To become an effective archer or bowhunter, you need to have the right points for your arrow. For a beginner, it is easy to be confused with the different variants available on the market for archers and bowhunters.
The point of your arrow can determine how good you will become at sharpening your archery or bowhunting skills. So, we will help you select the right points for your arrow in this post.
The total weight, shape, and fitting of the point are some of the essential factors you have to consider while acquiring points for your arrow. If you want a stiffer arrow, you should select a lighter point. The spine of the arrow is affected if your point is heavier. The bullet point is preferred by several target archers, while the hunters and 3D archers go with field tips.
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Options for Points for Your Arrows
There are many options for points that an archer can choose from. Sometimes it is a personal choice, and at other times, it is more of a preference, depending on the purpose. So, here are the different point options for an archer to choose from for their arrows.
- Broadheads
- Bludgeon Tips
- Hybrid Points
- Blunt Tips
- Conical Points
- Field Points
- Bullet Points
Each of these differs greatly from one another, and they are also often used for different purposes. We look at what objectives they serve and which one to choose for your specific requirements. We also discuss various aspects of these numerous tips and points.
1. Broadheads
Bowhunters use it for large game hunting. Apart from this objective, people do not usually select the broadhead point. Aerodynamics is often not as good when compared to the other points that we have mentioned above.
However, the impact that it provides is relatively massive. The cutting power is usually higher than most of the other points you may have used earlier. Experienced game hunters usually select these to put down large animals such as deer, and the arrow is not easy to remove.
In general, it is not suitable to use them indoors, either for small game hunting or target practice. A stronger bow and string with excessive pull and shooting power are essential for a broadhead point. In addition to that, the size of the impact on the target is bigger with broadheads. A broadhead of 100 grain is used these days. It usually has a large cutting point assembly and is used for lightweight carbon arrows.
2. Bludgeon Tips
Bludgeon tips are selected and used by small game hunters or archers. You will be able to knock an animal over easily with this tip. The penetration aspect of this is low and will not cause excessive damage to the tissue of the animal hunted.
It is also not very easily removable from a hard target. Using these points for target practice in an indoor environment is not possible. Therefore, you would only see small game hunters purchasing or using them.
3. Hybrid Points
Hybrid points are manufactured as one single piece. They are used in 3D environments or the field for target practice. It is usually something that novices prefer to use. They are easy to operate as they are not complex.
4. Blunt Tips
Blunt tips are used for small game hunting, and they are used when an archer or hunter wants to perpetrate minimal damage to the animal. Apart from this purpose, the blunt tip is the least used elsewhere. So, if you are a small game hunter, this might be an ideal pick for you.
5. Conical Points
Conical points are used for target practice in an indoor environment. This point has supreme aerodynamics when compared to other points we have listed here. In addition to that, many people who are trying their hand at archery use this.
Aiming and hitting the target regularly is possible with this point. If you hit a hard target, it can be difficult to retrieve the point. Damage to the arrow is common when you aim and hit a hard target. So, short-range archers prefer to use this point.
6. Field Points
A 3D archer’s favorite option is also a 3D field point. Shooting at targets made of wood or other hard substances is easier. The retrieval of the arrow is simple, all thanks to the curve after the sharp point of penetration it has. Reduced penetration is what you get with these points.
Target practices in the woods are done using these points. You can try your archery skills by aiming at different targets. Hunters usually do not prefer it because of the limitations of impact on the target.
7. Bullet Points
You will find almost all archery shops selling bullet points. It is one of the most widely sold and used points in the market for archery fans. Recreational archery and target practice are what bullet points are used for in most places. It is suited for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Bullet points are extremely aerodynamic, making them easier to remove from soft targets. It is what people use, due to its availability and lower price. It would be harder to discard this point when you shoot hard targets.
Top 3 Crucial Things To Consider For The Right Point
Irrespective of the type of point you choose, you have to consider these factors. They determine how the arrow performs when aimed and shot at a target. Failing to consider these things might not help you choose the right point for your arrow.
1. Fitting of the Point
Before purchasing a point, you should know your arrow shaft’s dimensions. The size and type of the shaft should match that of the point. The arrow type is also something that you should consider before buying the right point for your equipment. You have to remember that all these factors differ significantly from one manufacturer to another. It includes the size and types available.
