7 Bowhunting Arrows You Should Know About For 2011

by Lon E. Lauber • June 15, 2011 • 45 comments

At the moment of truth, the only thing you should be concentrating on is executing the shot. All other variables must be resolved before you come to full draw on a game animal. One crucial aspect of this successful formula is having confidence in your bowhunting arrows.

Let’s look at the new bowhunting arrows for 2011 that’ll get the job done.

(Note: All prices are per dozen unless otherwise noted. Arrow weights are expressed as grains per inch or gpi.)

1. Alaska Bowhunting Supply
Best known for traditional bowhunting arrows, Alaska Bowhunting Supply’s new GrizzlyStik Momentum ($129.95 per half dozen) is designed for compound shooters. The Momentum is the only full-length tapered carbon arrow on the market, with the thicker, stiffer part of the arrow up front. With the front of the arrow weighing more and flexing less, the Momentum penetrates better, flies flatter, and proves stronger right behind the broadhead than standard parallel shafts.

Alaska Bowhunting Supply GrizzlyStik Momentum

With its 72-grain brass insert and tapered design, the Momentum creates significant front-of-center (FOC) balance — 15%-25% or more depending on broadhead weight. This arrow is ideal for bowhunters who are more concerned with downrange punch than velocity, making this shaft an attractive option for hunting large game like elk, moose, kudu, eland, and brown bears. The Momentum is available in 45-60, 65-80, and 65-80 magnum spines.


2. Beman
Check out the new ICS Speed ($114.99) carbon bowhunting arrow from Beman. The microsmooth finish, very light weight, and new Hot Tail ViBrake insert and optional ViBrake nock combine to give you an arrow that’s fast, accurate, and quiet shooting.

Beman ICS Speed

The Hot Tail insert and ViBrake nock have synthetic nibs built in to reduce vibration during the shot cycle. The ICS Speed comes in spines 300 (8.7 gpi), 340 (8.1 gpi), 400 (7.2 gpi), and 500 (6.6 gpi). Straightness is +/- .003″ and weight tolerance is +/- 2 grains.


3. Carbon Express
Carbon Express has several new offerings for 2011, but the one that really got my attention is the Maxima Hunter KV ($179.95). It has everything I look for in a hunting arrow, meaning it is perfectly straight and very consistent in weight and static spine. I’ve hunted with Carbon Express arrows for the last several years, with stellar results.

Carbon Express Maxima Hunter KV

The Maxima Hunter KV features a layer of Kevlar, a synthetic fiber that is pound for pound five times stronger than steel. It also has Dual Spine Weight Forward technology for rapid recovery and guidance control. The specifications are: +/- .0025″ straightness, +/- 1 grain in weight, and +/- .0025″ static spine tolerance. Available spines are 250 (8.9 gpi) and 350 (9.8 gpi).


4. Easton
To make the new N-FUSED Carbon Axis Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ($156.99), Easton uses an exclusive process to fuse a 7075-T6 aluminum jacket over a small-diameter, thick-walled, carbon-fiber core — an excellent combination that provides extremely consistent spine, straightness, weight, and durability.

Easton N-FUSED Carbon Axis Full Metal Jacket

With the inherent extra weight from combining two materials — 9-12 gpi depending on spine for the FMJ and 16-17.7 gpi with FMJ Dangerous Game — this might be the most ideal arrow for anyone wanting precise accuracy and excellent downrange penetration for magnum big game. If I ever get the chance to hunt Cape buffalo, this might be my arrow of choice. Straightness and weight tolerances respectively are +/- .002″ and +/- 2 grains. Finish options are gunmetal and camo.


5. Gold Tip
New for 2011, the Kinetic combines all the quality and toughness expected of Gold Tip arrows but a smaller diameter for increased penetration and reduced wind resistance. Weighing about 25 grains, a new insert/outsert called the Accu-Tough adds a bit of FOC weight for improved accuracy.

Gold Tip Kinetic

This shaft would be a good choice for anyone wanting just one arrow style for both 3-D and big game hunting. Depending on spine value, mass weights range 7.6-11.6 gpi, and outside diameter ranges .258″-.288″. Kinetics come in three versions: Pro (+/- .001″, +/- .5 grains, $174.99), XT (+/- .003″, +/- .5 grains, $129.99), and Hunter (+/- .006″, +/- 2 grains, $99.99).


6. PSE
Designed with input from the Drury Outdoors Team, the PSE Carbon Force Bow Madness ($99.99) employs Radial X Weave technology, a patented computer process that wraps individual carbon fibers together to create a strong, straight shaft and dull, weave-pattern finish that makes the Bow Madness a very hunter-smart arrow.

