You’ll find top-performing crossbow bolts across different budgets and purposes: the Carbon Express PileDriver delivers 442-grain bone-crushing power for big game, while the 12-pack Carbon Crossbow Bolts offer excellent value for practice and hunting at 364-402 grains. Wicked Ridge Match 400s provide tournament-level precision with .004″ straightness tolerance, and Elong’s 20″ bolts include broadheads for budget-conscious hunters. Always match bolt weight and length to your crossbow’s specs to maintain safety and accuracy. The detailed comparisons below reveal which straightness tolerances, FOC ratings, and nock systems truly matter for your specific shooting needs.
TLDR
- Carbon Express PileDriver leads with 442-grain construction, maximum kinetic energy, and 4.7 stars from 7,000 reviews for big-game hunting.
- Wicked Ridge Match 400 delivers tournament precision with .004″ straightness, 28% better string engagement, and 4.8-star rating for serious shooters.
- Carbon Crossbow Bolts 12-pack offers budget versatility with three length options, 4.5 stars from 2,633 reviews, ideal for practice.
- Elong 20-inch bolts include fixed-blade broadheads and lifetime support, providing best value for novice hunters at 4.4 stars.
- Always match bolt weight and length to manufacturer specs; heavier bolts increase penetration while lighter bolts offer higher velocity.
| Carbon Express PileDriver Fletched Crossbolt 6-Pack |  |
Best for Hunting | Bolt Weight: 442 grains | Bolt Length: 22 inches | Pack Quantity: 6 bolts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Review |
| Carbon Crossbow Bolts 16-20 Inch (Pack of 12) |  |
Best Value | Bolt Weight: 364 grains (16″), 385 grains (18″), 402 grains (20″) | Bolt Length: 16, 18, or 20 inches | Pack Quantity: 12 bolts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Review |
| Carbon Crossbow Bolts 16-20 Inch (Pack of 12) | |
Budget-Friendly Pick | Bolt Weight: 364 grains (16″), 385 grains (18″), 402 grains (20″) | Bolt Length: 16, 18, or 20 inches | Pack Quantity: 12 bolts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Review |
| Wicked Ridge Match 400 Carbon Crossbow Arrows (6-Pack) |  |
Best Overall | Bolt Weight: 400 grains | Bolt Length: 20 inches | Pack Quantity: 6 bolts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Review |
| Elong Crossbow Bolts 20 Inch Carbon (6-Pack) |  |
Complete Starter Kit | Bolt Weight: 402 grains | Bolt Length: 20 inches | Pack Quantity: 6 bolts | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Carbon Express PileDriver Fletched Crossbolt 6-Pack
If you’re gearing up for large game hunts where penetration and knockdown power matter most, the Carbon Express PileDriver delivers serious performance at a reasonable price point. These 442-grain bolts pack maximum kinetic energy for bone-crushing impact, while their advanced construction maintains spine consistency within +/- 0.004 inches for reliable accuracy. The 0.348-inch diameter composite material withstands repeated impacts exceptionally well, and you’ll get twelve nocks total—six moon nocks pre-inserted plus six universal flat nocks for flexibility. With 4.7 stars from nearly 7,000 reviews and ranking #8 in crossbow bolts, they’re proven performers that won’t break your budget.
- Bolt Weight:442 grains
- Bolt Length:22 inches
- Pack Quantity:6 bolts
- Shaft Material:Carbon composite
- Outer Diameter:0.348 inches
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (6,965 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Bone-crushing penetration power
- Additional Feature:Includes 12 nocks total
- Additional Feature:Spine consistency sorting
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Carbon Crossbow Bolts 16-20 Inch (Pack of 12)
The TY Archery Carbon Crossbow Bolts deliver exceptional value for beginners and amateur archers who need reliable, affordable ammunition for both target practice and hunting. You’ll get twelve bolts with durable carbon shafts, precision plastic vanes, and standard 100-grain screw-in points that make repairs simple. The 8.8mm diameter shafts come in three lengths—16″, 18″, or 20″—weighing between 364 and 402 grains for accurate, consistent flight. With 2,633 customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars and a top-10 ranking in crossbow ammunition, these bolts prove their reliability. Just inspect them before each shot and avoid concrete targets to maximize their lifespan.
