter of the arrow shaft.
- Penetration - It is debatable and very difficult to quantify how much arrow diameter will affect penetration on a live animal. Ballistic gel and foam targets are not live animals and each shot at a live animal is different.
Here is what we carry for .246" / 6.5 mm arrows. Click on the name to learn more about each arrow.
Gold Tip Hunter Pre-fletched
Gold Tip Hunter shafts
.204" or 5 mm
The .204" or 5 mm arrow shaft is the middle ground and a good compromise on several factors. It is a great hunting arrow size.
POSITIVES
- Durability - A .204" diameter arrow is too narrow for a standard insert like what is used for .246" arrows, but there are still some durable options. Half-outs are very popular and easy to use. They allow for part of the insert to be glued to the inside of the shaft while the threaded part that accepts a field point or broadhead will sit out on the front of the arrow. Often times collars are used to increase strength and durability. HIT or hidden inserts and collars are typically the strongest option. Both half-outs and HITs require a very specific size. If you plan to use an aftermarket solution, be careful to research which size is necessary for your particular arrow.
-Adjusting FOC - Many styles of Half-outs and HITs allow for the use of FACT weights to be added to increase weight in the front end of an arrow. Also, most half-outs and HITs are made in stainless steel, brass, and titanium, allowing you to adjust arrow weight.
- Wind Drift and Penetration - A smaller diameter shaft will be less affected by the wind and more likely to have increased penetration.
NEGATIVES
- Cost - The smaller the arrow diameter, the more the shafts and components will cost. It is not uncommon for a dozen .204" arrows to cost over $200. If using steel or titanium components you could easily push the price up to $300 per dozen or more.
- Components - The smaller arrow diameter creates some challenges when it comes to components. Not only are .204" components more expensive, but they are also more complicated and increase the risk of a malfunction.
Here is what we carry for .246" / 6.5 mm arrows. Click on the name to learn more about each arrow.
Gold Tip Kinetic Kaos shafts
Gold Tip Black Label Quantum shafts
Altra Novum Pre-Fletched
.166" or 4 mm
The .166" diameter arrow is the smallest arrow shaft that is commonly available. it is also called a micro diameter shaft.
POSITIVES
- Durability - A .166" diameter arrow shaft is very durable because it typically has a thicker side wall in order to reach the same spine and arrow weight as a .246" diameter arrow.
- Wind drift and Penetration - A .166" arrow will be the least affected by wind and is likely to have the best penetration.
NEGATIVES
- Cost - These arrows are the most expensive out of all 3 sizes.
- Components - A .166" arrow is going to use a half-out system such as what is used for a .204" arrow, but it will be thinner and not as durable. In order to achieve a more durable system materials such as stainless steel and titanium are used, which greatly increases cost.
- Vane adhesion - Although not a deal breaker, a smaller diameter arrow is more difficult to fletch and limits your options.
- Nocks - Lighted nock options are much more limited when using micro diameter arrows.
We do not stock .166" / 4mm arrows but can special order from many brands.
What spine do I need?
Arrow spine describes how much flex the arrow has. A longer arrow will flex more than a shorter arrow, and at the shot, an arrow with more weight in the front will flex more. Use the links below to see which arrow spine is best for your setup.