Top 16 16-inch Crossbow Bolts: Power and Precision

Choosing the right crossbow bolt can significantly impact your shooting performance and accuracy. Our comparison examines 16-inch crossbow bolts from popular brands, highlighting their key features, strengths, and value as a mid-length option for both hunting and target shooting.

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Reviews

Black Eagle Executioner 9mm Ar Bolt

Black Eagle’s carbon bolts pack a powerful punch, clocking in at 9.0 GPI with precise 3-inch Blazer vanes for spot-on shots. The straightness tolerance is incredibly tight at. 001 inch, while the brass inserts and durable moon nocks give each arrow rock-solid reliability.

Excalibur Proflight Crossbow Bolts

Made from durable carbon fiber, these crossbow bolts combine precise flight with visibility-enhancing luminescent nocks. The premium construction features. 001-inch straightness and 1-grain weight tolerance for unmatched consistency. Each bolt includes 2-inch Blazer vanes with 3-degree offset for optimal performance.

Gold Tip Superfly Bolt Shafts

These crossbow bolts pack a serious punch at high speeds, featuring a lightweight carbon construction that keeps them zipping through the air with pinpoint accuracy. At just under a pound for the entire pack of 130, they’re surprisingly nimble considering their power. The reviewer really sings their praises, calling them “great” and “very accurate” in their crossbow.

Tenpoint EVO-X Centerpunch 16” Arrow

The carbon fiber construction of these 16-inch arrows, combined with their precision engineering and weight-tolerance matching, makes them a solid choice for Havoc RS440 and Siege RS410 crossbows. While some shooters have experienced issues with the nock dropping off, the lighted tips are praised for their brightness. Overall, they’re designed for accuracy and reliability, though reliability varies based on user feedback.

Tenpoint Evo 16” Crossbow Arrows with Alpha Nocks

These 16-inch carbon arrows shoot with pinpoint accuracy from your TenPoint crossbow, thanks to their precision engineering and consistent weight matching. The carbon shafts are wrapped in a distinctive black carbon weave and feature TenPoint’s durable Alpha Nocks for smooth release. While some hunters have noted slight variations in performance between individual arrows, the vast majority love how these premium bolts punch through targets with consistent, reliable accuracy.

Excalibur Quill Carbon Arrows

These 16.5-inch carbon arrows are specifically engineered for Excalibur’s Micro crossbows, featuring two offset vanes that ensure pinpoint accuracy with any appropriate broadhead. Six arrows come in assorted colors, complete with brass inserts for added reliability.

Excalibur Quill 16.5in Illuminated Crossbow Arrows

These 16.5-inch quill arrows shine with built-in illuminated nocks that help you spot your shot, whether it’s in the fading light or through the trees. The offset vanes keep them flying straight and true. With 9.9 grains per inch and total weight at 163.4 grains, these arrows pack plenty of punch for your Micro series crossbow.

Axe Lighted Crossbow Bolt

Each of these carbon arrows is built for precision with a. 166-inch diameter shaft and three strong Fusion XII SL Vanes. The special aluminum nocks light up in flight, helping you track your shots, and the whole package comes with three arrows that fit perfectly in most crossbows. The built-in light system needs no extra batteries or setup, just install them as they arrive and you’re good to go.

SA Sports 16” Aluminum Crossbow Bolts

These aluminum bolts combine durability with lightweight portability, featuring bright-colored fletching that helps track shots both in the air and in the field. At 16 inches, they’re ideal for standard crossbows and come in a practical six-pack format. The bright camo finish adds a subtle advantage while staying lightweight enough for consistent shooting.

Allen XD300 Crossbow Bolt 3-Pack

These crossbow bolts perform like champions, engineered to hit hard and keep going. The carbon construction and precision fletching make every shot count, while the straightforward 16-inch design fits any standard crossbow setup.

SA Sports 16in Carbon Crossbow Bolts

These well-regarded carbon bolts deliver consistent performance with their precision-engineered flight path. The included fletchings help ensure accurate shots, while the durable construction makes them reliable for regular use. At 16 inches, they’re a practical length that balances power and control.

Centerpoint Crossbow Arrow

These crossbow arrows combine heavy 400-grain weight with durable carbon construction and bright lighted nocks for easy tracking. The straight-shooting design with half-moon nocks and premium vanes delivers consistent accuracy while the included lights help you find your arrows quickly in any shooting session.

Ameyxgs 16 Inch Crossbow Bolts

Made from durable carbon with a 8.8mm diameter, these 16-22 inch crossbow bolts come in packs of 6 or 12. The lightweight 26-31g shafts feature replaceable 3-blade tips and bright green fletching for easy tracking. Perfect for both target practice and hunting outings.

