The complete hunting arrow guide: spine, weight, FOC and our tested shaft picks for whitetail through elk.
Your bow is only as good as the arrow it launches. This guide covers the four decisions that define a hunting arrow — spine, total weight, FOC and components — then names the shafts we trust.
Top Arrow Picks
Our tested favorites: the Gold Tip Hunter XT for durability and the Carbon Express Maxima Sable RZ for broadhead precision.
Step 1: Get the Spine Right
Spine is non-negotiable — a mismatched shaft will never tune. Run your numbers through our Arrow Spine Calculator before buying anything.
Step 2: Pick a Total Weight
For most whitetail setups, 400–450 grains balances speed and penetration; elk hunters should look at 450–550. Verify you are above 5 grains per pound with the Arrow Weight Calculator.
Step 3: Dial Your FOC
10–15% front-of-center keeps broadheads flying straight. Measure yours with the FOC Calculator.
Final Verdict
Buy a quality mid-price shaft, cut it to length, and spend the savings on a dozen — consistency across arrows beats a premium label on six.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy should a hunting arrow be?
400–450 grains total suits most whitetail compound setups; go heavier (450–550) for elk and bigger game where penetration rules.
What FOC is best for hunting?
10–15% is the proven range for fixed-blade broadhead flight; ultra-high FOC builds trade trajectory for penetration.