How to Pick Your First Arrows (Material, Length, Points)
Material comparison, correct arrow length, point weight and the safety rules every new archer must know before buying shafts.
By the Archery Care Editorial Team
Your first arrows don't need to be tournament shafts, but they do need to be the right spine and length for your bow — and safe.
Material
- Carbon: the modern default — strong, light and durable.
- Aluminium: affordable and accurate but bends.
- Wood: for traditional shooting only.
Length and safety
Arrow length should match your draw length with a small safe margin past the rest. Never shoot an arrow that is too short — it can fall off the rest and cause serious injury. When in doubt, have a shop cut shafts to your measured draw length.
Points and spine
Match spine to your draw weight and length using the manufacturer chart, and choose a point weight appropriate to your use. A forgiving, durable mid-priced carbon shaft in the correct spine beats an expensive shaft in the wrong one.