How to Buy Arrows for a Compound Bow (The Right Way)

Buying Arrows Isn’t Complicated — If You Know What Matters

As a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and bowhunter, I’ve seen how bad arrow advice can ruin a hunt before it even starts. Most new bowhunters walk into an archery shop or browse online without knowing what to look for. The result? Wrong spine. Wrong length. Wrong setup. I’m going to make sure that never happens to you.

This post is your step-by-step guide to buying arrows the right way, even if this is your first time. I’ll show you how to avoid beginner mistakes, what questions to ask at the shop, and how to pick an arrow that actually matches your bow and the way you hunt.

Step 1: What to Know Before You Buy

Before you buy anything — online or in-person — there are a few key things you need to know or bring with you:

• Bring your bow and release to the shop
  • This lets the staff check your draw length and arrow fit.
• Know your draw weight and draw length
  • These determine what spine (arrow stiffness) you need.
• Set a target arrow weight
  • Use my Everyday Arrow Weight Formula ➔ or Arrow Weight Calculator ➔ to calculate it based on your setup and hunting range.
• Decide on the broadhead type
  • Fixed-blade broadheads usually need a stiffer spine and better tuning.
  • Mechanical broadheads are more forgiving and can tolerate slightly weaker spines.
    • I prefer fixed-blade broadheads – here is why.
    • Together, your broadhead and insert weight also influence FOC (Front of Center), which affects arrow stability. I go deeper into that here ➜ FOC Calculator, but for now, just know that more front-end weight usually helps with penetration and tuning, especially for fixed-blade setups.
• Understand the arrow spine
  • Spine numbers like 300 or 400 refer to arrow stiffness. A lower number = stiffer arrow.
  • You’ll match this to your setup using the manufacturer’s spine chart.
    • Learn more about arrow spine and spine deflection here.

Step 2: Choose an Arrow Brand You Trust

You don’t need to buy the most expensive arrows in the shop. But you do want consistency, straightness, and quality control. Some brands to look for:

• Budget-Friendly (but reliable): Gold Tip Hunter, Easton FMJ, Carbon Express Maxima Red
• Mid-Range: Victory RIP TKO, Easton Axis, Black Eagle Rampage
• High-End/Custom: Day Six, Bishop FOC King, Grizzlystik

Straightness tolerance should be .003” or better. Tighter tolerance = more consistent flight.

Step 3: Let the Shop Cut and Build (But Know What You Want)

Even if you’re not cutting or building your arrows yourself, you need to know the specs:

• Arrow Length: Typically 1/2” to 1” in front of your rest at full draw.
• Spine: Based on your draw length and draw weight.
• Insert Weight: Ask what insert they’re using (standard vs. heavier brass).
• Nocks and Fletchings: Make sure you know what you’re getting.

Bring your broadheads to the shop if possible, especially if you’re using fixed blades. They can help you spin-test for true alignment.

*Not Sure? Read: How Long Should My Arrows Be?

Step 4: Understand the Total Arrow Weight

Every arrow has a total weight, made up of:

• Shaft (GPI x arrow length)
• Broadhead (usually 100-150 grains)
• Insert (20-150 grains)
• Nock (10-20 grains)
• Fletchings (18-30 grains)

That’s why having a target arrow weight before you buy is critical. You want to make sure your components help you hit that number. Use my Arrow Weight Calculator ➔ to test builds.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions at the Shop

• “Can you check my draw length with this bow?”
• “What spine should I use for my draw weight and arrow length?”
• “Can you cut these arrows to 28.5 inches and install 50-grain brass inserts?”
• “Do you offer spine alignment or spin testing for broadheads?”
• “Can I test a few fletching styles on my setup?”

Shops love working with hunters who know what they want. These questions show you’ve done your homework.

What to Say at the Archery Shop

“I’m shooting a 60 lb bow at 28” draw. I’m looking to build a ~475 grain hunting arrow. I’d like a mid-weight shaft with room to add FOC.”

Final Tip: Don’t Just Copy Someone Else’s Setup

Just because your buddy shoots a 550-grain arrow doesn’t mean you should. Your draw length, draw weight, bow model, and hunting goals all affect what arrow will work best for you.

Know your numbers. Choose the right components. Build a lethal arrow setup that actually fits your bow.

🎯 Build Structure Progression (Easy to Advanced):

Build 1: The Easy Button (Off-the-Shelf + Tuned at Shop)

Goal: Fastest, most beginner-friendly option

Use Case: Walk into a pro shop, leave with hunt-ready arrows

• Arrow: Gold Tip Hunter XT 340 (8.9 GPI, pre-fletched)
• Cut Length: 28”
• Insert: 50-grain factory insert
• Tip: 100-grain mechanical broadhead
• Nock: Standard nock
• Fletching: 3” vanes, straight offset (factory)
• Total Weight: ~440 grains
• FOC: ~12%
• Spine: Works for 60–65 lbs at 28”

✅ Pre-fletched, easy to tune, widely available

🛠️ Ask your shop to cut and square shafts and spin test for broadhead flight

Build 2: Balanced DIY Build (Custom Components, Easy Spine Match)

Goal: Mid-weight, well-tuned arrow with better component control

Use Case: Online order, hunter builds arrow to match his bow’s performance

• Arrow: Black Eagle Rampage 350 (9.2 GPI)
• Cut Length: 27.5”
• Insert: 75-grain brass
• Tip: 125-grain fixed-blade broadhead
• Nock: Lighted nock (20 gr)
• Fletching: 3 Blazer vanes, 2° right helical
• Total Weight: ~495 grains
• FOC: ~15–16%
• Spine: Great for 65–70 lbs

✅ Solid momentum, fixed blade ready

📦 Needs fletching and tuning (or pay to have it built)

Build 3: High-End Penetration Build (Premium Materials + Tuned for Heavy Game)

Goal: Max penetration for close shots on whitetails or hogs

Use Case: Experienced bowhunter building for 20–30 yard ambushes

• Arrow: Victory RIP TKO 300 (9.5 GPI)
• Cut Length: 27”
• Insert/Outsert: 95-grain steel
• Tip: 150-grain fixed-blade
• Nock: Standard
• Fletching: 4 AAE vanes, high helical
• Total Weight: ~580 grains
• FOC: 18–19%
• Spine: Needs a stiffer spine, tuned for heavy tip weight

✅ Maximum momentum and FOC

⚙️ Requires exact spine matching and careful broadhead tuning

Ready to Build?

• ✅ Try the Everyday Arrow Weight Formula ➔ to get your ideal weight.
• ✅ Use the Arrow Weight Calculator ➔ to test arrow builds.
• ✅ Explore the Performance-Driven Arrow Build Series ➔ if you want to build high-performance arrows for bow hunting.

With the right info, even your first arrow build can outperform half the setups being used by bow hunters in the woods now.