Arrow Points Explained: Field Points, Broadheads, Blunts & More

Standing in front of a wall of arrow points (also called arrow tips) and not sure which to grab? It is one of the most common questions new archers ask. The point on the front of your arrow does more than add weight — it determines whether you are punching paper, shooting 3D foam, hunting deer, or chasing small game. Pick the wrong one and you will either tear up targets or come home empty-handed.

Here is the confusing part: points come in different shapes, weights, and attachment styles, and they are not interchangeable for every job. A field point is perfect for the range but useless for hunting. A broadhead is deadly on game but will shred a practice target. Knowing the types — and how to match point weight to your setup — makes everything click.

In this guide, you will learn every common type of arrow point in plain English: what each is for, the weights to know, and how to pick the right one. We will compare them in clear tables, cover how to match practice and hunting points, and share pro tips and mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will choose arrow points like a pro. Let us get to the point.

What Is an Arrow Point?

An arrow point is the tip at the front of your arrow. It does two jobs: it determines what the arrow is good for (target, hunting, small game), and it adds weight up front that affects flight and balance. Points either screw into a threaded insert in the shaft or glue on, depending on your arrow.

The point you choose changes how the arrow performs. A simple field point flies clean into a target and pulls out easily. A broadhead has cutting blades for hunting. A blunt delivers blunt-force impact for small game. Same arrow, totally different jobs — just by swapping the tip.

Most modern arrows use screw-in points, so you can swap tips for practice or hunting on the same shaft. To browse common practice tips, you can see archery field point options on Amazon. New to the whole arrow? Start with our parts of an arrow guide.

“The point is the business end of your arrow. Match it to the job — targets, foam, fur, or feather — and the rest of your setup falls into place.”

Why Point Choice Matters

Arrow points affect both what you can do and how your arrow flies. Here is why the choice matters:

• Purpose. Field points are for practice and targets; broadheads are for hunting; blunts and judos are for small game. Using the wrong one ruins targets or fails on game.
• Weight and flight. Point weight (in grains) changes your arrow’s balance (FOC) and spine. Heavier points fly slightly slower but penetrate better.
• Practice-to-hunt match. Practicing with field points the same weight as your broadheads keeps your aim consistent when you switch to hunting.
• Target damage. Broadheads tear practice targets; field points are designed to pull out cleanly.

So choosing the right point is about purpose and consistency. Match the point to the task, and match the weight across practice and hunting. Curious how point weight shifts your balance? See our FOC explained guide.

Field Points (Practice Standard)

Field points are the everyday practice tip. They have a smooth, tapered shape that slides into targets and pulls back out easily without tearing foam or bag targets. They are inexpensive, durable, and the standard choice for backyard and range practice.

Best for: practice, target shooting, and tuning.

• Pros: Cheap, durable, easy to pull, great for practice, available in matching broadhead weights.
• Cons: Not for hunting (no cutting ability).

Recommendation: Every archer needs a supply of field points in the same weight as their hunting heads. They are the workhorse of practice.

Bullet & Target Points

Bullet points and dedicated target points are similar to field points but shaped specifically for clean entry and easy removal from range and 3D targets. Target/NFAA-style points are common in competition. Functionally they overlap heavily with field points for most shooters.

Best for: range practice, 3D, and competition target shooting.

• Pros: Clean entry, easy pull, consistent for scoring rounds.
• Cons: Like field points, not for hunting.

Recommendation: For most archers, quality field points cover practice and 3D. Dedicated target points matter most to serious competitors.

Broadheads (Hunting)

Broadheads are the hunting point. They have sharp blades that cut for a quick, ethical kill on game. They come in two main styles: fixed-blade (blades are permanent, very strong) and mechanical/expandable (blades stay closed in flight and open on impact for a bigger cut).

Best for: bowhunting all game.

• Pros: Cut for effective hunting, available in many designs and weights, fixed = rugged, mechanical = flies like a field point.
• Cons: More expensive, require sharpening/care, fixed blades need good tuning to fly true.

Recommendation: Choose fixed-blade for maximum reliability and penetration, or mechanical for flatter, field-point-like flight. Always practice and tune before season. Our broadhead guide breaks down the choice.

Blunts & Judo Points (Small Game)

Blunt points and judo points are made for small game and stump shooting. Blunts deliver blunt-force impact (good for rabbits, squirrels, birds) without deep penetration. Judo points have little spring arms that grab grass and leaves so your arrow does not bury or skip away — perfect for practice in the field.

Best for: small game hunting and stump/roving practice.

• Pros: Effective on small game, judo arms prevent lost arrows, fun for field practice.
• Cons: Not for big game.

