Difference Between Aluminum Arrows and Carbon Arrows (With Table)

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 negatively affect their accuracy if you shoot them while wet.

Aluminum Arrows vs Carbon Arrows

“Aluminum arrows” are durable and less expensive, suitable for target shooting, while “carbon arrows” are lightweight and fast, favored by hunters and competitive archers for their speed and accuracy.

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.

Carbon arrows have a higher strength than conventional arrows. This means they are more accurate and will give you a better shot. Carbon arrows are also more expensive and are available in fewer sizes. If you want to buy one, you must go to the store and pay more 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

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 withstand wear and tear. And you don’t have to worry about them bending or breaking as carbon arrows might.

 Aluminum arrows measure 500 or 330 sizes but are also available in 300, 340, and 400 sizes. 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 around the outside of a solid core made of plastic or carbon. Unwrapped arrows are made entirely of aluminum.

Arrows vary in diameter, 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 foam core or other lightweight material. Both types are more expensive than conventional arrows, which are made of aluminum. The solid core arrows are 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 various sizes, ranging from 15 to 60 inches long. Carbon shafts are 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 selecting an arrow that matches your bow’s draw weight (the amount of force it takes to pull back the bowstring) is important.

Main Differences Between Aluminum Arrows and Carbon Arrows

Aluminum Arrows:

• Made of aluminum, aluminum alloy.
• Generally heavier compared to carbon arrows.
• They are known for their durability and ability to withstand impact and bending.
• They can bend or warp upon impact but are relatively easy to straighten.
• Slower arrow speeds due to greater weight.
• Slightly less accuracy in terms of consistency in shooting.
• It is more affordable than carbon arrows.
• It is popular among traditional archers and beginners for target shooting.
• They may produce more noise when shot due to their weight.

Carbon Arrows:

• Constructed from carbon fiber or a carbon composite material.
• Significantly lighter, offering faster arrow speeds.
• It is less durable in terms of bending but has good overall toughness.
• Tend to maintain straightness better over time, reducing the need for adjustments.
• Faster arrow speeds due to lighter weight.
• Offer excellent accuracy and consistency, favored by competitive archers.
• They tend to be more expensive due to the cost of carbon fiber materials.
• Preferred by hunters and competitive archers who require speed, accuracy, and penetration.
• They tend to be quieter in flight, making them advantageous for hunting.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135983681630035X
2. https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.08186