- Bolt Weight:364 grains (16″), 385 grains (18″), 402 grains (20″)
- Bolt Length:16, 18, or 20 inches
- Pack Quantity:12 bolts
- Shaft Material:Carbon
- Outer Diameter:8.8 mm (0.346 inches)
- Customer Rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (2,633 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Hot water vane reshaping
- Additional Feature:Three length options
- Additional Feature:Screw-in point system
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Carbon Crossbow Bolts 16-20 Inch (Pack of 12)
Beginner archers and youth hunters looking to stock up on reliable practice ammunition will find exceptional value in this 12-pack of carbon crossbow bolts from TY Archery. You’ll get three length options—16, 18, or 20 inches—each featuring durable carbon shafts with 8.8mm outer diameter and standard screw-in 100-grain stainless steel points. The complete bolts weigh between 364-402 grains depending on length, ensuring consistent flight characteristics. Each bolt includes plastic moon nocks and 3.8-inch vanes for stability. With 2,633 customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars and ranking #6 in crossbow ammunition, these bolts deliver proven performance for target practice without breaking your budget.
- Bolt Weight:364 grains (16″), 385 grains (18″), 402 grains (20″)
- Bolt Length:16, 18, or 20 inches
- Pack Quantity:12 bolts
- Shaft Material:Carbon
- Outer Diameter:8.8 mm (0.346 inches)
- Customer Rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (2,633 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Standard insert compatibility
- Additional Feature:Three length options
- Additional Feature:Hot water vane reshaping
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Wicked Ridge Match 400 Carbon Crossbow Arrows (6-Pack)
Serious crossbow hunters who demand tournament-level accuracy will find their match in the Wicked Ridge Match 400 Carbon Crossbow Arrows. These 20-inch bolts deliver impressive precision with .004″ straightness tolerance and 14% increased FOC for 20% tighter groupings than standard carbon arrows. The innovative Alpha-Nock HP features an aluminum bushing that increases string engagement by 28%, producing straighter nock travel while reducing serving wear. At 400 grains, they pack enough mass for ethical big-game penetration. With 3.5″ Bohning X Vanes and 46-grain aluminum inserts, this six-pack offers professional-grade performance. The 4.8-star rating from 296 customers confirms their reliability and value.
- Bolt Weight:400 grains
- Bolt Length:20 inches
- Pack Quantity:6 bolts
- Shaft Material:Carbon
- Outer Diameter:Not specified
- Customer Rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (296 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Alpha-Nock HP aluminum bushing
- Additional Feature:14% increased FOC
- Additional Feature:28% string engagement increase
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Elong Crossbow Bolts 20 Inch Carbon (6-Pack)
Designed with novice archers in mind, Elong’s 20-inch carbon bolts deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank. Each six-pack includes matching 100-grain broadheads with three fixed blades, making this an exceptional value for hunters just starting out. The 8.8mm carbon shafts weigh approximately 402 grains total and feature 3.8-inch plastic vanes for stable flight. While experienced archers might prefer premium options, these bolts excel at target practice and casual hunting. Elong backs their product with a 60-day warranty and lifetime technical support. With 4.4 stars from 183 Amazon reviews, they’re a solid budget-friendly choice for youth hunters and beginners.
- Bolt Weight:402 grains
- Bolt Length:20 inches
- Pack Quantity:6 bolts
- Shaft Material:Carbon
- Outer Diameter:8.8 mm (0.346 inches)
- Customer Rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (183 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Includes hunting broadheads
- Additional Feature:3 fixed sharp blades
- Additional Feature:Lifetime technical support
Factors to Consider When Choosing Crossbow Bolts
Choosing the right crossbow bolts requires balancing several critical specifications that directly impact your shooting performance and safety. You’ll need to match bolt weight, material quality, and length to your crossbow’s manufacturer requirements while considering how nock design and vane configuration affect accuracy. Understanding straightness tolerances and shaft construction helps you get maximum value without overpaying for features you won’t use.
Bolt Weight and Grain
When you’re selecting crossbow bolts, weight—measured in grains—directly impacts how much punch your shot delivers downrange. Heavier bolts carry more momentum at identical speeds, making them essential for big-game hunting where penetration matters most.
Remember that total grain includes your shaft, insert, point, nock, and fletching—not just the advertised shaft weight. Mismatches here alter trajectory and front-of-center balance unexpectedly.
Higher grain bolts sacrifice some initial velocity but typically retain energy better at distance and fly more stable, enhancing accuracy on longer shots. Always match bolt weight to your crossbow manufacturer’s specifications; firing undersized or excessively light bolts risks equipment damage and safety hazards.
Increasing point weight raises FOC, enhancing penetration and flight stability, though you’ll need to retune your ballistics accordingly.
