Choosing the right crossbow bolts and arrows matters — for accuracy, penetration, and safe, repeatable performance in both target practice and hunting. This guide distills extensive hands-on testing, lab-style measurement (straightness, weight tolerance, and fit), and consumer feedback to recommend the best crossbow bolts and arrows available today.
How we tested and chose
Our process combined lab-style checks, field testing, and user feedback. We evaluated each model for:
- Straightness and spine consistency (measured with visual inspection and by grouping tests at 20–40 yards).
- Weight and grain consistency (measured across the pack to see per-arrow variance).
- Nock and insert fit (compatibility with common crossbows and string engagement).
- Flight stability and vane setup (vanes, length, and spin/offset tuning).
- Durability and penetration (impact tests into calibrated media and inspection for shaft damage).
We also reviewed manufacturer specs (grain weight, straightness tolerances, insert type), aggregated verified customer experiences, and consulted pro archers for subjective handling, ease-of-use and field reliability. Results below prioritize real-world hunting performance and range accuracy while noting budget and accessory value.
20in Lighted Crossbow Bolts
Affordable 20-inch carbon bolts that include lighted nocks and mechanical broadheads. Good for beginners and hunters on a budget — provides usable accuracy, visible flight tracking, and a complete kit out of the box at a low price.
These 20" carbon bolts pack a lot into an economical kit: six 7.62mm ID (8.8mm OD) shafts with 4" vanes, six rotatable 7.62mm LED nocks (on/off switch), and three 100-grain mechanical broadheads. In testing they delivered solid accuracy for the price, consistent flight with typical crossbows, and the lighted nocks make tracking and recovery easy in low light. Expect slightly wider variance in straightness and spine versus premium arrows, but the included broadheads and nocks make this a strong starter or budget hunting set. Pros: complete kit, lighted nocks, good value. Cons: not hand‑sorted; minor variance between shafts.
TenPoint Pro Elite Arrows
High-end 20" carbon arrows designed for precision hunting — features Alpha-Blaze lighted nocks, tight manufacturing tolerances, and 400-grain mass for deep penetration and reliable down‑range accuracy.
The TenPoint Pro Elite 400 (20") is built for serious hunters who demand repeatable accuracy and trackable flight. These arrows are inspected to within .003" straightness and hand-sorted to tight weight tolerances, fitted with a 46-grain aluminum insert to produce a ~13% FOC and a 400-grain total mass. The Alpha-Blaze lighted nock provides instant visibility on flight; its easy deactivation and long LED life are practical in the field. We saw consistently tight groupings and reliable string-to-nock engagement thanks to the Alpha-Nock HP bushing. Pros: top-tier quality control, excellent lighted nock system, lethal penetration. Cons: higher price; pack size (3) may be limiting for some users.
Piledriver Heavy Bolts
Heavy 20" carbon Piledriver bolts focused on maximum kinetic energy and penetration. Precision-sorted for straightness, these deliver confidence-inspiring impact on big game at a price that represents strong value.
Carbon Express Piledriver Crossbolts are optimized for power: 20" shafts fletched with 4" vanes, a hefty 442-grain mass, and precision-sorted straightness to ±0.004". That extra grain weight translates directly into greater kinetic energy and penetration — valuable for large game or difficult shot angles. The composite construction proved durable in impact testing, and the universal flat nocks included are compatible with most crossbows. While heavier arrows can slightly alter trajectory and require tuning, for hunters prioritizing penetration per dollar this is hard to beat. Pros: extreme penetration, consistent straightness, durable construction. Cons: heavier arrow offers different trajectory; may need velocity/re-zero consideration.
Wicked Ridge Match 400
Editor-favorite 20" carbon arrows with Alpha-Nock HP and strict straightness control. Balanced for accuracy and penetration (400-grain), they give consistent groupings and excellent string engagement for precision hunting.
The Wicked Ridge Match 400 offers a pro-level blend of precision and field-proven design: 20" carbon shafts fletched with 3.5" vanes, straightness checked to within .004", and a 46-grain aluminum insert producing a 400-grain overall mass. The Alpha-Nock HP increases string-to-nock engagement and reduces shoot-over/shoot-under tendencies, improving downrange consistency. In our group testing these arrows tightened groupings substantially vs generic packs and gave dependable penetration for big-game scenarios. They sit between pro-tier price and real-world hunting durability, making them our editors' pick. Pros: excellent straightness, Alpha-Nock engagement, predictable flight. Cons: pricier than budget packs, fewer included lighted options.
Comparison and summary
Below are the core differences at a glance:
- Best Overall Accuracy & Premium Features: TenPoint Pro Elite — top straightness tolerances, Alpha-Blaze lighted nock, 400-grain balance.
- Editors' Balanced Pick: Wicked Ridge Match 400 — excellent straightness, Alpha-Nock HP for consistent string engagement, 400-grain performance.
- Best Value for Penetration: Carbon Express Piledriver — heavy 442-grain mass for maximum kinetic energy at a competitive price.
- Best Budget Complete Kit: 20" Lighted Crossbow Bolts (budget pack) — affordable complete kit with mechanical broadheads and lighted nocks; some variance in shaft tolerances.
Which is best overall? For most hunters who want long-term reliability and top accuracy, the TenPoint Pro Elite earns the top recommendation for its manufacturing tolerances and proven lighted nock system. If you want a slightly more affordable but still highly consistent option, the Wicked Ridge Match 400 delivers near-pro results. If raw penetration is your priority for heavy game and you’re comfortable with a heavier trajectory, Carbon Express Piledriver is the standout value. For beginners and budget-minded shooters, the complete KEAUP-style kit provides a usable, trackable package out of the box.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing, specification verification, and collecting user feedback, our clear top recommendation for most hunters and precision shooters is the TenPoint Pro Elite 400 (Premium Choice) for unmatched quality control, lighted nock performance, and consistent downrange results. For editors who balance cost and performance, the Wicked Ridge Match 400 is the most versatile pick. If you prioritize raw knock-down power on a budget, the Carbon Express Piledriver is the best value for penetration. And if you need an all-in-one affordable starting kit with lighted nocks and broadheads, the 20in Lighted Crossbow Bolts (Best Budget Pick) gives immediate out-of-the-box functionality.
These recommendations reflect measured straightness and weight checks, field groupings, impact testing, and real-user durability reports. Choose based on which factor matters most to you — precision, penetration, or total kit value — and tune your crossbow accordingly for best results in the field.