Fiberglass Arrows – Carbon vs Fiberglass Arrows
The choice of the right arrows has already led to endless debates between many archers. Often, it ends up being fiberglass vs carbon arrows. When you should use fiberglass arrows instead of carbon or aluminum arrows, you can find out in our fiberglass arrows guide.
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Archery with Fiberglass Arrows
After the Second World War fiberglass was discovered as a material for archery. The word fiberglass comes from English and actually means glass fiber reinforced plastic. Fiberglass has several advantages over traditional materials. It is durable, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and, as an arrow material, offers solid flight characteristics with a high load resistance. Many archers who have gained experience with fiberglass arrows, however, tend to report mixed feelings about this material – and there are reasons for this.
Fiberglass arrows for compound bows are relatively similar to carbon arrows in their basic properties. Both types of arrows prove themselves in archery due to their high stability and durability. They do not bend even when they hit hard targets. However, fiberglass arrows have some disadvantages compared to carbon arrows, which could lead to difficulties, especially over long distances. Furthermore, the risk of injury from fiberglass arrows should not be underestimated. Therefore these arrows are more suitable for the hobby sector and not for ambitious archers.
Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Arrows
Fiberglass Arrows, like all Types of Arrows, offer the Shooter various pros, but also cons:
Pros
- Fiberglass arrows are in principle the arrows for beginners par excellence
- They are cheaper to purchase than carbon or aluminum arrows
- Due to their high weight, they offer very high precision over short distances
- There is no danger of bending
- Tip and fletching can be easily replaced when worn
Cons
- The fiberglass arrow is not suitable for long distances due to its high weight
- Although fiberglass arrows do not bend, they can break. There is therefore a certain risk of injury if not every arrow is checked before firing
- An injury with a fiberglass dart can have serious consequences, as the tiny fragments cannot be broken down by the human body and are difficult to remove
- The flight characteristics are good, but not as good as those of carbon or aluminum arrows
The disadvantages listed here can make fiberglass arrows sound quite dangerous. However, anyone with some experience shooting fiberglass arrows will tell you that this is not the case. Just keep in mind that you should always check if the arrows are slightly bent or damaged before each shot. In general, fiberglass arrows are a very good choice especially for beginners and children. However, they are not really ideal for professionals.
Our Recommendation – MUSEN ARCHERY Fiberglass Target Practice Arrows
When it comes to buying arrows for target practice, you want to hit that perfect balance between affordability and quality. these arrows from Musen are ideal. On the one hand, they won’t break the bank, and on the other, they won’t break the first time you shoot them either. Both the tips and the nocks are screw-on, so if they break or want to adjust or switch them out, you can do so without any fuss. As an added bonus, the set of 12 arrows even comes with 6 extra nocks.
- 100% carbon fiber shaft with high quality nickel plated stainless steel tips
- Adjustable nocks are not fixed by glue and ribbed vanes enable better flight
- Automatic centering of the loose rubber ring for greater balance and accuracy
- Very good quality arrows for target practice
- Excellent aerodynamic design
- Extra nocks included with the set
- More durable than most fiberglass arrows
- Design allows for easy re-fletching and re-tipping
- Only meant for target practice
- Arrows in a set are not always uniform in weight
- LAUNCHPAD PRECISION NOCK - Launchpad Precision Nocks come standard on all Maxima RED arrows and shafts to deliver a controlled arrow release, better shaft alignment and more consistent accuracy shot after shot.
- DYNAMIC SPINE CONTROL - Patented hi-tech carbon material construction that manages Dynamic Spine in a new way to make broadheads fly better. Maxima RED uses different carbon materials to control arrow flex to the RED ZONE.
- REAL STRAIGHTNESS - Laser checked for straightness to a remarkable 1/10,000 of an inch; Straightness of +/- 0.0025-inches is a maximum measurement, not an average
This is what you should look for when buying a Fiberglass Arrow
- As with all types of arrows, you should also pay attention to the spine value, i.e. the degree of deflection of the arrow. This must match your bow, just like the length of the arrows. The latter should be adapted to your personal statement.
- Fiberglass arrows should not be shot with bows whose tensile weight exceeds 30 to 40 lbs, otherwise, there is a risk of injury. The arrows could splinter or break when fired.
- In general, fiberglass arrows are not suitable for long distances. For bow fishing, however, they are made of the perfect material.
Use Fiberglass or Carbon Arrows?
We have already mentioned that choosing the right arrow depends on several factors. This includes the archer’s experience, but also his future ambitions, his type of bow, and the kind of archery he wants to practice.
Fiberglass arrows are more suitable for beginners and for short distances. So if you want to take part in sporting competitions or if you want to become a professional archery player, you should rather use another type of arrow, such as carbon arrows. Fiberglass arrows are also absolutely unsuitable for bows with a high tensile weight.
Fiberglass arrows are for beginners as well as children and young people a great alternative to expensive and more elaborately produced arrows. They are the first choice when shooting at short range; however, each arrow should be checked before each shot. Have fun with archery!