What makes the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity when chasing that trophy whitetail? The arrow you choose plays a huge role. It might seem like just a stick with feathers, but the right whitetail hunting arrow is a critical piece of your gear. Many hunters feel lost when faced with all the choices: carbon versus aluminum, spine stiffness, point weight—it can feel overwhelming. Picking the wrong arrow can lead to poor flight and disappointing results when it matters most.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know to select an arrow that flies true and delivers maximum impact on your next deer hunt. You will learn how to match your arrow to your bow and your hunting style. Get ready to boost your confidence and your chances for success this season!
Table of Contents
Top Whitetail Hunting Arrow Recommendations
- BARNETT 20" HEADHUNTER ARROWS 5-PACK: Carbon arrows specifically made for superior performance. Each arrow includes field points and half-moon nocks. 1-ounce arrows have strong, lightweight carbon shafts; improved wall thickness for added durability
- SUPERIOR ACCURACY: Arrows are 13.78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain point to create optimal accuracy and target penetration. Pack also includes 24F field point and moon nocks
- COMPATIBLE: Can be used with Ghost 350, Penetrator, Wildcat C-5, Jackal, Whitetail hunter II, Raptor FX3 crossbows, and other models that take a 20 inch Arrow
- SPECS: Length 20", 13.78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain point, includes 24F field point and moon nocks, 5-pack, color is black
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- BARNETT 22" HEADHUNTER ARROWS 5-PACK: Carbon arrows specifically made for superior performance. Each arrow includes field points and half-moon nocks. 1-ounce arrows have strong, lightweight carbon shafts; improved wall thickness for added durability
- SUPERIOR ACCURACY: 13.78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain point; create optimal accuracy and target penetration; also includes 24F field point and moon nocks
- COMPATIBLE: For use with Quad 400, Quad AVI, Predator, Revolution AVI, and Buck Commander crossbows
- SPECS: Length 22", 13. 78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain point, includes 24F field point and moon nocks, 5-pack, color is black
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- EXTRA STRONG – 100% standard modulus carbon construction that’s ultra light and extra strong.
- ACCURACY AND POWER – The ideal archery equipment for hunters with excellent accuracy and target penetration power.
- PACK OF 12 – Pack of 12 arrows and inserts with 31” shaft, and your choice of 350, 400, or 500 spine.
- SPINE ALIGNED – Each arrow is spine aligned and features 2" Bohning Blazer vanes and a Bohning Double-Lock Blazer nock. Ideal for whitetail, deer, elk, and turkey hunting.
- EXTRA STRONG – 100% standard modulus carbon construction that’s ultra light and extra strong.
- HEAVY ARROW TIP: Our decocking bolt tip is constructed with durability in mind; Made from quality steel and featuring a shock absorbing aluminum head, it effectively absorbs impact when decocking your crossbow, stops the bolt from impacting a rock below the surface and potentially breaking your bolt
- AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO YOUR ARCHERY GEAR: This specialized head is specifically designed for crossbow decocking, ensuring safe and efficient bolt removal, encouraging proper safety and performance in the field; Small size, does not take up space in the backpack, easy to carry anywhere
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Our decocking point crossbow arrow release tip with its bright high visibility orange color, it is especially suitable for use in the field, so you don't have to worry about losing your bolt
- VERSATILE USE: These arrow practice tips use the standard size 8-32 threads be applied with a variety of crossbow bolts, compound bows, and recurve bows, making it a versatile accessory for all types of hunters and competitors
- PACKAGE INCLUDES: The package includes 2 x steel replacement tip, 2 x aluminum nuts; NOTE: Remember to avoid shooting into hard ground or rocks for safe and reliable use
- BARNETT WHITETAIL HUNTER II CROSSBOW: High-performance compound crossbow in RealTree Extra with complete hunting accessory package. The lightweight crossbow is ultra-compact, shooting 350 feet per second
- EFFICIENT: Crossbow is equipped with an axle-to-axle length of 16.125" overall weight of just 6.4 lbs., creating an easily controllable profile that hunters of all skills and sizes can manage
- SAFETY FEATURES : Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology
- READY TO HUNT PACKAGE: Bow dimensions are 34.25"L x 18.25"W. Package includes two Headhunter 20" Arrows, Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm, Rope Cocking Device, Lightweight Side Mount Quiver, Lubrication Wax. Ships mostly assembled
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- High-Performance Broadheads – Specially designed for high kinetic energy bows, ideal for Whitetail-sized game, delivering reliable performance in challenging hunting conditions.
- Durable Stainless Steel Blades – Constructed with .035" thick stainless steel blades, maintaining razor-sharp edges through repeated use and ensuring consistent results.
- Practice Head Included – Perfect your technique safely before hunting with the included practice broadhead, ensuring accuracy and confidence in the field.
- Deep Penetration Design – Features a 2" cutting diameter for maximized wound channels, deep penetration, and efficient, ethical takedowns.
- Reliable 100-Grain Broadhead – 3 razor-sharp blades engineered for dependable performance, precision, and consistent results on every shot.