Ravin .001 Premium Crossbow Arrows

Crafted from 100% pure carbon with precision engineering down to 0.001” straightness, these premium crossbow bolts deliver consistent performance every time. The high-impact aluminum inserts and premium nock bushings ensure reliable flight, while the Lumenok technology lights up the target at 50 yards. While some users report minor issues with nock activation, the arrows’ accuracy and visibility in low light make them a solid choice for competitive shooters and hunters who value precision over every detail.

Excalibur Proflight Crossbow Bolts

These carbon fiber arrows pack a serious punch at 250 grains, with every bolt measuring in at a precise 16.5 inches for consistent performance. The white-tipped arrows make it easy to track your shots, while the 2-inch vanes keep them flying straight and true. Whether you’re hunting or competition shooting, these arrows have proven themselves time and again with their reliable accuracy.

Tenpoint EVO-X Crossbow Arrows

While the premium carbon construction and consistent weight make these arrows a solid choice for your crossbow, the illuminated nocks have struggled to live up to expectations. Multiple users report issues with the lights not activating, turning back on randomly, or falling off mid-flight—problems that have driven several customers to frustration and disappointment. The high accuracy and reliable performance of the arrow itself suggests the lighted nock system just needs some refinement before it’s ready for regular hunting use.

Buyer’s Guide

When selecting 16-inch crossbow bolts, several key factors influence performance, safety, and accuracy. Understanding these aspects helps you choose the right bolts for your specific crossbow model and shooting needs.

Core Diameter and Materials

Modern 16-inch bolts typically feature a core diameter of either 5mm or 6mm. The core material can be aluminum, carbon fiber, or a combination. Aluminum is more affordable and resistant to compression, while carbon fiber offers premium performance at a higher cost.

Spine and Bend Rating

Bolts are rated based on their spine, or thickness, which affects their ability to maintain straight flight. Common spine ratings range from 250 to 450. Higher numbers represent stiffer, more reliable flight. Bend rating, indicated in thousands of pounds, determines how much force the bolt can withstand before deforming. This is crucial for consistency and safety during firing.

Arrowrest Compatibility

Modern crossbows often feature arrowrests that contact the bolt 1-2 inches from the nock. Select bolts that maintain a consistent 0.270-inch diameter in this critical section to ensure proper engagement and prevent issues like flyers (misfired bolts).

Length and Weight Considerations

Standard 16-inch bolts are widely compatible with most crossbows. Longer bolts can improve stabilization but may extend beyond safety sensors or interfere with other components. Bolt weight, typically ranging from 150 to 190 grains, affects velocity and penetration. Heavier bolts deliver greater kinetic energy, but lighter ones maintain faster speeds.

FAQ

What’s the difference between 16-inch and shorter crossbow bolts?

Longer bolts maintain higher velocity and better penetration at longer ranges, ideal for hunting large animals or longer shooting distances. Shorter bolts can be more manageable for younger shooters or those with shorter draw lengths, but sacrifice some energy transfer.

16-inch bolts represent the upper limit of legal and practical bolt length in many states. They offer a good balance of performance and compliance with local hunting regulations.

What weight range of bolts should I choose for my crossbow?

Match bolt weight to your crossbow’s kinetic energy rating to maximize accuracy and penetration. Common choices range from 175-200 grains for general hunting use.

Lighter bolts (140-160 grains) offer increased velocity but reduced power, while heavier bolts (225+ grains) provide more energy transfer but slower speeds.

How do I determine the correct length for my bolt nocks?

Measure from the slot in your sights/c scope where you anchor the string to the center of your crossbow’s rail. Subtract this measurement from your crossbow’s maximum usable bolt length (usually 28-30 inches).

The result is the ideal nock length, with 1 inch extra recommended for safety. Always verify proper nock seat height and bolt tracking before shooting.

What materials are 16-inch crossbow bolts typically made from?

The most common materials are aluminum, carbon fiber, and hybrid (aluminum with carbon fiber tips). Aluminum bolts are economical and suitable for most hunting applications. Premium carbon fiber arrows offer superior stiffness and longevity.

Hybrid bolts combine the durability of aluminum with the lighter weight of carbon fiber, making them a popular choice for both hunting and competition shooting.

How should I maintain my 16-inch crossbow bolts?

Inspect each bolt for wear, dents, or cracks before each use. Check nocks and fletchings for damage that could cause malfunctions.

Clean bolt barrels regularly with a bore brush and cleaner to remove fouling and debris that can affect accuracy and consistency.

What is the recommended fletching configuration for 16-inch bolts?

Most hunting scenarios benefit from three-fletched arrows (helical or parabolic tips), providing excellent stability and wind resistance at long range.

Two-fletched arrows with a single vaned stabilizer can offer slightly faster velocity but may be less stable at extreme ranges or in windier conditions.

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