PSE Carbon Force Bow Madness

Three-inch Fusion Vanes provide a radical blend of shape and material for maximum aerodynamic steering. Spine weights are 200 (.424″ diameter, 7.5 gpi) and 300 (.359″ diameter, 8.6 gpi). Straightness and weight tolerances respectively are +/- .003″ and +/- 5 grains. Arrows are full length with inserts loose, and they come in a nifty, reusable plastic arrow tube.


7. Victory
Victory’s new VAP (Victory Armour Piercing) arrows ($195) remind me of the skinny Game Tracker carbon arrows from about 20 years ago. However, VAPs are made with the most modern materials and technology. These thick-walled (.040″), narrow-diameter (.225″ for 400 spine) shafts combine the strength, durability, penetration, and accuracy bowhunters want.

Victory VAP

The skinny shafts reduce wind drift and air drag for longer shots, while the new tapered Penetrator insert/outserts make a much bigger hole than the shaft diameter to help with penetration. The extra weight of the Penetrator insert (33-44 grains) increases FOC weight for better downrange accuracy. I was impressed with the manufacturing tolerances of the 24 shafts I evaluated. VAPs are available in three tolerances — the V1 Series has straightness/weight tolerances of +/- .001″ and +/- .5 grains — and spine weights of 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800.

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  • zach b

    i think that the carbon express maxima blue streak should be up there. these arrows are way too much money for the average hunter…..

  • Stan S.

    Zach that's what I used to say about A/C/C's. But the thing is at $160.00 a dozen I wouldn't trade them for anything. they have enough weight to insure great penetration and the straightness is +/- .001. Yes, quality arrows cost more but their benefits far outweigh the cost of the shaft. I remember an arrow manufacturer that was advertising their arrows and saying the were the next best thing to sliced bread (figuratively). When spin tested these arrows would jump off the wheels and would not fly true if your life depended on them. Then I went to my A/C/C's and haven't looked back. I now have 3 dozen of them and wouldn't trade them for nothing My favorite shaft of them all has taken has been used to take 9 big game animals. So they last and perform. You get what you pay for!

    • Koke

      Blue streaks are very far from a cheap or economy priced arrow…i shoot them and they are over $160.00 a dozen. They have the best straightness factor in the carbon express line up. They are a very light blazin fast shooting arrow at only 8 or so grains per inch. Because of the light weight they might be best for deer/black bear. i agree that spending a little more will usually get u a much better arrow.

  • robert grant

    I shoot a mathews z7extreme before a z7 and before that the dxt ,with all these bows i have settled with the alaska bowhunting [alaskans] and bye god they are good true ,so strong and with a broad head of 150 gr they are "BOB ON " up 60 yds,i look forward to trying the Momentum,although now in the closed season over here in the French Pyrenees mountains i am trialing the CE mayhem hunters with the plastic FOB from Starrflight Super quick and super accurate "WATCH THIS SPACE"

  • Nathan

    Harvest Time Archery HT-2 is a great hunting arrow as well and should be listed

  • shane

    i shoot 3 dollar walmart carbon shafts w the blazer vanes(CARBON EXACT),125gr field pts(purchased at walmart also..coupla bucks) and these fine examples of modern engineering shoot thru my legthargically slow PSE NOVA (circa 1998 or so) that i hit nocks regularally while grouping to an average group of 4 arrows under 3in@30yds…pay 3 bucks at walmart,dont believe or give into the HYPE,cuz its BS…put a 125gr RAGE broadhead and it will deliver..expensive shafts are wivestales

    • Eric

      awesome I also shoot the PSE NOVA and I coldn't agree with you more. I use an Easton 2117 arrow. $4.00 at Dick's with roughly the same grouping at 30 yards. I have never shot expensive shafts and with the accuracy I have now I don't see why I should start

    • DJinNC

      I purchased some of those arrows to "practice with" and they fly great with 125 gr broad heads. The only problem I have is that the knocks tend to come off, but a drop of glues and problem…… My practice arrows are now in my quiver and in the woods

    • Robert

      I'm with you! I purchase my shafts from Dicks Sporting Goods. Usually $29.99 for six. I've taken deer with them. I shoot a Truth 2 at 70lbs and get complete pass throughs. I believe that television and marketing have adversely affected our sport. I work for a living! I'm not sponsored! $100 plus for some arrows is simply painful. Painful I tell you!