- ✔ Universal Fit Construction: Standard screw-in thread compatible with carbon/aluminum/fiberglass arrows for recurve, compound bows and crossbows. Made of tempered carbon steel for enhanced strength and flight stability
- ✔ Precision Weight Selection: 100/125 grains (±0.5 grains), pack of 30, to match your bow setup for consistent and accurate shooting
- ✔ Beginner-Friendly Practice Heads: Traditional broadhead design, suitable for archery training and target practice
- ✔ Complete Maintenance Solution: clean by wiping and apply anti-rust oil for proper long-term storage
- ✔ Value Package: 30 high-quality practice arrow heads for extended training at a competitive price
Choosing Your Perfect Whitetail Hunting Arrow: A Buyer’s Guide
Whitetail deer are a popular game animal. To take a successful, ethical shot, you need the right arrow. A good arrow flies straight and hits hard. This guide helps you pick the best arrow for your hunt.
Key Features to Look For
Several things make a hunting arrow great. Pay close attention to these:
- Spine Stiffness: This is how much the arrow bends. It must match your bow’s draw weight. A wrong spine means inaccurate shots. Check your bow manufacturer’s chart.
- Arrow Weight: Heavier arrows carry more energy. This helps them punch through hide and bone. Lighter arrows fly faster but lose energy sooner. Most hunters seek a balance.
- Straightness: Arrows must be very straight. Even a tiny bend causes the arrow to wobble in flight. Look for arrows rated at .001 inches straightness or better.
- Fletching: These are the plastic or feather vanes on the back. They spin the arrow for stability. Look for vanes that help the arrow stabilize quickly after leaving the bow.
Important Materials
Arrows are usually made from two main materials. Each has pros and cons:
Aluminum Arrows
These are tough and usually cheaper. They bend if they hit something hard, like a rock. A bent aluminum arrow is useless for hunting.
Carbon Arrows
Carbon is very popular now. These arrows are light and strong. They resist bending better than aluminum. If they break, they can splinter, so always check them carefully after a hard impact.
Composite Arrows
Some high-end arrows mix carbon and aluminum for extra strength where it matters most.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Arrow quality directly affects your success in the field.
Improving Quality
- Tight Tolerances: Manufacturers who control the straightness and weight variation tightly make better arrows. Look for arrows weighed within a few grains of each other.
- Durability Testing: Arrows that survive rough handling and repeated shooting offer better value.
- Consistent Components: High-quality inserts and nocks (the piece that connects to the string) improve reliability.
Reducing Quality
- Poor Spine Matching: If the arrow spine is too weak or too stiff for your bow, accuracy suffers greatly.
- Visible Damage: Never hunt with cracked or deeply scratched arrows. Damage severely weakens the shaft.
- Cheap Fletching: Low-quality vanes peel off or get damaged easily by brush, causing poor flight.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the arrow matters for your choice.
Practice vs. Hunting: You need arrows that handle both. Practice arrows take a beating. Hunting arrows need to be perfectly tuned and deadly accurate for that one crucial shot. Many hunters use slightly heavier, more durable shafts for hunting.
Stand Hunting: If you hunt from a tree stand, you might prefer a slightly shorter arrow for easier drawing in a tight space. You need excellent penetration for downward shots.
Ground Blind Hunting: When shooting from the ground, you might encounter more brush. A durable, well-fletched arrow that cuts through light brush without deflecting too much is ideal.
Always choose a broadhead designed for whitetail—usually a fixed-blade or expandable head that opens reliably. Remember: The arrow is only as good as the connection between the arrow and the broadhead.
Whitetail Hunting Arrow FAQs
Q: What spine stiffness should I buy for a 60-pound bow?
A: For a 60-pound compound bow, you usually need a spine rating around .300 or .340. Always check the arrow manufacturer’s chart against your specific bow setup.
Q: Are carbon or aluminum arrows better for hunting whitetail?
A: Carbon arrows are generally preferred today. They are lighter and maintain their straightness better after impact than aluminum.
Q: How important is the total arrow weight?
A: Total arrow weight is very important for kinetic energy. For whitetail, most successful hunters aim for a total arrow weight between 400 and 500 grains for maximum stopping power.
Q: Do I need to match the weight of all my hunting arrows?
A: Yes, absolutely. All arrows you plan to use for hunting must weigh the same within just a couple of grains. This ensures they all fly the same way.
Q: What is the best length for a hunting arrow?
A: The arrow length must be measured from the point where the shaft inserts into the nock groove to the end of the arrow shaft (the back of the nock). It must be long enough so the broadhead rests completely on the arrow rest when nocked.
Q: How often should I replace my hunting arrows?
A: Replace any arrow that shows cracks, deep gouges, or bending. Even if you don’t shoot them, inspect them before every season. Practice arrows wear out much faster.
Q: What is the role of the arrow’s fletching?
A: Fletching creates drag and spins the arrow slightly. This spin stabilizes the arrow in flight, making sure it flies straight toward the target.
Q: Should I use feathers or plastic vanes for whitetail hunting?
A: Plastic vanes are more durable in wet weather and brush. Feathers offer excellent stabilization but can be damaged by moisture or brushing against tree limbs.
Q: Does the color of the arrow matter?
A: The color does not affect flight performance. However, bright colors like neon green or orange make it much easier to find your arrow in the woods after the shot.
Q: What is “tuning” an arrow?
A: Tuning is adjusting your bow so that the arrow leaves the bow perfectly straight, matching the spine and your bow’s mechanism. A properly tuned arrow flies much more accurately.