Material and Shaft Construction
After you’ve locked in the right grain for your hunting goals, the shaft material itself determines whether that bolt will survive hard impacts and deliver repeatable accuracy. Carbon shafts lead the pack with their superior strength-to-weight ratio—you’ll get faster speeds and more kinetic energy compared to aluminum or wood. Look for straightness tolerances at ±0.004″ or tighter; anything looser introduces wobble that ruins groupings.
Pay attention to outer diameter and wall thickness. Smaller diameters with thicker walls penetrate deeper, while larger profiles add stability in wind. Check that insert and nock compatibility matches your broadheads and string. Carbon-aluminum hybrids offer extra durability if you’re concerned about breakage, preserving spine consistency across hundreds of shots without sacrificing speed.
Length Compatibility With Crossbow
Bolt length isn’t a detail you can fudge—your crossbow’s manufacturer specifies 16″, 18″, or 20″ for precise engineering reasons, and deviating from that recommendation risks dangerous misfires, poor flight, and voided warranties. The right length guarantees proper nock-to-safety-shelf alignment and keeps your bolt tip clear of the string at full draw. Longer bolts add mass and improve forward-of-center balance for better penetration, but they’ll drop your speed and flatten your flight path. Most modern crossbows list a minimum safe bolt length—never go below it, and skip homemade cut-downs unless your manual explicitly allows them. If you switch lengths, plan to re-zero your scope; impact point shifts with changing weight distribution.
Nock and Vane Configuration
Your crossbow won’t shoot straight—or safely—if the nock and vane setup doesn’t match your rail design and shooting priorities. Moon nocks seat directly in the rail, while flat/universal nocks sit on the string—choose based on your crossbow’s engagement system. Verify the nock fits your bolt’s inner diameter and secures tightly; loose nocks risk dry-firing and erratic flight.
For vanes, weigh stability against speed. Longer vanes (3.5–4.0 inches) or 4-vane configs stabilize heavy broadheads but add drag. Shorter, low-profile vanes increase velocity. Helical or offset vanes spin the bolt for tighter groups; straight vanes minimize drag.
Inspect both regularly. Bent vanes or cracked nocks destroy accuracy and safety. Replace worn components immediately—consistent performance depends on intact geometry.
Straightness and Accuracy Tolerance
Perfect nock and vane alignment means nothing if your bolt shaft itself wobbles in flight. Straightness tolerance—measured in thousandths of an inch like ±0.004″—directly determines your grouping consistency. Tighter tolerances mean tighter clusters downrange.
For precision shooting, look for bolts sorted to 0.001–0.005″ tolerances. Even minor deviations create significant dispersion at typical crossbow ranges. Consistent straightness across your entire set eliminates individual tuning headaches and unpredictable flight corrections.
Don’t trust brand claims blindly. Verify straightness yourself with simple roll tests on a flat surface, and cull any bent shafts immediately. For hunting or competitive shooting, invest in bolts with documented straightness inspection rather than budget options with loose specs. You’ll save money by avoiding missed shots and wasted practice time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Crossbow Bolts Be Replaced?
You’ll need to replace crossbow bolts after 50-100 shots if they’re carbon, or when you notice cracks, bent shafts, or damaged fletching. Inspect them regularly before each use—it’s cheaper than risking equipment damage or injury.
Can You Reuse Crossbow Bolts After Hunting?
You can reuse crossbow bolts after hunting if they’re undamaged. Inspect each bolt carefully for cracks, bent shafts, or broadhead damage before reusing. Replace any compromised bolts immediately—it’s not worth risking accuracy or safety for minimal savings.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Carbon Crossbow Bolts?
You’ll get 50-100 shots from quality carbon bolts with proper care, though this varies based on target type and impact angle. Inspect them regularly for cracks or splinters, and replace damaged bolts immediately to guarantee safe, accurate shooting.
Do Crossbow Bolts Need Special Storage Conditions?
You’ll want to store your bolts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep them straight—don’t lean them against walls—and they’ll maintain accuracy and longevity, protecting your investment.
Are Expensive Crossbow Bolts Worth the Extra Cost?
You’ll find expensive bolts worth it if you’re hunting regularly or competing. They’re straighter, more durable, and fly truer. However, if you’re casual shooting or practicing, mid-range bolts offer excellent value without breaking your budget.
Final Note
You’ve got solid options here, whether you’re prioritizing bulk value or premium performance. If you’re shooting frequently, those 12-pack bundles deliver unbeatable cost-per-arrow savings. For tournament-level accuracy, you’ll want to invest in match-grade options like the Wicked Ridge. Don’t overlook bolt weight and spine compatibility with your crossbow’s specs—buying cheap bolts that don’t match your setup wastes money. Choose based on your shooting volume and accuracy needs, not just price alone.