Recommendation: If you hunt small game or love roving through the woods, a few blunts and judo points are well worth carrying.

Traditional & Specialty Points

Traditional archers and bowfishers use a few specialty tips. Glue-on points attach to tapered wood or carbon shafts (common in traditional setups). Bodkin points are a classic narrow shape. Bowfishing points are barbed tips tied to a line for retrieving fish.

Best for: traditional archery, wood arrows, and bowfishing.

• Pros: Authentic for traditional gear, purpose-built for specialty uses like bowfishing.
• Cons: Niche — most modern compound and recurve target archers use screw-in field points and broadheads.

Recommendation: Choose these only if you shoot traditional wood arrows or pursue a specialty like bowfishing.

Arrow Point Types Compared

Point Weight Explained

Points are measured in grains. The most common weights are 100, 125, and 150 grains. Heavier points add front weight (more FOC), which boosts penetration but slightly lowers speed and trajectory.

Whatever you pick, keep your practice and hunting point weights the same so your aim does not change. Adjusting weight also affects spine — check our Arrow Spine Calculator.

Matching Practice to Hunting Points

This is the most important habit for hunters. If you hunt with 100-grain broadheads, practice with 100-grain field points. Same weight means the same point of impact, so when you screw on your broadheads for the season, your arrows hit where you aim.

1. Pick your hunting broadhead weight (commonly 100 or 125 grain).
2. Buy matching field points in the exact same weight.
3. Practice all season with the field points.
4. Confirm with broadheads before hunting to verify they hit the same spot.

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Mistake: Practicing with a different weight than you hunt. Aim shifts when you switch. Fix: Match field point weight to broadhead weight.
• Mistake: Shooting broadheads into a foam practice target. Destroys it. Fix: Use a dedicated broadhead target.
• Mistake: Never checking broadhead flight. Fix: Test and tune broadheads before season.
• Mistake: Using field points for hunting. They do not cut. Fix: Always hunt with broadheads.
• Mistake: Ignoring how point weight affects spine. Fix: Re-check spine and tune after big weight changes.

Pro Tips

• Buy field points in bulk in your hunting weight — you will lose and wear them over time.
• Use a broadhead-rated target to practice with your actual hunting heads safely.
• Keep blades sharp. A sharp broadhead is essential for an ethical hunt.
• Carry judo points for woods practice so you stop losing arrows in the grass.
• Check thread fit. Most modern points use standard screw-in inserts — confirm yours match.

“Practice with field points, hunt with broadheads, and keep the weights identical. Do that one thing and your bow will shoot the same arrow no matter the season.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of arrow points?

The main types are field points (practice), bullet/target points (range and 3D), broadheads (hunting), blunts and judo points (small game), and glue-on/bodkin points (traditional). Each is built for a specific job, from punching paper to hunting big game.

What is the difference between a field point and a broadhead?

A field point is a smooth practice tip that slides into targets and pulls out easily; it has no cutting ability. A broadhead has sharp blades for hunting. Practice with field points that match your broadhead weight, then hunt with the broadheads.

What grain arrow point should I use?

100 grain is the most common all-around weight. Many hunters use 100 or 125 grain. Heavier points add front weight and penetration but slightly reduce speed. The key is matching your practice and hunting point weights so your aim stays consistent.

Can I use field points for hunting?

No. Field points have no cutting edges and will not produce an ethical, effective kill. Always hunt with broadheads. Use field points only for practice and tuning, ideally in the same weight as your hunting broadheads.

What are judo points used for?

Judo points have small spring arms that grab grass and leaves so your arrow stops on top of the ground instead of sliding away. They are great for small game and stump shooting, and they help prevent lost arrows during outdoor practice.

Do heavier arrow points improve penetration?

Yes. A heavier point adds weight to the front of the arrow (higher FOC), which improves penetration and broadhead stability. The trade-off is slightly lower speed and a bit more arrow drop at distance.

Final Verdict + Checklist

Arrow points are simple once you know the types: field points for practice, broadheads for hunting, blunts and judos for small game, and specialty tips for traditional and bowfishing. Match your point to the job and keep practice and hunting weights identical for consistent aim.

Your quick checklist:

• ✅ Field points = practice and targets.
• ✅ Broadheads = hunting (fixed or mechanical).
• ✅ Blunts/judo = small game and stump shooting.
• ✅ Match field point weight to your broadhead weight.
• ✅ Common weights: 100, 125, 150 grain.
• ✅ Never shoot broadheads into a standard practice target.
• ✅ Re-check spine after big point-weight changes.

Ready to build the perfect arrow? Pair this with our hunting arrow guide and our FOC guide for clean, deadly flight.