Archery has been a fundamental element for centuries, but modern materials have provided us with new opportunities and refined classic designs. One material in particular that has seen great popularity recently among archery enthusiasts is fiberglass.
Wood vs Fiberglass Archery Bows: The Pros and Cons
Traditional arrows are typically made from wood, though there is a wide range of other materials to choose from. The material of your shaft will have an impact on its look, feel and performance; common choices include red oak, osage orange and bamboo for making shafts.
Some arrows are also made from carbon or aluminum, which tend to be straighter than wooden arrows and more durable when exposed to abuse. Carbon and aluminum arrows offer a wider selection of colors and finishes than their wooden counterparts and tend to be cheaper as well.
There is a vast array of arrow styles, each crafted into unique shapes and patterns. Popular choices include wood grain patterns, carbon weave designs, as well as various camouflages.
Add some personality to your arrows by painting the shaft a different color or creating an eye-catching pattern! With custom looks in mind, there’s no limit to what can be done here!
However, the primary disadvantage to these arrows is their tendency to break and be heavy. This makes them less accurate and reduce their travel distances – particularly if using a compound bow with heavier draw weight that makes shooting them more challenging.
Carbon is an ideal substitute for wood, as it is equally strong but lighter than wood. Carbon arrows can be customized easily and made out of lightweight material that won’t break easily.
These arrows are most often used with a recurve bow as they’re relatively inexpensive and have an accurate shape, though they may not be as precise as wood arrows.
If you are a professional archer, fiberglass arrows should not be your go-to choice. They simply aren’t durable enough for competitive or professional use.
They can be useful for beginning archers and target practice, but lack the same strength or accuracy as wood or carbon arrows. Furthermore, they lack effectiveness at longer ranges so aren’t recommended for any serious bowhunting endeavors.
