

If a bolt is too short, the tip can interfere with the rail when you release the bolt.īolt diameter is a critical factor in penetration. Check with the manufacturer’s recommendation for your crossbow to see what length you need. The average crossbow bolt is 20 inches long. It is also ideal for pursuing game with thick hides.īolt length typically ranges from 16 to 22 inches. A heavyweight bolt is the best choice when hunting in poor weather conditions or dense habitats. Still, heavyweight bolts will lose trajectory more rapidly, so judging distance accurately is critical. They offer greater in-flight stability in inclement weather. The end result is a greater ability for target penetration. Heavyweight bolts produce and retain a larger amount of kinetic energy than lightweight or standard bolts. Standard bolts can be used in a variety of habitats and weather situations. It reduces vibration and noise and improves accuracy and penetration power. The increased weight in grains means that more energy is transferred from the crossbow to the bolt. They offer a good balance between speed and kinetic energy. Standard bolts are essentially all-purpose arrows that fit with most hunting situations. These bolts are best used in open areas where judging distance from the bow to target is more difficult. Lightweight bolts are also more prone to getting deflected away from your intended target by wind, rain or airborne debris. This heightens the risk of doing damage to the crossbow itself.

On the other hand, they also produce increased vibration, stress, and noise. Lightweight bolts will boost overall speed and create flatter downrange trajectory. Crossbow bolts come in three standard weights. That means a lighter bolt shoots faster and a heavier bolt shoots with more power. It’s important to choose a bolt that has maximum penetration power over one that is simply the fastest.Ī crossbow will deliver the same amount of force to a bolt every single time it launches the bolt. Drag forces began to slow a bolt from the moment it is released. But speed can only do so much once a bolt is released. Speed gets more emphasis as a primary draw for choosing a particular crossbow over another model than just about any other factor. Kinetic energy is just as important as speed when sizing your bolts. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to see what the proper length and weight is needed for your crossbow TenPoint Heavier bolts typically generate more energy downrange, which ultimately means better target penetration. Total bolt weight combines the fletched shaft, nock, insert, and the broadhead or field point. There are some key elements you should consider before selecting from the crossbow bolts covered later in this guide, so you can get the results you need every time you use your crossbow. They also have special nocks designed to assist in launching the bolt down the rail. Bolt shafts are constructed to a shorter length to fit the shorter power stroke from a crossbow. Bolts should always be sized correctly to meet the speed, momentum, and accuracy required to make your hunt successful.īolts share some characteristics with traditional compound bow hunting arrows. Proudly manufactured at the Bohning Factory in Lake City, Michigan, United States.*Last updated at 11:40 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising APIįinding a bolt that is a perfect match with what your crossbow requires is absolutely essential. Like all Bohning vanes, the base of the Bolt Vane is pre-primed for optimal adhesion.ĭue to the ultra-stiff material, we recommend using an instant glue and/or a fletching jig with high adhesion force such as Bohning’s Multi-Fletcher or Frontier Jig. The Bolt Vane measures 2.0″ (50.8mm) in length, 0.53″ (13.5mm) in height, and weighs an average of 6.1 grains (395 mg). The Black Sky Vane’s ultra-stiff material is durable enough to withstand the high velocities of modern crossbows. It’s made of an ultra-stiff material that prevents vane flutter for a smooth bolt rotation and a quiet flight. This vane is perfect for crossbows that you do not have issue with vane clearance when shooting. You will recognize the profile of the vane as it is the same as the #1 vane in the world, the Blazer Vane. The Black Sky 2.0™ Crossbow Vane is designed specifically for crossbow bolts and will stabilize them for up to 100 yards. Basic Fletching Instructions & Adhesion Troubleshooting.