    • mike flanders

      expensive shafts are wivestales? wow, u need to do your homework. tried shootin those walmart shafts out of my destroyer (71lbs 31in) and blew the arrow into a million pieces. most of which ended up in my hand and cut my bowstring. try a set of easton fmjs… if ur not convinced theyre 100 times better, ill buy them off you. i take kiiling animals serious buisness and would never settle for bottom shelf equipment. i too am a workin man on a budget, i just choose to pinch pennies somewhere else less important…. like on chunk light tuna instead of albacore :-D

      • Ryan

        I agree with you mike; I too shoot the FMJ's but out of my Hoyt Maxxis 31. And with a 100gr broadhead on such as rage 3 blade, I have never seen such accuracy and speed! I used to be set on my gold tip prohunters but after knocking on with these I won't go back. I took a 140" bully buck off of the farm this year at approximately 30yrds. With the right angle, speed, diameter of shaft and shot placement, etc.. Complete pass through is NOT difficult with any arrow for that matter but when I hit that buck standing perfectly broadside at 30yrds and he was picked up and slammed down before he got up and ran an additional 40yrds until the death crash, I truly believe in the shear kenetic energy that these shafts produce!! Happy experimenting and hunting to all!

    • Dillon Carroll

      True, if indians could take down buffaloe with crooked handmade wooden arrows then walmart ones will work just as fine as exspensive ones.

  • Chris

    I got the Beman's, and they are smoke!! They add serious velocity on, and don't break the bank. Shoot quiet, extremely straight, and give some slower bows all their speed back. I shoot a PSE Stinger buried (70 lbs, maybe a pinch more), very short draw (short arms, sorry), and use one pin from 0-40 yards with these arrows. That is a lot of extra help!! They shoot fast and flat. Now, I want to see how they hold up to a good bone impact, but I very much like what I see.

    • Bill

      Enjoy the lack of penetration this fall.

    • Zak

      I'm a big fan of the Beman's too! I've been shooting Beman ICS Hunter Elite 340s since 08 and I love the way they perform!

    • Tony Conques

      Yea! I can shoot one pin out to 100 yards too. I might have to hold a little over if I want to hit the target though. If I am not mistaken, gravity works on ALL bows and arrows shot.

  • greg

    im an average joe blue collar hunter. i ahve owned the easton epics,easton axis,beman ics,and CE maximas. although all were great arrows i will swear by the maximas,they shoot fast,flat, and penetrate like a bullet. for all the guys who say you get what you pay for,its true! they are a bit more pricey but if you take bowhunting and the sense to take down an animal seriously then well worth the money! i shoot a 60 lb bowtech 101st airborne with 27 1/2 draw. maximas,arrows are 375gr and am still smokin at about 290fps.

    • Dillon Carroll

      easton axis and epics are awesome.

  • Nick

    I shoot the Bemans out of my bowtech general @ 65 pounds and love how they shoot. I have used cheap wal mart arrows, aluminum eastons, and older carbon express. Like the beman most though

  • axe man

    Personally I like the PSE arrows. I think the list of shafts is a good one. You get what you pay for. Enough said.

  • mike

    stop buying from walmart

    • Dillon Carroll

      A walmart arrow will put down anything on the planet, it's the broad head that determines the kill.

  • mike

    The price of our sport is getting out of controll. 1000$ bows 200$ arrows 40 dollars for three broadheads.? You don,t need the best or most expensive equipment to be a good hunter. Sure we all enjoy good equipment but the retailers and manufacturers are pricing us out of good equipment. Good hunters will be successful with whatever equipment the use because they do what it takes to be efficent. Threw practice,scouting, and experience. And most of us don,t make a six fiqure salary. That would afford us all of the newest and latest equipment out on the market. Take nothing away from these new products there great to bad alot of us can,t afford them.!

    • Bob

      HERE HERE!!!

  • Fred DeVuono

    Any suggestions on a broadhead to shoot out of a PSE Copperhead 150# crossbow ??? Thanks

    • Fred DeVuono

      I should have finished. I have some Crimson Talons & I'm hunting Deer.

  • Scott Anderson

    i bought a half dozen of the beman ics speed 340's and wow do they group good and fly straight.

  • Jeff

    I don't have the best bow in the world by far Jenning's Buckmaster but I recently swiched to Gold Tip 5575's Uncle Ted's zebra stripe specials, LOVE LOVE LOVE them! awesome flight and ALOT tighter groups!

