There are different types of arrow tips, each with its purpose. You need to choose the right arrow tip for the job you’re trying to do.
For a beginner, choosing the right type of arrow tip can take time. The different arrow tips have advantages and disadvantages and are used for various purposes.
So, which types of arrow tips are there? Let’s look at each and see which fits your needs best.
Practice Points & Small Game Arrow Tips
Depending on if you are into target practice or looking for tips to go small game hunting, there are, again, different arrow tips for each purpose.
Field Points
Those are by far the most common arrow tips. They are designed to fly true. The precise point will leave a distinct mark on the target, with the broader base absorbing much of the impact and preventing the arrow from getting stuck too deep in the target.
Bullet Points
Practice arrow tips with bullet points are very popular. Their shape resembles a bullet and is excellent for reducing the impact once they hit a target.
This makes them easy to remove from the target.
They won’t penetrate as much as other arrow tips, making them ideal if you shoot at bag targets, foam targets, and such.
Both bullet and field target points
“…can be matched to the weight of big game broadheads that a hunter plans to use during hunting season. Practicing with weight-matched target points minimizes bow sight adjustments before hunting.”
Source: https://www.hunter-ed.com/nebraska/studyGuide/Types-of-Arrow-Points/20103002_83390/
Bulge Points
Bulge points are similar in their design to bullet points. They have a wider diameter in the center than bullet points and won’t penetrate a target as deeply.
Target Points
Closely related to bullet points and used for the same purpose, this tip will penetrate deeper due to its more aerodynamic and cone-shaped design.
You can match the weight of your target points to the broadheads you will use when hunting. This makes it much easier to switch to broadheads when the time comes.
Combo Points
Those are a combination of bullet and field tips. They are commonly used by 3D and target archers. Why? Because due to their aerodynamic design, they are very accurate.
Pin Points
If you are serious about attending archery competitions, the pin point arrow tip is the arrow tip you should use.
Their long and slim design gives them excellent flight characteristics, making them highly accurate and perfect for competitive archery.
They also puncture better than other tips. I haven’t seen anybody using those tips besides professional archers.
Judo Points
They are designed for field practice and can be used for “unconventional” targets such as leaves, stumps, or sticks.
They “…Have small protruding wire springs act as grabbing hooks and will prevent the arrow from disappearing when shot into ground cover.”
Source: https://www.hunter-ed.com/nebraska/studyGuide/Types-of-Arrow-Points/20103002_83390/
Bludgeon Tips
Those are used for hunting small game. Standard large-diameter cuts on contact or mechanical blade broadheads are, for the most part, overkill when hunting small game.
Bludgeon tips will not penetrate your target. Instead, they use their blunt shape to create shock and energy transfer which will get the job done.
Blunt Tips
Blunt tips are the same as bludgeon tips. They work similarly and are just missing the tapering or flaring. You use those for small game hunting.
read.. hunting small game
Any of these point varieties will quickly, cleanly, and efficiently take many small game animals when adequately selected for the task.
Here’s a video for a quick overview of archery heads for small game hunting.
Hunting Broadhead Arrow Tips
If you are hunting big game, you can use only one type of arrow tip. Those arrow tips are broadheads.
There are three different arrow tip types when it comes to hunting. Depending on your preference and the animal you are hunting, decide which arrow tip is best for you.
Fixed Blade Broadheads
As the name implies, this broadhead is made of one piece. They are sturdy and reliable. You see trad hunters use fixed-blade arrowheads a lot.
There are no moving parts, meaning less can (should) go wrong.
Removable Blade Broadheads
No moving parts, either. But one big difference. The name says it. You can remove/exchange the blades.
This comes in handy if you have a pass-through and your broadhead hits something solid behind your deer (like a rock or something).
If the blades are beyond repair – exchange them.
Mechanical Blade Broadheads
The newest invention in the broadhead family. This broadhead has its blades tucked away and, therefore, will fly more truly than the other broadheads mentioned above.
In theory, the blades should expand on impact and cause a devastating wound channel.
You’ll need more energy and power for those heads to deploy properly. Mechanical broadheads could fail to open upon impact.
Making your hunt unsuccessful and/or only wounding the game – which is unethical and something we definitely don’t want.
read.. our Rage Broadheads review
Make sure your mechanicals are well-tuned and taken care of, and you have the correct arrow setup before heading into the woods!
So as you can see, quite a few different arrow tips are available. I hope that this article has helped you to make a decision on which arrow tip is the right one for you.
With the correct arrowhead choice and arrow setup, you can hit your target more accurately and reliably. Good luck!
