The Best 20 Inch Crossbow Arrows for Piercing Power and Accuracy

Choosing the right 20-inch crossbow arrow can significantly impact your hunting success and safety. Our comprehensive guide evaluates the most durable and accurate options available, comparing factors like weight, material, and fletching style to help you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Axe Lighted Crossbow Bolts

Factory-installed lighted nocks for Axe crossbows feature reliable side illumination with extended 20-hour lithium battery life. The 0.32-pound nocks include built-in ports for enhanced light dispersion, making them easy to spot after release.

Black Eagle Executioner Crossbow Shaft

These carbon crossbow bolts combine exceptional straightness and precise weight tolerances for consistent performance. At just 9.0 grains per inch, they fly fast and straight, making them a solid choice for competitive shooting or precision hunting. The 20-inch version delivers a reliable middle-ground between velocity and stability.

Lumenok Crossbow Bolts

With their bright orange LED tips, these crossbow bolts light up in flight, helping you track your shots even in low light. At 325 grains each, they pack plenty of punch for reliable arrow penetration. The easily replaceable battery in the nock gives you consistent visibility, though some users have reported varying battery life.

Barnett Hyperflite Lighted Crossbow Bolts 20in 3-Pack

Lighted Barnett crossbow bolts that pack a punch with their. 204” diameter design. Each 20-inch bolt features premium. 001” straightness for pinpoint accuracy. While some users find them a bit pricey at $50 for three, the glowing tips and consistent performance make them a standout choice for target shooting and hunting.

Gold Tip Superfly Bolts

Crafted from premium cold-rolled steel with an impressive 0.51-pound weight, these crossbow bolts deliver pinpoint accuracy at over 350 FPS. The stiff carbon spine ensures minimal flex during flight, while the tight weight tolerance of ±0.5 grain prevents trajectory variations. Each bolt features the same legendary durability that made Gold Tip a trusted name in the industry.

Barnett Crossbows Head Hunter Bolts

Crafted from premium carbon with meticulous tolerances, these bolts deliver consistent performance and exceptional penetration. The included field points and half-moon nock system provide both accuracy and durability, though note that visibility and labeling differences may vary between batches. Whether hunting or practicing, these bolts prove their worth through consistent groupings and reliable flight.

VKEDA 20 Inch Crossbow Bolt Kit

These crossbow bolts and hunting broadheads give you a solid setup for both practice and real hunting trips. The carbon shafts with alloy steel heads pack enough punch for most situations, and the included moon nocks make them safe for your crossbow. The laser-straight arrows ensure consistent performance, though you’ll want to check them before every shoot.

Bloodsport Witness Crossbow Bolts

These crossbow bolts combine consistent flight with innovative Blood Ring technology that helps you gauge your shot’s success. Each set includes six arrows featuring reliable half-moon and flat nocks, with straightness accuracy down to +-. 003”. At just 0.5 pounds per bolt, they’re surprisingly light while maintaining their precision.

Wicked Ridge Alpha Nock Arrows

The Wicked Ridge Alpha Nock Arrow combines durable aluminum construction with precision engineering, including ±0.003 straightness tolerance and consistent 2-grain weight sorting. The 20-inch arrows feature 13-grain aluminum inserts and Easton Bully Boattail vanes for reliable performance. While some users report occasional fletching issues, many hunters praise their accuracy and durability, with one reporting a successful 40-yard buck kill.

Barnett Hyperflite Crossbow Arrow

Crafted for Barnett’s Hyper series crossbows, these 20-inch arrows feature a sleek. 204-inch inner diameter design that boosts speed while reducing wind resistance for pinpoint accuracy. The precision-engineered arrows deliver consistent groupings in various weather conditions, though users recommend verifying proper fit with your broadheads. The tight tolerances required for optimal performance may not accommodate all field points, so make sure to test your setup before hunting.

Killer Instinct HYPR 20” Crossbow Bolts

These crossbow bolts pack a serious punch, with their 390-grain weight delivering the kinetic energy needed to drop big game. The advanced carbon construction keeps performance consistent shot after shot, though some users have noted issues with nock breakage in cold weather. The precision-fletched arrows light up for easy tracking, though a few reviewers mentioned reliability problems in their setups.

Bruin 20” Carbon Crossbow Bolts

Made for serious crossbow shooters, these sleek carbon bolts cut through the air with impressive speed and accuracy. The field points and fletching work together to keep them on target, while the sturdy construction ensures they stay straight and fly true every time you pull the trigger.

Ravin R138 20” Crossbow Bolts

Crafted for precision hunting, these carbon crossbow bolts feature 400-grain weight with 100-grain field points and high-impact brass inserts. The 20-inch arrows include ravin-engineered polymer nocks and aluminum nock bushings, while the 2-inch offset vanes provide stability at high speeds. Compatible with RAVIN crossbows, these bolts deliver dependable performance for both right- and left-handed shooters.

Killer Instinct Hypr Ke Crossbow Bolts

These crossbow bolts pack a powerful punch with their 390 grain weight, thanks to the robust carbon construction that ensures straight flight within a precision-toleranced 0.003” variance. The 20-inch fletched design with 3-inch vanes stabilize the flight path for consistent performance. The included moon nocks and 0.348-inch diameter design work seamlessly with various crossbow models, from Killer Instinct’s own Vital X to CenterPoint and Barnett systems.