  • http://www.Prohunterjournal.com Savagearms

    I use Easton Axis FMJ, and I seem to be having an issue with them, yeah it seems every time I am at the range and practice with them the fletching gets knocked off by the arrow I shoot next. although if you call that an issue you really do not want to buy Easton's as they are the most accurate arrow I have ever shoot. oh, and by the way I am not joking I have had to replace three fletchings since I have owned them and I have only taken them to the range 5 times to practice with.

    • Mark

      I agree man. I love the FMJ. I can only shoot one practice broadhead at each "dot" on the target, otherwise I slice the fletching right off. Additionally, the FMJ are tough. I have shot 1 arrow through 3 deer, and it still flies straight and hits just as hard as the first time. I have only broke one FMJ and thats because i put a practice tip inside the nock of an arrow already shot. The aluminum jacket has a small 1/4'' tear in it, but it is still shootable, I just wont shoot at an animal with it.

  • Bill M.

    I have always liked CX mx hunters best arrow I have ever used. Took a chance on Easton fmj's. Was so impressed gave the cx's to the kid down the block and went all in on another dz. Best arrow on the market. Still shooting one pin out to 30 yards with z7xtrm. Arrows are 11+gpi.

  • Tony C

    I am a firm believer in penetration, after all that is what gets the job done. Speed kills on the highway, quiet and stealthiness kills in the woods. A heavier arrow such as the fmj results in two things. It makes the bow quieter and gives better penetration. When I sight in to go elk hunting I shoot out to 70 yards. I have tried several lighter arrows to check pin gap. I shoot a Mathews Drenalin set at 68 lbs. The lighter arrows weigh 87g less than my 340 fmj but only impact 5 in lower at 70 yds with 5in more penetration. A slight sight adjustment gives much more killing power. I shoot a Rage three blade which produce scary results. I have never left an arrow in a deer or elk. I have always achieved complete pass through.

  • dalton

    i shoot 400 gain easton epics out of my 60 pound hoyt rampage and i used to shoot 5575's goldtipxt's but the penetration with the epics is way better.

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    • mike

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      • Marty

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  • Chance

    i shoot carbon express maxima hunter 250s cause i got them for Christmas and bought beman bow hunters 400 out of a bow tech assassin at 70 pounds and rocket sidewinders maxima hunters shoot 310 and bemans are flyin at 300 both fly the same out of my bow so im ready for this evening

  • Fred Douglas

    I know that I had used Beaman Carbon Matrix (when they were available) and these arrows were fantastic. Not only were they extremely accurate after having build them with G-5 fixed blade broadheads but the kenitic energy was great. Doubled lunged a 5×5 elk in New Mexico 7 years ago, complete pass-through and the elk did not go 50 yards!. The problem, they stopped making these arrows shortly after and I have found nothing since that has worked as well. I do however use Gold Tip now, but not good kenetic energy. These were the aluminum carbon wrap arrows and I cannot say enough about their performance. Why is it that everytime something works so well they have to STOP offering it? I guess it is all about product line.

  • bhupinder.sandhu

    seems fmj;s are the favourites among many and gold tips do an execellent job.i still am thinking about starting with bows they sound great.i need someone to help me sellect or just recommend a good bow which is accurate and easy to shoot with whichever arrow is recommended arrow. money is not the concern

  • Eriepahunter

    I shoot a Bear Strike at 72# and 27.5 Draw length. I shot the Wal-mart cheapest arrow but never was happy with them. Then I tried the easton speed freaks and no satisfaction. The guy's at Out Post Archery suggested the Victory 350 VAP. My grouping is tight and distance is no problem. Penetrationis un-real. Looking forward to seeing what they can do this hunting season.

  • Eriepahunter

    Correction I ment to say carbon express instead of Easton

  • FRANKO60

    I like G.T. XT HUNTERS 5575 +- .003 STRAIGHT +-.002 GRAMS

  • John ODonnell

    Easton A/C/C Hunters 340s, 2" Blazer vanes and standard 100 gran slicktricks (scary sharp) have worked on whitetail, bear, moose, gobblers and hopefully this year elk. Expensive? Not if you only have one shot.

  • Tom Irwin

    I was shooting Easton Axis 300 and they shot great. One problem, I got no penetration from them. I shoot a Parker Pioneer XP @ 65lbs and have switched to the Beman ICS Speed 400 and WOW. Simply amazing. These arrows shoot so flat that I was shooting high. I had to adjust my sights. My penetration problem has vanished as I had a complete pass through from 18 yards away tipped with Shockwave broadheads. Beman all the way

  • billy

    I shoot redhead carbon supreme 350's and i love em not exactly bottom shelf arrows but not topshelf either