Carbon and aluminum arrows are both great options for any archer. Aluminum arrows are a longstanding favorite and are available in many varieties, which makes them easy to pair with any bow. While carbon arrows are newer and still being finessed, they are nevertheless increasingly relied on and are quickly becoming a favorite due to their durability.
History
James Easton first introduced an aluminum shafted arrow around 1939. Aluminum arrows caught on quickly and just two years after their introduction Larry Hughes won the American National Archery Championship using a quiver of aluminum arrows. The introduction of the compound bow in 1969 further increased the reliance on aluminum arrows because of their tolerance to high levels of force caused by firing a compound bow. Easton Archery developed the first carbon arrows in 1983. The technology around carbon arrows is continuing to develop and it's likely that they will become increasingly relied on as this technology progresses.
Carbon Characteristics
While the first carbon shafted arrows were criticized as being too brittle and easily broken, the carbon shafts today are favored for their superior durability. Carbon shafts are very rigid and will not bend even if stepped on striking a hard object. This makes them much more durable than aluminum. However, they can sometimes crack and carbon arrows with damage to the shaft have been known to shatter or explode in pieces when shot. This is rare and easily avoidable if proper caution is taken to inspect each arrow prior to taking a shot.
Aluminum Characteristics
Aluminum arrows are available in many different sizes and varieties. While this would normally make it difficult to select a bow and arrow combination for newcomers, Easton Archery created the helpful "Easton Arrow Shaft Selection Chart" which offers a simple way to select optimal combinations of bows and arrows. Aluminum shafts aren't quite as durable as carbon and they tend to bend much easier. Even normal use can cause damage to aluminum shafts due to the force of the arrow hitting the target. Unfortunately, even the smallest bend in the shaft can ruin the flight dynamics and essentially render the arrow unusable. Aluminum arrows are a bit heavier and usually have a wider diameter.
Flight Characteristics
The stiffness of the shaft material can have a tremendous affect on the arrows overall flight characteristics. The force from releasing the bowstring will cause the arrow shaft to flex as it is propelled forward. If the shaft is not stiff enough, the force could cause the arrow to shatter or crack. If the shaft is too stiff the arrow will not have enough flex and may have bad flight characteristics. Both carbon and aluminum have sufficient flex while being strong enough to withstand the force of a compound bow. Carbon is stronger, more rigid and lighter weight than aluminum. This means that carbon arrows will travel faster and often have a deeper penetration into the target.
Price and Availability
Aluminum arrows tend to be cheaper and available in more sizes than carbon. However, this may simply be the result of a longer history for aluminum arrows. It's likely that carbon arrows will eventually be produced in as many varieties and sizes as aluminum. Also, since the technology surrounding carbon arrows is still developing, they will likely drop in price as manufacturing methods improve.
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