The biggest difference between aluminum and carbon arrows is speed. Aluminum is heavier than carbon, so it flies slower. It also has more flex than carbon, which makes it less stable in flight. These two factors create a situation where aluminum arrows need to be matched with a bow with a draw weight of about 50 pounds to fly properly. Both materials expand when they come into contact with moisture, which can affect their accuracy negatively if you shoot them while they’re wet.
Summary
Aluminum Arrows vs Carbon Arrows
The main difference between aluminum arrows and carbon arrows is that aluminium arrows are more accessible and inexpensive for beginners. On the other hand, carbon arrows are more expensive and lightweight. Aluminium arrows are more cost-effective and have a greater build quality, while Carbon arrows are more efficient.
Aluminum arrows are just as precise and stable as carbon arrows, but they’re a lot cheaper, and there’s a good reason for that. Alumina is a low-cost material that doesn’t compromise consistency for cost. Arrow shafts are measured by their diameter in thousandths of an inch (e.g., 400). The lower the number, the smaller the diameter of the arrow shaft — so, 400-size shafts have a smaller diameter than 500-size shafts do.
Carbon arrows have a higher strength than conventional arrows. This means that they are more accurate and will give you a better shoot. Carbon arrows are also more expensive and are available in fewer sizes. If you want to buy one, you will have to go to the store and pay a higher price than the aluminum arrows. Carbon arrows are also less resistant to bending and can break if your shot does not hit the target correctly.
Comparison Table Between Aluminum Arrows and Carbon Arrows
| Parameters of Comparison | Aluminum Arrows | Carbon Arrows |
| Durability | Aluminum arrows are less robust and prone to bending, but they are simple to draw and aim with. | Carbon arrows are long-lasting, but they take some getting used to. Professional archers should use these the most. |
| Compatibility | Both bows and crossbows may use aluminium arrows. If you shoot these arrows into the wrong wind, they will bend. | Crossbows are less preferred than recurve and compound bows. |
| Application | Aluminum and reinforced plastic are used to construct aluminium arrows with tight bound shafts. | Carbon and synthetic resin tubes are used to make carbon arrows. Metal is applied on the outside surface. |
| Efficiency | Aluminum arrows are efficient because they have the best price-to-precision ratio. | Carbon arrows are extremely lethal because they are extremely robust and have a high price-to-precision ratio |
| Price | Aluminum arrows are less expensive and more accessible than carbon arrows. | Professionals like carbon arrows since they are more expensive. |
What is Aluminum Arrows?
Archery is a sport that requires precision and accuracy. Whether you’re hunting or shooting targets, having the best equipment makes all the difference in the world when it comes to hitting your mark. Aluminum arrows are an ideal choice for beginning archers because they’re inexpensive and durable. They’re also an excellent choice for experienced archers who want a solid arrow that can withstand the many demands of bow hunting.
The durable nature of aluminum arrows makes them an excellent choice for shooting targets because they’ll stand up to wear and tear. And you don’t have to worry about them bending or breaking like carbon arrows might.
Aluminum arrows measure 500 or 330 size, but they’re also available in 300, 340 and 400 size. Smaller diameters mean faster arrow speeds, but less penetration on impact, while larger diameters result in slower arrow speeds with more penetration. The size you choose depends on your personal preference.
There are two kinds of aluminum arrows: those with a “wrapped” shaft and those with an “unwrapped” shaft. The wrapped kind has a thin layer of aluminum that’s been wrapped around the outside of a solid core, made of plastic or carbon. Unwrapped arrows are made entirely of aluminum.
Arrows vary in diameter, with most falling within the 0.003-inch to 0.005-inch range. Aluminum arrows have an average weight of between 8 and 10 grains per inch, making them slightly heavier than carbon arrows at 9 to 11 grains per inch.
What is Carbon Arrows?
Carbon arrows are available in different lengths and diameters. The length of an arrow depends on how much energy you want to put into it and the weight of the arrowhead. The thickness of the shaft determines how long the arrow will fly.
One of the disadvantages of carbon arrows is that they are longer than other types of arrows. The length of an arrow is important when shooting an arrow at a target, but with carbon arrows, it becomes difficult to shoot the arrows accurately at long distances.
There are two types of arrows made from carbon: those with a solid carbon core, and those with a core of foam or other lightweight material. Both types are more expensive than conventional arrows, which are made of aluminum. The solid core arrows are generally stronger than those with a foam core, but they also tend to be the heavier of the two types.
Arrows can be purchased in either standard or carbon shafts. Standard shafts come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 15 to 60 inches long. Carbon shafts are generally only available in sizes ranging from 18 to 32 inches long. In addition, the strength of carbon shafts is higher than that of standard shafts, so it’s important to select an arrow that matches your bow’s draw weight (the amount of force it takes to pull back the bowstring).
Main Differences Between Aluminum Arrows and Carbon Arrows
- The cost of aluminium arrows is less than that of carbon arrows.
- Crossbows and recurve bows work best with aluminium arrows, whilst compound and recurve bows work best with carbon arrows.
- Aluminum arrows have a shorter lifespan than carbon arrows.
- Beginners often use aluminium arrows, but experienced hunters and archers prefer carbon arrows.
- Carbon arrows excel in fly distance coverage and lightweight, whilst aluminium arrows are superb for impact landing.
Conclusion
Aluminum arrows are just as precise and stable as carbon arrows, but they’re a lot cheaper, and there’s a good reason for that. Alumina is a low-cost material that doesn’t compromise consistency for cost. However, carbon arrows are now starting to approach the price point of aluminum, even though they don’t offer the same value.
Carbon arrows are very rigid and not nearly as heavy as aluminum, which allows them to be shot at maximum draw weight without losing accuracy. Carbon also does not bend or flex like aluminum does when shot, so it maintains its form in flight much better than aluminum does. This makes it much easier to hit targets at distance because you don’t have to account for an arrow’s flex in flight during aiming.