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10 Best Crossbow Bolts 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BARNETT Headhunter 20" Lighted Strobe Crossbow Arrows – 9 Pack with Multicolor Strobing Nocks, Half-Moon Design, Fully Assembled

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Material
Nock Type

Most important from
352 reviews

Material
Durability stands out, with the carbon construction offering a reliable balance of strength and lightweight handling.
Nock Type
The pre-installed lighted nocks provide excellent visibility for tracking arrows, making retrieval easy even in low light.

The Barnett Headhunter 20" Lighted Strobe Crossbow Arrows come fully assembled in a pack of nine, making them easy to use right away. Their 20-inch length and carbon material offer a good balance of durability and lightweight handling, which is important for consistent shooting and accuracy. The half-moon nocks with pressure-activated multicolor strobing lights help you easily track your arrows after shooting, especially in low light or dense environments. This feature is a big plus for anyone wanting to find arrows quickly and reduce lost bolts.

The strobe lights run for up to three days continuously, and a convenient on/off switch lets you manage battery life. The arrows are designed with tested strength and accuracy, which adds confidence for hunting or target practice. The 20-inch length is somewhat standard and may not suit all crossbows or personal preferences, so matching bolt length and spine stiffness to your crossbow is important. Additionally, the included limited warranty provides some peace of mind.

These arrows are a solid choice for hunters and outdoor archers looking for durable, easy-to-see bolts with enhanced tracking features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Material
Nock Type

Most important from
352 reviews

Material
Durability stands out, with the carbon construction offering a reliable balance of strength and lightweight handling.
Nock Type
The pre-installed lighted nocks provide excellent visibility for tracking arrows, making retrieval easy even in low light.
#2

Wicked Ridge by TenPoint - Match 400 - Pack of Six - 20” Carbon Crossbow Arrows, 400-Grains - with Alpha-Nock HP

The Wicked Ridge Match 400 crossbow bolts by TenPoint stand out with their 20-inch carbon shafts, making them durable and lightweight, which is important for achieving consistent accuracy and penetration. Carbon material offers strength, ensuring that the bolts can withstand the high forces of a crossbow. The fletching with 3.5” Bohning X Vanes, slightly offset, aids in stable flight, crucial for hitting targets precisely.

An impressive feature is the Alpha-Nock HP, designed with a deep groove that improves string-to-nock engagement. This design enhances precision by preventing misfires, reducing wear and tear on the crossbow string, and ensuring straight nock travel for better accuracy over long distances. The 400-grain weight is well balanced, contributing to its effective penetration suitable for big game hunting, aligning with what users typically seek in high-performance bolts.

Additionally, the bolt's straightness inspection to within .004 and a 46-grain aluminum insert boost its front-of-center (FOC) rating by 14%, leading to tighter groupings and improved accuracy. While it seems to be a reliable choice with a favorable customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the high-quality features like the aluminum bushing and deep groove nock design may come at a slightly higher cost compared to simpler models. This could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. For those focused on precision and durability, particularly in hunting scenarios, these bolts could be a valuable investment, but they should assess if the performance merits the price in relation to their personal needs.

#3

Carbon Express PileDriver 22-Inch Fletched Carbon Crossbolt/Crossbow Arrow with 4-Inch Vanes, 6-Pack

The Carbon Express PileDriver 22-Inch Fletched Carbon Crossbolt is designed primarily for hunters seeking maximum penetration and knock-down power. Its heavy grain weight of 442 grains ensures that it delivers significant kinetic energy, making it highly effective for large game.

The arrows are made from composite materials, providing durability and reliability, which are crucial during impact. This construction also aids in maintaining consistent spine, which enhances accuracy. With a straightness precision of +/- 0.004 inches, these bolts offer excellent consistency shot after shot.

The 4-inch vanes and 22-inch length make these arrows suitable for various crossbows, and they come with universal flat nocks for added flexibility. However, one potential drawback is the weight, which might not be suitable for all hunting situations or crossbows that require lighter bolts. Additionally, the use of 'other' materials may not appeal to purists who prefer traditional carbon or aluminum bolts. If you are a hunter looking for arrows that offer deep penetration and consistent accuracy, the Carbon Express PileDriver is a solid choice.

Buying Guide for the Best Crossbow Bolts

Choosing the right crossbow bolts is crucial for ensuring accuracy, safety, and overall performance of your crossbow. The right bolts can make a significant difference in your shooting experience, whether you are hunting, target shooting, or participating in competitions. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting crossbow bolts, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
LengthThe length of a crossbow bolt is measured from the nock (the end that fits into the crossbow string) to the tip. This spec is important because using bolts that are too short or too long for your crossbow can affect accuracy and safety. Bolts typically range from 16 to 22 inches. Shorter bolts (16-18 inches) are generally faster and more maneuverable, making them suitable for hunting in dense areas. Longer bolts (20-22 inches) provide better stability and accuracy, which is ideal for target shooting and long-range hunting. Check your crossbow's manual for the recommended bolt length and choose accordingly.
WeightThe weight of a crossbow bolt is usually measured in grains and includes the weight of the shaft, nock, insert, and tip. This spec is important because it affects the bolt's speed, kinetic energy, and penetration power. Lighter bolts (300-350 grains) travel faster and are suitable for target shooting where speed is a priority. Heavier bolts (400-450 grains) have more kinetic energy and are better for hunting, as they provide deeper penetration and are less affected by wind. Consider your primary use and choose a bolt weight that matches your needs.
MaterialCrossbow bolts are typically made from carbon, aluminum, or a combination of both. This spec is important because the material affects the bolt's durability, weight, and performance. Carbon bolts are lightweight, durable, and provide consistent performance, making them ideal for both hunting and target shooting. Aluminum bolts are heavier and can be more affordable, but they may bend more easily. Composite bolts offer a balance of both materials. Choose a material based on your preference for durability and performance.
FletchingFletching refers to the vanes or feathers attached to the back of the bolt that help stabilize it in flight. This spec is important because proper fletching ensures accuracy and consistency. Fletching can be made from plastic or feathers and comes in different shapes and sizes. Shorter, low-profile vanes are suitable for high-speed shooting and provide less drag, while longer vanes offer better stability and control, which is beneficial for long-range shots. Consider the type of shooting you will be doing and choose fletching that complements your needs.
Nock TypeThe nock is the part of the bolt that fits into the crossbow string. This spec is important because the right nock ensures proper alignment and release of the bolt. There are different types of nocks, including flat, half-moon, and capture nocks. Flat nocks are versatile and can be used with most crossbows. Half-moon nocks provide a secure fit and are commonly used with high-speed crossbows. Capture nocks offer additional security and are ideal for ensuring the bolt stays in place. Check your crossbow's manual for the recommended nock type and choose accordingly.
SpineThe spine of a crossbow bolt refers to its stiffness or flexibility. This spec is important because it affects the bolt's flight and accuracy. A stiffer spine (higher spine value) is better for high-speed crossbows and provides more consistent performance. A more flexible spine (lower spine value) can be suitable for lower-speed crossbows and may offer better accuracy at shorter ranges. Consider the draw weight and speed of your crossbow when choosing the spine of your bolts to ensure optimal performance.

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