2. Weight
Understanding the dynamics involved in weight is crucial. A heavier point makes the arrow weaker and allows it to become flexible. If your point is light in weight, it will damage the bow that you are using. Striking the right balance between the point with not too light or too heavy is vital.
3. Shape
The shape that the point has is equally significant. Shapes determine how much penetration a point or arrow can offer. It plays a crucial role in removing the arrow from the target.
So, you must consider all these things before you purchase points for your arrow. If you are not sure how to choose the right one, it is a good idea to speak with experienced archers or bow hunters, and they can provide you with valuable tips on this.
Various Types of Point Fits
Point fits can be of three types, and each of them differs from one another. We will discuss the types of points, their uses, and prices. It would help determine what you might want for your bow. The three fits are as follows:
- Screw-In Points
- Press-In Points
- Fit Over Points
1. Screw-In Points
A screw-in point is simpler to use and is also easy to change. In order to use this, you would have to install an insert. Usually, these inserts are made of aluminum. You can find standard sizes that you can use on most arrows, but the arrow size has to be matched.
You can use wax or glue to put the point in place before using it, and you may also have to dry it properly and retain adhesive properties. These are also expensive when compared to the press-in or fit-over options. Hunters prefer these point fittings the most.
It is because the points that are used can be changed easily. Selecting the right shaft, which is a good fit for your arrow, is crucial. You may not get standardized sizes in terms of diameters for the inserts from most manufacturers.
2. Press-In Points
Press-in points make them less expensive and more widely available. It is why you see many people who practice on targets using these. Using either wax or glue ensures that the point does not separate from the shaft when retrieved from targets.
Target practice on different objects is possible with these fittings, and it applies to indoor or outdoor practice. They are simpler to use and are very cheap compared to the other options available on the market.
3. Fit Over Points
If you are shooting with an arrow made of wood, you might wish to use this. Using inserts is not possible with these points. You can fit it on top of the cone-shaped arrow made of wood, and it is not suited to use on a modern arrow.
Therefore, fewer manufacturers sell them, and fewer people use them. If you wish to experiment with wooden arrows, you can try this option. Use glue or wax while you insert these fittings into your wooden arrow.
Tips For Purchasing The Right Points
You can use these quick tips to help you choose the right points for your arrow. These can end up helping you make the right choice with minimal doubt. Consider this as a guide and not specific instructions for buying the right points.
Tip 1: Use One Brand
Often, this is something that several people ignore. It could be due to pricing, among many others. However, as a beginner, you should choose to stick with one brand for all of your archery needs. It can help you avoid confusion, mismatches with equipment, and other discrepancies. You will also not be messing with sizes, shapes, and other parameters that can affect your archery. Once experienced, you can plan to mix and match depending on your preferences, as you will have learned what goes best with the other.
Tip 2: Purchase Spare Points
Losing a point is one of the things beginners often face. Although this can be due to inexperience, there are other factors too. Retrieving your arrow from targets can be difficult, and sometimes you lose your point in the process. So, purchasing some spares is always a good idea. You can keep them handy and use them when you unexpectedly lose a point.
Tip 3: Do Not Glue Points
Changing points can be difficult when gluing them. The chances of damaging the arrow are also very high. Therefore, experienced archers and bowhunters choose to wax them in place. So, when you decide to change your point, all you have to do is expose it to heat or flame. This way, the wax would melt, and removing it will be easier. It may often not be the same case with glue, as it can often make the point irremovable.
Tip 4: Use the Point Weight Table
You can easily find a point weight table on the internet. You can use it to determine the weight of the point to purchase. A point that is also heavy can cause damage on regular impact. On the other hand, if it is too light in weight, it can affect the arrow stiffness. So, determining the right weight of the point can be done using a point weight table.
Tip 5: Experiment
We have listed how each type of point responds. However, it is a good idea for you to experiment with different points. It would help you attain the right skill level to make you a better archer in a few weeks or months. Apart from experience, there is not much that could help you in terms of mastering the art of archery.
Conclusion
Apart from that point, there are other factors that you should consider as an archer too. However, knowing all about the right point to use plays a massive role in helping you select the right one for your arrow.
It is common for beginners to make mistakes, and over time, you will know what point you will need. Thus, you can select from the ideal manufacturer without getting assistance from anybody. Keep in mind to choose a sturdy and high-quality point instead of low-level ones.