Field Guide / Archery Gear & Setup
Aluminum Arrow
Also called: aluminium shaft
A straight, affordable metal arrow that is easy to match to a bow and can sometimes be straightened after a bend.
- Type
- Arrows & Parts
- Weight
- Often heavier than carbon at the same stiffness
- Durability
- Can bend, but a bend can often be straightened
- Cost
- Lower than most carbon shafts
- Used for
- Deer & big game, Small game, Target practice
What it is good for
- Beginners and budget hunters.
- Target practice and small game.
- Lower draw weights where a heavier arrow works well.
Where it falls short
- Heavier arrows fly in a looping path at longer distances.
- Bends are common and can hurt accuracy.
- Not as popular as carbon for hunting.
Tips
- Roll an aluminum shaft on a flat surface to check for a bend.
- Replace shafts that are bent and cannot be straightened.
Works well with
- Carbon Arrow: lighter and straighter, but costs more.
- Feather Fletching: a common traditional match.
Field notes
Aluminum arrows have been used for decades. They are a good first arrow and are very consistent when they are not bent.
Related guides
Numbers here are typical, not guarantees. Have a pro shop set up and tune your bow or crossbow, follow the maker's manual, and never dry-fire a bow. Legal equipment, draw weights, crossbow seasons, and broadhead rules differ by state and area; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations. Not sure what to buy? Try our bow and crossbow wizard.