Arrowhead Archery: Types, Materials & Fit

In arrowhead archery, the arrowhead — also called an arrow point — is the forward-most component of the arrow, engineered to penetrate a target. Its shape, weight, and material directly influence accuracy, speed, and flight efficiency. Archers select different arrow heads based on bow type, target medium, and shooting discipline.

Types of Arrowheads

Matching the right arrow head type to your purpose is the foundation of practical archery arrowhead selection.

Field Point

The field point is the standard choice for target practice. Its simple cylindrical shape and lightweight metal construction reduce drag and make it widely regarded as the safest option for range use — it is not designed to expand or cut on impact.

Broadhead

A broadhead is the go-to arrowhead for hunting. It is engineered to expand on impact, opening a wide wound channel for a more humane harvest. Two main subtypes exist: fixed-blade broadheads, whose blades remain open throughout flight, and mechanical broadheads, whose blades deploy on contact. The choice between them affects both aerodynamics and penetration.

Judo Point

A judo point for roving and small-game practice features a pointed tip with spring-wire arms that catch on vegetation, preventing arrows from disappearing into undergrowth. Judo points are typically made from lightweight aluminum or plastic to reduce the chance of the arrow becoming lodged in foliage.

Materials Used in Modern Arrowheads

Modern arrowheads are made from materials including metal, stainless steel, carbon, aluminum, and plastic. Stainless steel offers durability and corrosion resistance, making it well suited for target archery. Carbon arrowheads are lightweight with strong penetration characteristics, a practical option for hunting applications.

Point Weight, Fit, and Spine

In arrowhead archery, point weight affects more than penetration. Heavier points weaken an arrow's effective spine; lighter points stiffen it. Most arrow manufacturer spine charts use a 100-grain point as their baseline — changing point weight means revisiting spine selection. The point's outside diameter should also match the shaft diameter smoothly; you should feel no step when running a finger from shaft to point.

Point attachment matters too. Points can be glued or screwed into place depending on whether the shaft has an insert. Screw-in points make swapping straightforward, while some slim recurve shafts accept glue-in models only.

Why Arrowhead Choice Matters

Every element of arrowhead archery — material, shape, weight, and fit — affects how your arrow leaves the bow and arrives at the target. Matching your arrow heads to your shooting purpose is one of the most impactful tuning decisions you can make.