Centerpoint 20 Inch Carbon Crossbow Bolts

These carbon crossbow bolts pack a powerful punch at 320 grains each, with tight tolerances for straightness that show in their precise flight. The included green/orange fletching rides like a laser beam thanks to the 4-inch vanes, though some users recommend straightening them with a hair dryer if they arrive curled. With six bolts per package, you get the durability to test your aim and the consistency to hit your target every time.

PSE Fang 20” Crossbow Bolt

At 20 inches long and 300 grains in weight, these carbon bolts offer excellent consistency with their. 005 straightness tolerance. The plastic fletched vanes add reliable stability during flight, though some users have noted vanes can tear after a few shots. Overall, reviewers praise their performance in the Fang crossbow, with many reporting accurate shots and impressive deer takes.

Killer Instinct Hypr Crossbow Bolts 20 in. 6 Pack

Made for the serious crossbow hunter, these carbon arrows pack a serious punch at 425 grains. The precision-engineered bolts stay super straight thanks to their tight tolerances, and the sturdy fletching keeps them on target out to 90 yards. The killer feature? These arrows barely need inspection before every shot thanks to their incredible consistency - 9 out of 10 shooters love them enough to buy more.

12 Carbon Crossbow Arrows

When it comes to crossbow arrows, these affordable options deliver impressive performance. Made from mixed carbon with a durable black finish, they feature precision-engineered 8.8mm shafts and 20-inch length for reliable flight. The replaceable silver arrowheads and vibrant parabolic fletching ensure consistent accuracy, while the 125 grain weight maintains optimal velocity. Whether you’re a novice or experienced shooter, these arrows hit the mark consistently and come highly recommended from satisfied customers.

Bear x Crossbow Bolts 20” Pk.

These black Easton crossbow bolts deliver top-speed performance with their filament-wound construction and precision-machined straightness. The 100-grain field points and 4-inch fletched vanes ensure reliable penetration while the half-moon nock inserts maintain consistent arrow flight. Each package includes six durable bolts, matching the official ammunition for your Bear crossbow.

Ravin .003 Arrows

These crossbow arrows combine stiff 100% carbon shafts with durable polymer nocks and precision brass inserts. At just 0.4 pounds each, they maintain their accuracy over multiple shots without the added weight of additional features.

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right crossbow arrow requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here’s what you need to know about 20-inch crossbow arrows to help you make an informed decision.

Standard Length and Compatibility

20-inch arrows adhere to standard crossbow compatibility requirements, ensuring they work with most modern crossbows. However, always verify the arrow’s length matches your specific crossbow model’s specifications to prevent jamming or poor performance.

Materials and Construction

High-quality arrow construction typically involves aluminum or carbon fiber shafts. Aluminum arrows are more affordable and forgiving, while carbon fiber shafts offer superior stiffness and durability at a higher cost. Evaluate your budget and usage requirements to determine the best material for your needs.

Feathering Weight and Balance

Feathers, or vanes, stabilize arrows in flight and affect both flight stability and kinetic energy transfer. Common feather configurations range from 3 to 4 vanes. The number and design of vanes impact arrow weight and balance, which can influence performance and accuracy.

nock and point selection

The nock secures the arrow to the crossbow string, while the point (fletched tip) determines penetration capabilities. Consider your hunting or target practice needs when selecting point types. Practice with your chosen point combination to ensure proper function and performance with your crossbow setup.

FAQ

What is the standard weight for 20 inch crossbow arrows?

Standard 20 inch crossbow arrows typically weigh between 350 and 450 grains. This weight range ensures adequate penetration while maintaining manageable recoil.

Heavier options, up to 500 grains, may be available for specialty applications requiring extra penetration power.

How long do 20 inch crossbow arrows need to be?

20 inch arrows are designed specifically for crossbows, providing the optimal balance of length for power and compactness for storage.

A longer arrow would increase weight and potentially reduce velocity from the crossbow, while a shorter arrow might not reach legal minimum flight lengths in some states.

What type of fletching is recommended for 20 inch arrows?

Stability in flight requires accurate fletching. 4-inch or 6-inch parabolic tips are commonly used for their proven tracking characteristics.

Crossbow-specific vanes or feathers can be used, but ensure consistent spacing and alignment for optimal performance.

What is the minimum safety margin for fletching length on 20 inch arrows?

The fletching must not exceed 4 inches past the arrow’s tip to meet International Crossbow Federation standards.

Additional fletching length beyond 4 inches may catch on targets or hangars, causing inaccurate flights or potential damage.

How should the nock fit onto 20 inch arrows?

The nock should fit snugly but freely onto the arrow shaft, ensuring consistent, smooth release from the crossbowstring.

A loose nock can cause wobble and poor flight, while a tight fit may damage the arrow during release. Most manufacturers specify an appropriate nock size.

What is the maximum safe velocity for 20 inch crossbow arrows?

Standard 20 inch arrows are designed to perform safely at velocities between 275 and 350 FPS, depending on the arrow’s weight and construction.

Exceeding 350 FPS with a standard 20 inch arrow can increase stress on the arrow and reduce overall performance and accuracy.

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